October is observed as Islamic Heritage and History Month at Thames Valley. It is an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements of Muslim Canadians and a chance to educate our students about the many noteworthy individuals who, throughout history, have had significant impact inducing change in our society.
In consultation with Muslim staff and community members, the TVDSB Equity Team has prepared Islamic Heritage and History Month resources, virtual class presentations and professional learning opportunities to support learning throughout October and beyond.
| Important Information for Staff: CULTURAL SAFETY |
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It is important to create a learning environment that is respectful and that makes students feel safe and comfortable not only physically, socially, and emotionally but also in terms of their cultural heritage. A culturally safe learning environment is one in which students feel comfortable about expressing their ideas, opinions, and needs and about responding authentically to topics that may be culturally sensitive. Teachers should be aware that some students may experience emotional reactions when learning about issues that have affected their own lives, their family, and/or their community. Before addressing such topics in the classroom, teachers need to consider how to prepare and debrief students, and they need to ensure that resources are available to support students both inside and outside the classroom. Students can also experience strong emotional reactions when learning about the adversity and challenges faced by others. There may be students who express the wish or need to opt out of the learning. If students are demonstrating a negative reaction to content discussed during the presentation, staff are encouraged to:
Important Reminder For Staff Before Discussing Student Identity: CALLING SOMEONE IN
How it might sound: “Hey, can we chat about what happened during the presentation? It’s about…”
CALLING SOMEONE OUT
How it might sound: “There will be no Islamophobic remarks here!” |
| Staff Professional Learning Resources |
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Teaching Tolerance: Let’s Talk. Discussing Race, Racism and Other Difficult Topics with Students Learning for Justice: Countering Islamophobia https://www.learningforjustice.org/classroom-resources/lessons/countering-islamophobia |
| Elementary Classroom Resources |
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Islamic History and Heritage Month Expected Practice
Early Years/Primary Curriculum Resources
Junior/Intermediate Curriculum Resources
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| Intermediate/Secondary Curriculum Resources |
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| School Displays |
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Schools are invited to review resources related to Islamic History / Heritage Month School Displays at the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vy41KjF-AHXdw6GYR17V5GH_DsrOL_lw/view?usp=sharing All resources were prepared by Muslim parents and community members. Schools that would like support from parent / community volunteers to help set up a school display are invited to email Matthew Sereda at Matthew.Sereda@tvdsb.ca |
| Support Group for Muslim Students |
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The Muslim Student Support Group is intended to provide Muslim students with a community of support, as well as a space for Muslim students to propose ideas to help improve TVDSB.
Join us Wednesday, October 20 and Wednesday, November 17 - 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please send an email to matthew.sereda@tvdsb.ca to be registered. |
| Ramadan Handbook |
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Staff are invited to review resources related to Ramadan at the following link:https://drive.google.com/file/d/11-q-1GSTMpNwyWo_PkzzhZ3g5jFVQDHK/view?usp=sharing The Ramadan Handbook was developed by Muslim staff in TVDSB |
| External Resources |
Notable Muslim Inventions
As part of TVDSB's celebration of Islamic Heritage and History Month, we have asked Educator Dora Chams to share a book that she enjoys reading to students.
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