THREAD 3: Today's thread touches upon supporting colleagues and students who may be fasting. #Ramadhan #RE
@NATREupdate @Ben_Wood_RE

Depending on the demographics of your school many or maybe only a few colleagues and students may be fasting during the month of Ramadhan. Be aware that their sleeping patterns and energy levels will be different to what is usually is.

For instance many may be waking up 3:30 or even earlier to eat and then going to bed around 4:30 or later after Fajr prayer depending on how easy it is for them to go back to sleep or not. Waking up to work at 8:30 whether its to respond to emails, completing deadlines etc

may not be best met (in terms of getting it done that early) during this month especially with the lockdown. Try to be accommodating and supportive if you can do so, this could be arranging your Zoom, Windows, Google Meet Up department/faculty meetings at a later time rather than

9:00 a.m or 10:00 a.m if colleagues can say do a meeting at 1:30 p.m it would be appreciated by the individual fasting, or maybe they would prefer it in the morning. I guess many will sleep in until later due to eating early before Fajr prayer.

Be aware that for students work being set and deadlines meeting this may be a bit more difficult. Many students may have further responsibilities at home during Ramadhan or trying to manage their time to balance school work and religious duties and actions.

Likewise this could also be for your colleagues, help where you can. It may be that you've given a Muslim colleague a scheme of work to rejig around for remote learning but if you can break it up between the department if you can do so.

In meetings that are not virtual (post lockdown) the question that you have, "EVEN WATER?!". Yes the answer to this is even water and it has been the same answer for the last 7 years as I've sat in this meetings, so let's move onto the next part of the agenda.

Meetings and staff rooms can be a place of snacks, snacks and snacks. Your colleagues may come across as not as social during Ramadhan but they are probably trying to refrain from any sight or smell of food because it may be difficult for them.

Quiet and reflective spaces are good things to offer to both colleagues and students. Even working in a non-religious affiliated school with permission from SLT you may want to have a quiet classroom so students who are performing their fast can rest during lunchtime and

break time rather than being surrounded by food. It could be used as a space for them to pray, if your school permits it. Many students may ask you if it is okay for them to pray during lunchtime at school, so see what your school says about this. Generally you could have a

inclusive place of silent reflection/prayer room so it is open up to all.

Do we really need to meet? With energy levels being low, it might be a good thing to prioritise and consider your approach to meetings, what is on your agenda etc. It may be that some colleagues who are fasting need to get home sooner rather than later after school as

they may have to prepare a meal, simply just need to catch up on sleep, prepare for religious duties and prayers that they need to do/catch up on.

See ahead what your department is doing and teaching during the month of Ramadhan, it is okay for students to do textbook work and for you not to use your voice all day. For a Muslim teacher who knows? If they teaching style consists of them being up at the front all the time,

it might be wise if a line manager or HOF told them that it is okay to use textbook work, silent work, more student led work. Sometimes it is just hearing it from someone else!

Getting involved - have a go yourself if you are up for it (and your health permits you to do so) Students love it when their teachers, Year Cos, Heads attempt something that they are, it gives a sense of 'we're in it together'. They appreciate the honesty of teachers trying

and admitting it was tough, beneficial, a good/bad experience etc.

Key things to take away from this thread. Energy levels and expectations. Accommodate and offer rather than expect. Have a go yourself if you can. Meetings - think about your agenda, time, and priorities.