Book #5 (Religion/Non-Fiction)

Reading Level: GE 4.8

Interest Level: 4

Bibliography
Jeffrey, L. S. (2008). Celebrate Ramadan. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers Inc.

Schema Building, Scaffolding, and Introduction to book:

I would first introduce this book to my class around Christmas time because it is easier to
understand Ramadan. Of course, not everyone celebrates Christmas but it is a holiday most
students have been exposed to. I will ask student questions about some of the breaks/no schools
days we have in the US. I will create a list of the holidays they mention. Most likely a student
will say Christmas break or winter break. I will ask why do you think we changed Christmas
break to winter break? This is will then lead to the discussion of other religions and holidays.
Summary:
This book is about a young Muslim girl name Bushra who partakes in Ramadan. The book uses
her story to explain the Muslim religion and practices of being Muslim. The book tells how the
religion started with Prophet Muhammad and his revelations formed the Quran. There are five
practices that makeup of the religion which is: testimony of faith, prayer, charitable, fasting and
pilgrimage. Fasting happens during the Islamic month of Ramadan and the purpose of Ramadan
is to refrain from bad thoughts, behaviors, pleasurable activities and harmful impulses. It is a
time Muslims remember when God communicated with Prophet Muhammad through the angel
Gabriel. Muslims are to focus on God and become more selfless. The next morning of the last
night of Ramadan is considered to be Festival of Fast Breaking or Id al Fitr. This is what most
people know as Christmas and New Years Eve.

Personal reaction/professional review and uses in a class:

I enjoyed learning about this holiday for Muslims because it is one religion I do not know a lot
about. Where I am originally from, my college had a lot of Muslims that practiced Ramadan. It
wasnt until I became friends with a Lebanese girl that I began to learn more about. I think it
extremely important to learn because there is such negativity/propaganda that goes along with
Muslims. I think everyone should take the time to learn about all cultures and religions so as
society we can have a better understanding of each other. As mentioned earlier, I would use this
around Christmas because it is easier to connect the concept of Ramadan to a holiday most
people are familiar with. This topic can lead to a unit of research; students will chose a holiday
and/or religion and present the information they discover. This is will help create a culturally
diverse classroom.

Critical thinking questions:

1. Name the prophet that created the Muslim religion?
2. Explain the 5 pillars of the religion.
3. If you could interview a Muslim who partakes in Ramadan, what questions would you ask in
order to know more?
4. Compare/Contrast Ramadan to a holiday that you celebrate?
5. Explain the practice of Ramadan?
6. Summarize EID or Id al-Fit.