Manor Oaks School students in grades K-6 learned about Ramadan and practiced mindfulness during their recent physical education lessons.

In the gymnasium, 12 stations were set up that reflected the 12 months of the Islamic calendar. At each station, students were tasked with trying out yoga poses and breathing techniques and practicing mindfulness. The students also brought their Chromebooks to the lesson, using the program Nearpod to learn facts about the holiday at one of the stations. This was all done while the gym lights were on to represent daytime. When the lights were shut off, the students were tasked with collecting toy food and cereal boxes from the center of the room to represent how families who celebrate Ramadan are only able to eat when the sun goes down.

Physical education teacher Lisa Santos created this new activity this school year. She spoke to both students and their families for feedback in order to create the game. This physical education lesson correlates with the district’s goal to “continue to integrate inclusive and culturally competent practices to promote a districtwide culture of belonging.”