A Guide for Educators
Never has it been more important to teach non-Muslims about Islam. Public misperceptions and media stereotypes in the aftermath of September 11,2001 have led to widespread inaccuracies about Muslims and the faith they hold dear. Surveys show that vast numbers of non-Muslim Americans know little about their Muslim neighbors. The stories non-Muslim Americans tell about Islam are frequently colored by fear, misinformation, and prejudice.This curriculum offers a starting point for increased knowledge and understanding of Islam and the Muslim community in an effort to reduce misinformation and promote mutual respect. While it is not age specific, this four-session plan offers a primer for teachers who seek to expose some of the myths about Muslims so dominant in our culture. The curriculum introduces students to stories told by Muslims themselves as a way of humanizing Muslim Americans who may number as many as five million, or more. Each session has been designed to take approximately 40 minutes.
Most of the resources needed for this simple curriculum can be found on the website, ChangeTheStory.net. It will be helpful to have a computer with high speed access and a video card in your classroom or learning center. Depending on the size of your class, an LED projector may also be helpful. Other resources (such as the quiz) can be printed from the website and duplicated. Of particular use to you as a teacher, especially if you wish to take this topic to a deeper level, is the Additional Resources button that appears below.
The flow of this lesson plan moves along a pathway that leads from knowledge (what are facts about Islam and Muslims?) and awareness (what are feelings I have about Muslims?) to the development of skills and abilities (what am I able to do?) and culminates in action (what am I going to do?).
Be aware that this subject matter often evokes passionate feelings. Be sure that you create a “safe space” for your discussions. Announce early and often that while differences of opinion are to be honored, there is no place in your class for personal attacks or hate-filled diatribes.
Extremists are slaves to policies, politics, power, and not religion. Throughout history, people have used religion to propagate political agendas and justify grievances. Everyday stories of moderate law abiding Muslims, who try to make a living, raise families, and enjoy life, are not what typically make headlines. It is not the job of the news to educate people about others. That is a part of your role as an educator. If we seek to move beyond today’s headlines to understand the rich history and contributions of Islam and to ChangeTheStory from one of ignorance and fear to one of compassion and respect for our Muslim neighbors, this curriculum is one place to begin that journey.
Curriculum
Below you will find four lesson plans (of approximately 40 minutes each) as a suggested guide for conversation and exploration of Islam and Muslims in your classroom.
View the Lesson Plans as Web Pages
Download the Lesson Plans as PDFs
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