How This Trainer Shares About Ramadan Every 12 months

Meet Zebo Shaazizova, a California‑primarily based educator whose journey from ESL scholar 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 girl, and a mom, Zebo is captivated with creating inclusive areas the place college students really feel protected, seen, and curious concerning the world round them.

You can even observe Zebo on Instagram.

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

I got here to America in 2010 figuring out 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 college positioned me in ESL courses, and to today, 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 actually particular. It’s an expertise I nonetheless cherish.

As my English improved, I ultimately graduated from ESL. By my senior yr of highschool, I used to be taking common English courses. Coming from figuring out zero English to sitting in mainstream courses was overwhelming, however it was additionally extremely rewarding.

I’ll always remember my first ESL trainer, Ms. O’Connor. She was powerful, 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 scholar 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 neighborhood?

At first—I received’t lie—I overthought so much. I questioned what individuals 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 workers and neighborhood had been extremely welcoming, sort, 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 cozy 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 realized 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 you can be totally your self whereas doing the work you’re keen on.

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

Annually, I go to lecture rooms as a visitor speaker and train college students about Ramadan and Eid in an age‑applicable method. I create easy mini shows, adopted by fingers‑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 which means behind Ramadan and Eid in an inclusive method.

Q: Why do you’re feeling it’s vital for all college students to find out about Ramadan?

Illustration and understanding matter. My youngsters frequently realized about and acquired goodie luggage for different holidays at college, and I felt it was simply as vital 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 know not simply the celebration however the which means behind it. By sharing our traditions, we create area for inclusion, empathy, and cultural understanding.

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

Initially of the college yr, 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 will have 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 setting the place children really feel protected asking questions?

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

I take advantage of easy, actual‑life examples and attempt to make it enjoyable, typically turning it right into a story, a sport, 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 be taught that it’s OK to be curious and that variations needs to be revered, not feared. Everybody comes from a singular background, and people variations are one thing to be happy with.

Most of all, I hope they be taught kindness, empathy, and that asking questions—when executed with respect—is a ravishing technique to be taught concerning the world and the individuals in it.

Q: What recommendation would you give to academics who really feel uncertain about discussing tradition or faith?

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

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

Q: The rest you’d like individuals to know?

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

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

Each scholar 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, each is completely different, and each deserves the care they should develop.

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