Millions of Muslims around the world have begun a month-long fast during daylight hours for Ramadan. Here are some resources to help you explore the festival in class
It's the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and that means the start of Ramadan – this year in July for the first time since 1980 – and most of the UK's three million Muslims, including older children, will be fasting from dawn to sundown and focusing on being better Muslims and people.
Ramadan is a great opportunity to find out more about Islam in RE lessons and beyond and also a chance for everyone to practice a little introspection. Fasting is a powerful way to empathise with those in need and give thanks for our food, and some non-Muslim students may like to practice their own controlled fasts during the Ramadan period in support of their Muslim friends.
The following news stories, multimedia, teaching resources and recommended websites will help students understand the meaning behind Ramadan and how this important festival works.
From the Guardian
Ramadan: 10 thing you might need to know
Do all Muslims have to fast? Isn't it a bit hot do it in July? How do you know when to start? FAQs answered here.
Ramadan marked by Blackburn's Muslims – audio slideshow
Gorgeous Christopher Thomond photographs of Muslims preparing for Ramadan in Blackburn, Lancashire, as the imam at Jamia Ghosia mosque recites verses from the Qur'an after sunset to mark the start of Islam's month of fasting. Powerful stuff to play in assembly or in RE lessons.
Channel 4 broadcasts the Muslim call to prayer through Ramadan – video
Channel 4 are broadcasting the adhan, the Muslim call to prayer, live every morning during Ramadan. Here's why.
Ramadan in numbers – datablog
Key numbers for Ramadan are explored in this datablog including the production of 7,504,984 tonnes of dates, one of the most popular fast-breaking foods, for Ramadan.
Egypt crisis: Ramadan gets off to an anxious start
How does conflict impact on the Muslim month of fasting? Older students can explore how Ramadan in Egypt is being marred by an economic crisis and tension on the streets after the worst bloodshed for a year.
On the Guardian Teacher Network
Make your own model mosque or masjid for Ramadan
Fab ideas for creating great cardboard mosque or masjid to celebrate Ramadan and Eid.
Fanoos – make Ramadan Islamic Muslim lanterns
A guide for teachers to the practice of lighting a 'fanoos' during Ramadan includes two great craft activities to help children make their own.
The story of Ramadan
Lovely interactive looking at the month of Ramadan and the festival of Eid which happens right at the end.
Muslim prayer mats arts and crafts activity
Guide to what prayer mats are, what they look like and why they are used plus design and craft activity which will create a lovely Islamic display.
Ramadan news article
Report from schools news service The Day providing a nice overview of Ramadan.
Best of the web
Official Ramadan website
Fasting rules, facts about Ramadan, downloadable lectures and timetables here - plus radio Ramadan.
Healthy Ramadan
Great advice from the NHS on how to have a healthy Ramadan including a meal planner and possible health risks of fasting.
The Ramadan chant
Cute Ramadan song to play in primary classrooms which will help young students find out some of the things children do at this special time of year such as offering food to friends and lighting golden lanterns every day – from the British council.
Ramadan activities BBC
Helpful guide to Ramadan for schools including some innovative classroom activities and videos to play in class or assembly.
Ramadan assembly
This excellent Ramadan assembly covers all the basics.