Nothing signals the start of Ramadan like the scent of pakoras filling the air in my house. It’s not surprising. Our sense of smell has a strong connection to memories.
It smells like Ramadan to me.
A Quiet Ramadan
This year Ramadan will be quiet for me. And that’s okay. The whole world has slowed down and has the opportunity to reflect. That’s what my friends did over Passover and Easter.
I go beyond lesson plans to support my refugee students. Cuts to education hurt everyone.
These days school communities are expected by society to be not just places of learning but places of healing. Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s cutbacks to education, which include cuts to teaching positions and increases to classroom sizes, negatively impact all students. As the battle for scarce resources gets fiercer, we teachers are standing firm in …
The secret party lives of Muslim women
Celebrating World Teachers’ Day in an uncertain climate
Celebrating International Literacy Day
Self-Love is an Ongoing, Active Process
A recent trip to a cosmetics counter reminded me that self-love is an ongoing, active process. “I’m looking for a new liquid foundation. I want something light. Not too much coverage.” I say to the woman working at a popular cosmetics counter. She leans in and examines my face. “You have uneven skin tone. It’s …
A new dress for Eid means reviving the subtle art of haggling
Eid Prep: A lesson in active listening
A recent visit with my nephews reminded me that active listening is important. Twice a year, I work with Isaa and Mikhail to put on a special presentation for the family when we get together for Eid. Once, we read a children’s picture book and acted it out with audience participation. Another time, the boys …
The Joys of Solitude and Human Connection
Those who know me best know that I like my alone time. I also understand that we’re hardwired for human connection, even if we’re cooped up in a room full of strangers for jury duty, like I was recently. I approach a long line outside the courthouse on University Avenue. We’re all prospective jurors going …
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Being a lifelong learner means to keep on swimming
The danger of a single story
How do you help kids navigate the leap to high school?
Meditations on Prayer
Do you pray? Earlier this month, I posed the question to some friends at work. “No.” Andrea shakes her head quickly. “My dad’s a deacon at a church. My whole family is super religious so I grew up with prayer. But I don’t pray.” She balances her tupperware of chicken salad in her hand”. My …
Education starts with teachers modelling equitable and inclusive values
Rania Mirza 