Islam: Activity Based Lessons for Upper Elementary Students

By Rachel Brown

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Theme and Description

This curriculum introduces children to the beliefs, history, and traditions of Islam through activities and discussion.

Goals for Participants

To develop an awareness and sensitivity to other cultures and religions;
To experience different religious ideas and practices they may use as they shape their own spiritual paths.

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Age Range

Grades 4-6

Size of Group

Flexible

Space Requirements

Standard classroom. For hajj role-play, an all-purpose classroom and preferably another space to use for procession.

Number and Length of Sessions

9 sessions
Length: 1 hour

Leader Training

Lessons are designed for people new to religious education and to Islam, but leaders need to acquire background information about Islam. Leaders must be knowledgeable about the developmental characteristics of the children in their group. Resource and materials lists are provided.

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Strengths

Timeliness of developing appreciation for Islam given the growth of Islam in America and news events.
Direct experience with Muslim visitor and mosque.
Opportunity for critical thinking about media bias.
Lesson plans are detailed and contain some materials for activities.

Limitations

Does not reinforce comparisons and connections of Islam with UU Principles and traditions.
Role-play of hajj and prayers may be viewed as misappropriation and disrespect by Muslims and others.
Content-orientated rather than experiential; several activities require reading and listening.
Leaders may want to include more information about Muslim children and women.
Leaders may prefer to add a wrap-up session for this study of Islam rather than combine it with the session on Islam in America.

Adaptability

Contains some suggestions for modifications for grades 7-9 and for younger elementary students.

Unitarian Universalist Values

Promotes the Principle of the worth and dignity of all people but leaders will need to reinforce that connection. Draws upon the 3rd source of our living tradition.

Reviewed on June 30, 2004

Unitarian Universalist Association
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