All About Ramadan

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Muslims all over the world are currently taking part in their holy month, Ramadan (pronounced ra-ma-daan). I wanted to take this opportunity to share information about this month so that teachers everywhere can get a better idea and in turn, teach it to their students.

Source: http://www.wondercomments.com/comment/ramadan-012.jpg

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During this month, muslims do not eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset. This month does not only mean to keep away from food and drink but also from all sinful actions mentally and physically such as gossip, anger, lust, greed, violence, etc. Kindness is to be shown through strong manners, helping the needy and providing charity. It is a time to re-evaluate your own life, get rid of bad habits and become closer to Allah (term for God) as well as your family, friends and of course your soul. The month is either 29 or 30 days depending on the moon sighting. After the end of Ramadan, muslims take part in a celebration for their fasting. This special day is called Eid-ul-Fitr. Please click here to find out more about Eid-ul-Fitr. 

Source: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1050/1394291795_be1c863dfc.jpg

When is it celebrated?

As some may notice, Ramadan does not come on the same date every year. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the moon, consisting of 12 lunar months. In total, the year is 354 or 355 days. This is why every year Ramadan begins 10 days earlier than it did the previous year comparing it to the Gregorian or Western calendar. 

Find out more on this website:

http://www.webexhibits.org/calendars/calendar-islamic.html

Source: http://www.islamicmedicine.org/medmiraclesofquran/ramadan44.jpg

Who takes part in fasting?

Muslims all over the world take part in fasting. It, of course, has limitations. Children are not required to fast until they have hit puberty; then it becomes a priority. Some children really want to participate in fasting and so their parents allow them to fast for half a day instead of the whole day. People who are sick or are on medication are not required to fast. Some seniors are excused from fasting as well if it is going to be affecting their health. Pregnant women are not required to fast. Women do not fast for the week of their menstrual cycle. If there are days that have been missed, they maybe made up by fasting on any day as long as it is before the next Ramadan. 

What are the benefits of fasting?

Many benefits are part of fasting. Because muslims are not eating anything from dawn to dusk, it helps them realize the importance of food. They feel the hunger so they can understand how unfortunate people all over the world feel when they do not have anything to eat. It is a time for realization and thankfulness. It also teaches lots of self-control as you refrain from sinful activities and such. It is a time to bond with family and friends and to build a stronger community. There are some medical benefits to it as well. For example, because you are not eating or drinking anything for most of the day, your body is being cleansed out of all bacteria. It helps to lower blood glucose and insulin levels. Some people are also able to lose unnecessary weight. 

Here is a link to more benefits:

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=JU1008-4245

And check out this website for a ton of detail about the medical benefits of fasting:

http://www.quranandscience.com/legislative/185-medical-aspects-of-islamic-fasting.html

Books for children about Ramadan:

Source: http://jacketupload.macmillanusa.com/jackets/high_res/jpgs/9780805078947.jpg

My First Ramadan - by Karen Katz

Source: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-F18x7hiL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Ramadan: Islamic Holy Month - by Terri Dougherty

Source: http://0.tqn.com/d/islam/1/0/C/1/ghazi_ramadan.gif

Ramadan - by Suhaib Hamid Ghazi

Source: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B0EN2VB0L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Celebrating Ramadan - by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith

Source: http://goodtreemontessori.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/magidfastsforramadanbook.jpg?w=223&h=300

Magid Fasts for Ramadan - by Mary Matthews

Activity Websites:

Colouring pages:

Here is my post with free coloring pages: Free Coloring Pages
Also check out the following link for more coloring pages.

http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/ramadan/coloring.htm

Lots of different activities for children to do on all these sites. Some are in another languages. You can choose the ones that are right for your students:

http://www.islamnewsroom.com/news-we-need/1646

http://goodtreemontessori.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/30-childrens-activities-for-ramadan/

Paper lantern/lamp:

http://www.muslimkidscrafts.com/video/paper-crafts-decorative-paper-lamp

http://thelittlestarsofislam.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/craft-activities-for-children-age-5-and-above1.pdf

A very cute Ramadan craft. Flower pot with Ramadan Mubarak label. (Ramadan mubarak means Happy Ramadan):

http://amuslimchildisborn.blogspot.ca/2009/07/ramadan-craft-idea-2-ramadan-centre.html


If you have any questions about what I have posted, please feel free to ask anything. I will be more than happy to help. Thanks for reading!

