When developing lessons and purchasing books for classroom libraries, teachers always focus on real-world incorporation. This is due to the fact that students are only “students” for so many hours a day. After school hours, they are simply citizens. They are children walking the streets, future workers, and active community members. Therefore, teachers have so many elements outside of state standards to add to lessons. One excellent way to do this is by adding a cultural focus into libraries.
Why it is Essential to Include Arab Voices in the Classroom
When students graduate, the goal is that they are ready to enter the “real world” by going to college or a trade school, getting a job, becoming an entrepreneur, or enrolling in the military. The hope is that they learned everything needed to do well in life in addition to being responsible, mature citizens. In order for schools to accomplish these goals, it is essential this preparation starts during the youngest grades. Since students have much schooling ahead of them, the perfect way to start is through books!
It is essential to specifically include Arab voices in the classroom for several reasons. First, when teachers diversity libraries, they are showing students how everyone should be accepted. No matter the race, culture, or skin color, every person deserves respect. Therefore, diversified libraries will allow students to see this in action throughout books. Second, students will learn how to be positive citizens. When outside of school, they will see ways to treat everyone regardless of background. Third, students will break any negative stereotypes they may have built. Truly, many of these negative thoughts may be developed in the household. Thus, diversified libraries will help break these thoughts and teach students how to treat all people.
How to Include Arabs in the Classroom
It is understandable to think that it is impossible to add one more requirement or aspect into lessons. The day is already jammed packed. However, if teachers truly want to prepare students for life outside of the classroom, it is essential to add in diversity. Additionally, this will help ensure that anytime a new student enrolls in the school, all will be welcome.
One of the best ways to start incorporating Arabs in the classroom is to diversity classroom libraries. Add in relevant Arab stories and characters. Show students how friendships can be built with people of different backgrounds by allowing them to read books that show this. Additionally, there can be places in the curriculum to include Arab heritage and culture. For example, April is Arab American Heritage month. Therefore, April’s lesson plans can highlight the contributions of Arab Americans today. This makes for a great addition to a variety of lessons! For instance, it may be scientific contributions or books written by Arab Americans.
Books to Showcase
In order to diversity libraries, be sure to check out the books below! They are the perfect start to adding more voices to the classroom.
The Arab Quilt: An Immigrant Story
On Kanzi’s first day at her new school, her only hope is to fit in. She just moved to America from Egypt and tries to blend in by leaving her kofta sandwich at home. However, when her mom shows up at school wearing a hijab, Kanzi’s classmates begin to tease her. After her teacher finds ways to incorporate her heritage into the classroom, Kanzi begins to feel acceptance in her new town.
Baba, What Does My Name Mean?: A Journey to Palestine
When Saamidah’s friends ask the meaning behind her name, she realizes she isn’t sure. She knows she is a Palestinian refugee but doesn’t know why her parents picked her name. Therefore, she asks Baba the meaning. Through their conversation, she goes on a wild journey about her homeland and cultural heritage.
Ahmed will take readers on a journey all while holding in a special secret. While delivering butane gas all over Cairo, readers will experience quite the journey on a donkey cart. Through crowded streets, down alleys, and past historical buildings, readers will be anxious to turn pages to discover the secret.
Whether students are in a diverse classroom or not, they will interact with people of different backgrounds at some point. Therefore, it is essential that they learn about different heritages in order to know the importance of kindness and acceptance. By diversifying libraries with Arab-American books, students will read about real-life situations and the outcomes. Additionally, students will see how a belief or skin color is not the determinant in being a positive community member.
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