Nurturing the Next Generation
Project of Sound Vision

Muslim Public School Teachers Share Tips for Muslim Parents

By Wendy Díaz

To ease some of the most common concerns Muslim parents have about how their children will fare in public schools, writer Wendy Díaz spoke with two Muslim public-school educators to get an insider’s perspective of what families can do to navigate the system effectively. These educators have experience both as Muslim students and teachers in the public system. Read more to learn about how Muslim parents can make the most out of public school.

My Experiences as a Muslim in Public School

“As a young Muslim, I have been asked many questions about my religion throughout the years. One of the questions that I have been asked quite frequently is about my experience as a Muslim in a public school. It surprises me how people are curious about this, especially since it is not much of a big difference to me.” Read more to gain an interesting perspective from one Muslim highschooler who has attended both Islamic and public schools.

Public Schools Can Identify, Accommodate Learning Disabilities

By Laura El Alam

According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, one in five children in the U.S. have a learning disability. While some children receive specialized instructions and accommodations, many do not. One benefit of public schools is the availability of specialized services for students with learning disabilities. Get answers to questions like: how do you know if your child has a learning disability, how can schools help, and how to get started in this brief guide to pursuing specialized instruction in the public school system.

Trick or Treat? Combatting Halloween Fever

By Umm Ahmed

Children will be interested and even eager to participate in activities related to Halloween, particularly if their schools are organizing events. But Muslim parents and children have options and should be mindful that participating in this secular Western holiday is a matter of choice. In order to direct the family’s course of action and do so with confidence, parents need to equip themselves with knowledge of the history behind the holiday and understand the implications of participation that challenges basic Islamic values. Read about several strategies that can be helpful in taking assertive action to avoid participation in Halloween activities this year.

Uncovering the Secret of My Hijab

By Zahirah Lynn Eppard

In The Secret of My Hijab, author Wendy Díaz gives us a glimpse inside the inner workings of the mind of an elementary school girl who happens to wear a hijab to her public school. The central character enumerates the advantages of being a card-carrying member of a “Secret Hijabi Society '' that has club members all over the world. Read the full review and share this book with your children to inspire them with the superpower needed to march forward proudly when wearing their headcovering. The book is also beautifully illustrated by Díaz’s son Uthman Guadalupe.

Online Resources

Raising Muslim Children in the Public Schools: What Parents Need to Know - This article was written by a parent whose children attended public school in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Being Muslim in Public School: How Parents Can Effectively Communicate with Teachers - This article advocates for increased communication between parents and teachers and provides tips to help foster the bond.

4 Tips for Parents on Dealing with Misinformation in Public School - This is a must-read article that provides helpful tips to counter misinformation.

How to Give your Best in Islamic Weekend School - This article lays out pointers for administrators, teachers, parents, students, and community members to ensure that Islamic weekend schools and their students are thriving.

Halloween: A Sample Letter from a Parent to a Teacher - Use a letter like this one to communicate your concerns about participation in Halloween activities with your child’s teacher.

Adam’s World Video: Adams Stands Up to the Bully

Adam finds out that two of his friends are being cyberbullied. He stands up to say enough and learns that Allah supports our efforts to race together for all that is good.  The Arabic letter “kha” for khair is showcased and also the English letter “g” for good. A Dawud Wharnsby nasheed called the “Disease We Call Bullying” complements the lesson. (9:19)

The Sound Vision Foundation has been a trusted source of Islamic knowledge for more than 30 years. Our work with the world-renowned puppets Adam and Aneesah pioneered creative programming for Muslim children, encouraging them to learn about and love their religion. We continue to bring sound content and engaging programs that stimulate minds, touch hearts, and strive to fulfill our mission of raising better Muslims, better neighbors, and better citizens. This latest effort is designed to support and empower Muslim parents to do the same.