Dual Existence

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of a dual existence that I have observed in my classroom is the celebration of Muslim and Kurdish holidays by my studens.

Many of my students were Muslim, most of them being Kurdish, they are generally accepted into the culture of the school or at least into their friend groups. I saw this particular dual existence once Muslim holidays began. The students began to fast during Ramadan, which was not generally understood. Many students did not join their classmates in the cafeteria during lunch, why would they? They also did not partake in classroom rewards, such as chocolates, and sweets. I always tried to be understanding of their fast, but as I tried to give the students rewards such as stickers or an eraser, they just balked at me saying "I'll take the chocolate and eat it later." They were nice about it, but there was a twinge in their voices that let me know that my trying to be sensitive was nice of me, but I couldn't understand what they were going through and feeling.

The Muslim students seemed well adjusted to having to explain Ramadan and Eid, but the non-Muslim students and myself seemed less well adjusted to their Muslim existence in a Christian society.

I believe teachers do need more multi-ethnic training, or training related to the different religions and religious practices that a teacher would encounter in their district. I have visited countless churches and cathedrals around europe, but only 1 mosque. I think teachers need to involve themselves in multi-ethnic studies and go out into the community to seek out opportunities to study other cultures.

I believe in the classroom and school teachers can let students of different religions or cultures present what and how they are celebrating in their community. Giving students a chance to present what they are doing and celebrating to the class, so the students can become more sensitive.

I also found a lesson unit about dual existence that would be good for teachers to use with students to explain what is happening with their counterparts. You can find the lesson plan at:
http://www.racismnoway.com.au/classroom/lesson_ideas/20011129_41.html

I believe teachers need to be sensitive to students and their cultural needs. I try to do that everyday in my classroom and hope to get better as I better learn the needs of my students.