Moosetache - Shoebox Storytelling Technique

Source: http://www.margiepalatini.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/moosetache.jpg

Here I am with another storytelling technique. I love this book! It is a bit long for the younger age group but with the story box technique, the children will be on their toes waiting for the next page! I used the book MOOSETACHE by Margie Palatini.

I used the shoebox technique for this book. I took a shoebox, covered it with tissue paper of bright colour and then put shiny gift wrap on it. You can choose to decorate it any way you want. Gift wrapping, newspaper, tissue paper, etc. Whatever you think will suit the book well. I then wrote the name of the book and the author so I am able to find it easily.


The mustache I made on my own because I was unable to find the right kind I needed. From the dollar store, I bought a ponytail wig and separated it in the middle with clear tape. I also stuck on masking tape at the back and believe it or not, I put the mustache on while I am telling the story (I become the character so to speak). 

On the inside of the lid, I wrote down all the materials I will be using according to chronological order. On the inside of the box I kept all the materials I would be using. 

I used clothespins with the materials. I just taped it around the item.

As I tell the story, I put the materials with the clothespins around the box. This technique is fast and easy to use once you have all the materials. The children love it and it moves away from the traditional reading of a story. 

Silly Sally - Felt Storytelling Technique

I can't believe how busy I have gotten in the past month. But I am back!!! A very happy summer to everyone and hope life is treating everyone with kindness, love and happy memories. 


I love books as do most teachers (I hope!). But what I love about books is the different amount of techniques it can be told in. Here is a felt story I created on my own with a bit of help using a website (I will post the link as well).

http://ak1.ostkcdn.com/images/products/muze/books/0152019901.jpg

Felt stories are one of the easiest ways to tell a story. It allows children to be focused if you are giving them opportunity to participate. I chose Silly Sally by Audrey Wood as it is one of my favourite books; it is fun, catchy (because it has rhyming words) and it can be used where children can participate while the story is being read. This allows children to look forward to the story and what is coming up next. 

I bought red felt because it is bright and attracts children to keep their focus. You can choose to put the felt with magnets on a magnetic board or pin it up on a cork board. 

http://www.audreywood.com/books-written-by-audrey-wood/silly-sally/silly-sally-activities

I took printables from the above website and colored them in according to the characters from the story. I also photocopied some parts from the storybook in color so more children could participate throughout circle time. Then I laminated them so I can use them for a long time.

I bought pre-stick velcro from the dollar store and cut it into small pieces. Then I stuck them on the back of the pictures.

You can read the story at school on your choice of boards or you can do a small group story even on the floor. Don't forget to use this technique at home as well. It's a lot of fun!


I am also excited to share another blog, The Educator's Spin On It that has a post full of activities inspired by Audrey, Don and Bruce Wood. This blog has a post on a Virtual Book Club. Check it out, you'll love it!

Classroom Centres - Art Centre

So I have been away from my blog for nearly three weeks. I can't believe how fast time has gone by but I have been super busy with my family in the past month. However, I have found a bit of time today during putting in laundry loads and folding. 

Source: http://www.woodetccorp.com/R0042%20Art%20Center%20for%204.jpg

Here is my post about one of the most underrated centres of all time: The Art Centre. The art centre should be packed with all sorts of materials that you can touch, smell, hear, taste and see. 

I have walked into many classrooms and the art centre only has the regular materials: paint with an easel, crayons, markers, glue, construction paper, white paper, scissors, etc. What ever happened to using different kinds of art materials?? Here is my short list of materials that can be put into the classroom other than the regular paint, markers and crayons.

Large-knob paintbrushes for small hands. Allows for fine motor skills to become enhanced. 

Source: http://www.specialneedstoys.com.au/shop/images/stubby%20paint%20brushes.jpg

Different styles of paintbrushes. Allows children to experience different kids of painting with them.

Source: http://mailjust4me.com/crafts/paintbrushes.jpg


Funky brushes are awesome. They give out different textured results.

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How about a week with no paintbrushes allowed! Find out different materials to use. The picture below shows awesome ideas.

Source: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7023496541_9ed36f173d.jpg

Spray bottle art! Add water and food coloring and spray away!

