How This Instructor Shares About Ramadan Every Yr

Meet Zebo Shaazizova, a California‑primarily based educator whose journey from ESL pupil to classroom trainer has deeply formed the best way she approaches studying, tradition, and connection. Drawing from her personal experiences as an immigrant, a Muslim lady, and a mom, Zebo is obsessed with creating inclusive areas the place college students really feel protected, seen, and curious in regards to the world round them.

You may as well comply with Zebo on Instagram.

Q: Are you able to share slightly about your journey from being an ESL pupil to changing into a trainer?

I got here to America in 2010 understanding no English in any respect—none. We arrived throughout summer time break, and when college began, I started ninth grade. After testing my English degree, the varsity positioned me in ESL courses, and to this present day, I’m so grateful for that call.

I beloved my ESL courses. Being surrounded by college students from everywhere in the world, sharing our cultures, languages, and studying collectively was one thing really particular. It’s an expertise I nonetheless cherish.

As my English improved, I finally graduated from ESL. By my senior 12 months of highschool, I used to be taking common English courses. Coming from understanding zero English to sitting in mainstream courses was overwhelming, nevertheless it was additionally extremely rewarding.

I’ll always remember my first ESL trainer, Ms. O’Connor. She was robust, agency, and strict—however I beloved that about her. Together with Ms. Tappu, they formed my journey in methods I’m nonetheless grateful for at this time. I’m even nonetheless in contact with them.
From being an ESL pupil to changing into a trainer myself, this journey will at all times have a particular place in my coronary heart.

Q: What does it imply to you to show whereas carrying hijab, and the way has that formed your expertise in your college group?

At first—I gained’t lie—I overthought loads. I questioned what folks would consider me due to my hijab, how I’d be handled, and whether or not I’d be accepted.

Earlier than changing into a trainer, I labored as a trainer assistant at my youngsters’s college, and that have modified every little thing. From the start, the employees and group had been extremely welcoming, form, and supportive. I used to be handled identical to everybody else, whether or not I wore hijab or not.

That acceptance meant a lot to me. It made me really feel assured, proud, and comfy in who I’m. Now, as a trainer, I carry nothing however pleasure. I see my hijab as my crown—it represents who I’m, my values, and my energy.

The scholars are utterly snug with it. They’ve discovered about it, requested their questions, and now it’s only a regular a part of who their trainer is. Instructing whereas carrying hijab has proven me that illustration issues, acceptance issues, and that you would be able to be absolutely your self whereas doing the work you like.

Q: You’re identified for instructing college students about Ramadan annually. What does that appear like throughout grade ranges?

Every year, I go to school rooms as a visitor speaker and train college students about Ramadan and Eid in an age‑acceptable manner. I create easy mini shows, adopted by palms‑on actions like footage, songs, and discussions that match every grade degree.

I additionally put together Ramadan goodie luggage so the expertise feels joyful and memorable. The objective is at all times to make the lesson welcoming, enjoyable, and academic, whereas serving to college students perceive the that means behind Ramadan and Eid in an inclusive manner.

Q: Why do you are feeling it’s necessary for all college students to study Ramadan?

Illustration and understanding matter. My youngsters often discovered about and acquired goodie luggage for different holidays at college, and I felt it was simply as necessary for them—and their classmates—to see their very own tradition acknowledged too.

Instructing about Ramadan helps construct consciousness, respect, and appreciation for various cultures. It permits college students to grasp not simply the celebration however the that means behind it. By sharing our traditions, we create area for inclusion, empathy, and cultural understanding.

Q: Youngsters usually ask about your hijab. What sorts of questions do you get?

In the beginning of the varsity 12 months, college students are often very curious. Their questions are harmless and real like “What’s that factor in your head?” or “Why do you at all times put on that?” Some ask, “Do you’ve got hair?” or “Are you bald?”

My Particular Ed college students often ask the funniest questions: “What’s that mysterious factor in your hair?” or “I can see your hair, yay!” if it’s peeking out. I additionally hear “Why don’t you ever present your hair?” or “Are you able to present me your hair?”

Q: How do you create a classroom atmosphere the place youngsters really feel protected asking questions?

I at all times contemplate the scholars’ ages and grade ranges earlier than answering. I preserve my solutions child‑pleasant and give attention to tradition and traditions somewhat than going too deep into faith.

I take advantage of easy, actual‑life examples and attempt to make it enjoyable, generally turning it right into a story, a recreation, or an exercise. When college students really feel snug and revered, they really feel protected asking questions, and that’s how actual studying occurs.

Q: What message do you hope your college students take away from these conversations?

I hope they study that it’s OK to be curious and that variations must be revered, not feared. Everybody comes from a novel background, and people variations are one thing to be pleased with.

Most of all, I hope they study kindness, empathy, and that asking questions—when completed with respect—is a wonderful method to study in regards to the world and the folks in it.

Q: What recommendation would you give to academics who really feel not sure about discussing tradition or faith?

It’s OK to really feel not sure as a result of meaning you care. You don’t have to know every little thing or have the right phrases. Begin small, keep age‑acceptable, and give attention to tradition, traditions, and shared values like kindness and respect.

When academics mannequin openness and respect, college students study to do the identical.

Q: The rest you’d like folks to know?

Instructing must be significant, joyful, and rooted in connection. We tackle many roles—listeners, counselors, protectors, supporters—and no matter function a toddler wants, it’s necessary to point out up.

I need my classroom to be an area the place college students really feel protected, comfortable, and cared for. My tradition is one thing I’m deeply pleased with, and I’m at all times open to sharing it.

Each pupil is exclusive. I consider my college students just like the Dealer Joe’s flower part—full of various sorts of flowers. Every one is gorgeous, every one is completely different, and every one deserves the care they should develop.

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