Independent Learning Project – Week 5

Hi everyone,

You might remember that I decided on the following;

I will spend 4 hours each week for the next 7 weeks in pursuit of discovering more on Passion Based Learning.

• I would like to have a Sailing 101 Lesson
• I would like to experience life inside of a Muslim Mosque
• Learn how to build a rock retaining wall (landscape)
• Study 1-2 separate stories that are in the bible
• Visit 2 museum’s any that are in my location
• Spend 4 hours learning about horse racing
• Leave 2 weeks open to learn about a new discovery I have made while on this journey.

These are not in order and I would like to also leave room for adjustments due to weather or health.

Mosques

This week I was able to interview an Elder of Lexington’s Islamic Religion, visit their Mosque and briefly connect with a woman of Muslim faith.

I would like to say in advance that my entire experience was pleasant, free of fear and led to no conversation of either party, only education on my part.

Why was this learning experience so important to me?

I work in public schools that serve the educational needs of many Muslim families.  Many of the students are new to America and learning English in ELL classrooms and some are first generation in our community.   If I am true to valuing diversity I am obligated to learn as much as I can about all of my students.  By exposing myself to the Muslim culture I am better able deliver content in way that is meaningful to each child.

Did I learn? Absolutely!  As a future teacher yourself, I hope you find something in this project that you can use in your future.

First the lady…

http://bit.ly/2psWLX7

While standing in line at the store to check out the Saturday before Easter 2017 a lady said, “Hi, it’s nice to see you” to my husband and I.  She went on to tell us how hot she was wearing her Hijab (head covering).  I took that as an opportunity to dive into this pre-planned learning project!!!!

I asked the friendly lady why she and other women wear a Hijab?  She said, “it’s hotter in hell, so I can wear this while I am on earth, it’s a sign of respect”.   I was floored, I have always thought they looked hot too!   After I recovered a few seconds later, I quickly dove in again, “I was wondering can a person who does not share your religious view enter your place of worship?”   “Yes” she replied, I was floored again.  I had wondered and hoped but did know, and didn’t expect this to be so simple. She told me I could visit anytime as long as I entered through the female side of the building, no problem.

The stranger…

Last Tuesday, after Easter I entered the Mosque on the male side!!!  First offense and a tall older male quickly and gently told me of my violation and just as quick and gentle told me that I was in violation again by wearing my shoes beyond the entry.

Photo by

Ok, so in a matter of a minute I learned two things that my students already know!

The took me politely to the female side in our own practice prayed.  When I asked if I could look through a Quran (there was pile of them), very gently the stranger told me only if I was a Muslim could I study one of the books in the sanctuary.

I was led through the undeveloped building, it was cool, dim and clean.  Much like other places of worship.

From what I got out of the experience is Muslim are quick to forgive, there are many unwritten rules and all are welcome.

The Elder…

Now comes the difficult part, accessing a Holy Man.  I have met this man and his family several times.  His many children are students in the schools where I work.  However, having a direct one on one conversation with him for who knows how many different reasons was not going to happen.  So, I formulated a list of questions I thought were provoking and via a liaison,  we were able to communicate in writing.  Please read Naji Abdi responses below.