Source: http://totschool.shannons.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/CoffeeFilterSpray-7608.jpg

I was in love with watercolours when I was a kid. I don't know why we don't use these as much as we did back in the day. They are fun because they also give different results compared to poster paint.

Source: http://www.kidsart.com/store/paintimg/ryrsetwat200_x.jpg


Where have pastels gone? I know they get a little messy but the texture of it is amazing. And the whole point of childhood is to experience all that art has to offer!

Source: http://blog.thedrycleaner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/82-preparing-pastels.jpg

Tissue Paper is fantastic.

Source: http://tissuepaperinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Colored-Wrapping-Tissue-Paper.87115339_std.jpg


Popsicle sticks. They are great for the block centre as well as the art centre. Allow children to experience and build all sorts of structures, animals and other creations.

Source: http://www.instructables.com/image/FEXES8LF9T3NR1D/Lincoln-Sticks-Popsicle-Stick-Log-Cabins.jpg


Feathers are wonderful to use to paint.

Source: http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/media/images/products/full/lc120_f.jpg


Don't forget good old chalk!

Source: http://www.toptenz.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/chalk.jpg

Use cotton balls to paint. Or create your own masterpiece by making snowballs/snowmen, etc.

Source: http://headfullofhydrangeas.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/cotton-balls.jpg


Marbles. Great for painting. Take a big box. Put paper inside. Dip marbles in paint and then put inside the box. Move the box around so the marbles spread paint everywhere. Use different sizes marbles for better results.

Source: http://6bdanielasblog.weebly.com/uploads/8/7/8/0/8780862/2605895_orig.jpg

Coffee filters are great for painting, spray painting, food coloring art and markers. Use any materials to have fun.

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Tea bags are fantastic after they have been dipped in the water for a bit. The colors and the smell will mesmerize the children!

Source: http://agapeantiaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/tea-bags.jpg


I like to use glitter glue pens rather than glitter. It's a lot easier to clean up after!

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Stickers! Kids will never tire of stickers.

Source: http://blogs.smarter.com/blogs/Stickers1.jpg


Threads and Yarns are good with paint as well. Also, these can be used to create necklaces/bracelets, etc.

Source: http://www.aurorasilk.com/yarns_and_threads/naturally_dyed/hemps/images/hempyarncolours.JPG


Buttons and beads are an art on their own. Use them to paint with or put through thread and yarn for jewelry.

Source: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2373/2459497354_8065cfcd01_o.jpg


Stencils. Use spray bottles, paint or markers.

Source: http://blogs.smarter.com/blogs/Face%20Painting%20Stencil%20Set11.jpg


Shaving cream with food colouring is TONS of fun. The children don't get tired of touching the shaving cream because it is so soft!

Source: http://artfulparent.typepad.com/.a/6a00e55246b63f88340120a690b608970c-pi


Add food coloring instead of paint for art to change up the style of activities. 

Source: http://healingautismandadhd.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/food-coloring-300x300.jpg


Home-made sponges with clothespins.

Source: http://picklebums.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/sponge-printing2.jpg


Bingo dabbers. 

Source: http://www.american-bingo.com/images/Bingo-Daubers/Ultima-Bingo-Daubers-4-Oz-sm.jpg


Finger stampers. Use with paint or use with playdough.

Source: http://www.alcoofcanada.net/images/T/Finger-Painter-Stampers-24-Pack-N16008_XL.jpg


Other kind of stampers.

Source: http://www.rainbowresource.com/products/036176.jpg


Different materials: pom poms, pipe cleaners, feathers, confetti, etc.

Source: http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/images/XX%20KIT08.JPG

Another kind of stampers.

Source: http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/media/images/products/full/la536_f.jpg


Large knob stampers.

Source: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51F%2BJMp4yUL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


Paper mache. It's unfortunate we don't do enough of it anymore. 

Source: http://thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/paper-mache-pumpkin-craft.jpg


Clay.

Source: http://www.buzzle.com/img/articleImages/318224-12922-39.jpg


Playdough, of course.

Source: http://www.frugalcouponliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/playdough-homemade.jpg


Bubble painting! So much fun.

Source: http://www.worldslargestbubble.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/bubble-art-colorful.jpg

Hope you enjoyed this post! Also, here is a link to different kind of art activities. It is a fantastic website!

http://nurturestore.co.uk/

Classroom Centres - Dramatic Area

Here is my post about one of my most favourite parts of the classroom: the dramatic centre! 

Source: http://seesawcenter.org/graphics/dramaticPlay_web.jpg

Dramatic play helps children interact with others or with themselves to create their own stories and plays. Sometimes children reenact events they have had in their lives or stories they have already heard. Watching them reenact these situations/stories gives the teachers an understanding of how much a child is able to: show the sequence of events, be creative, interact with others, problem solve, and see what their actions and words mean to them. 

Source: http://www.pre-kpages.com/images/drama_play1.jpg

Most dramatic centres have common props most of the time during the year. The home centre is a big one. In it, you can find dolls, babies, tables, chairs, play kitchens, play laundry and dryer machines, puppets, costumes/dress-up clothes, and toy kitchen supplies (plates, glasses, cutlery, fruits/vegetables). 

Source: http://www.thekcrew.net/storytellingchickachicka.JPG

The block centre and dramatic centre go hand-in-hand. Both centres require pretend play, and props helps to achieve this. Some other things that go in the dramatic/block centre are props that go along with a story that you have read. For example, if you read "The Three Little Pigs", you may want to add straw, sticks, and bricks to the block centre. This can incorporate lots of math concerning mass, weight, balance, construction, estimation, measuring, adding/subtracting, texture, capacity, sorting, etc. 

The picture above (with the story "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom") is another great book for props. You can put that in the dramatic centre or block centre which couples with literacy and math. For example, use the letters to count how many can the tree hold. Use other objects than the tree to see what will hold more or less. This even falls with science (is that tree magnetic for the letters to stick on? can we use materials?). The questions and ideas are too many to be written in one post. Experiment other things yourself and share what you have incorporated in your centres. 

Source: http://www.miltoncommunitynurseryschool.ca/images/DramaticCentreasCastle_lrg.jpg

The dramatic centre can be transformed into any kind of area you like. I have had the doctor's office, post office, camping, gardening, hair salon and the pet shop (to name in my dramatic centre. There are so many other ideas that I have done but I will instead post a list I found from a website (http://www.canteach.ca/elementary/drama8.html). Here are some ideas I really found interesting:

A Airplane Airport Animal shelter Aquarium Art gallery Artist's studio Astronaut Author's office B Baby's bath Bakery Barnyard Beach Beauty shop Bedroom Birthday party Block center: props Book Store Boxes Buried treasure/pirate Bus or train C Camping Candy shop Car wash Castle Chinese restaurant Christmas Circus Clown show Construction Covered wagon Cowboys D Daddy shaving Dancer Dishwashing Dress-up Drive in E Easter bunny egg painting studio Exercise club F Fairy tale land Farm Fast food Film maker Fire station Fishing Fix-it shop Flower store G Garage Gardening Gas station Getting ready in the morning Gift wrapping Grandma and grandpa Grocery store H Hair salon Halloween/costume shop Haunted House Hospital Hot air balloon House painters Housecleaning I Ice cream truck Ice-cream shop Igloo J Jewelry making K Kitchen L Landscaper/yard work Laundry Library Log cabin Long house M Magic Magic carpet Make-up Mall Mermaid land Movie Set Movie theater Museum N Newspaper office Night and day Nursery Nursery rhymes play O Ocean Office Outer space P Palentologist Parade Park Pet store Photographer Picnic Pirates/buried treasure Pizza parlor Planetarium/observatory Playing house Police station Post office Puppet maker Puppet show R Rainforest/jungle Ranch Ranger station Recording studio Research lab Restaurant Rock museum Rocket Radio station S Safari Sailing/boats Santa's workshop School School bus Shadow puppets Shoe repair Show store Sidewalk art sale Sleigh Soda fountain Space station Storyteller Submarine T Talent show Tea party Theater Time machine Toy store Travel agency Treasure island T.V. station U Under the sea V Voting Vetrinarian's office W Wash day Weather station/weather forecast Western day Winter wonderland Z Zoo

I know space is always an issue in the classroom when it comes to dramatic centres but if you ever have enough space, try to get your centre to look like this (not to mention getting a boat like that too!!): 

Source: http://www.appletreebytes.com/gonefishing.jpg