Activity Overview
Stories, parables, and literature allow students to visualize different people, holidays, customs, and traditions within a particular religion in a more concrete way. There are many books related to Islam that teachers can use to help students form a deeper understanding of the religion and the people who practice it. In this activity, students will illustrate the plot of an Islamic story.
This example is from the book The Spider and the Doves: The Story of the Hijra by Farah Morley about the Prophet Muhammad's* escape from persecution from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.
There are many other engaging books that introduce students to various literature relating to Islam. Here are some suggestions:
- Ramadan by Suhaib Hamid Ghazi
- Al-Khidr: The Green One by Hugh Talat Halman
- The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust by Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland DeSaiz
- Yaffa and Fatima: Shalom, Salaam by Fawzia Gilani-Williams
- Tales from Rumi by Ali Fuat Bilkam
- The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
- Under My Hijab by Hena Khan
- Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
- Salam Alaikum: A Message of Peace by Harris J
- This is Why We Pray: Islamic Book for Kids by Ameenah Muhammad-Diggins
- Who Believes What? Exploring the World's Major Religions by Anna Wills
- All About Islam by Zakariya Ibn Abd Qadir
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: After listening to the story, create a narrative storyboard that includes important details from the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions:
- In about 3-5 cells, write the major details of the story in order of occurrence.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters and items to illustrate each cell. The Creator has each animal from the story.
Requirements: Beginning, Middle, and End of the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images. | Descriptions do not always match the images. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Plot | Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Stories, parables, and literature allow students to visualize different people, holidays, customs, and traditions within a particular religion in a more concrete way. There are many books related to Islam that teachers can use to help students form a deeper understanding of the religion and the people who practice it. In this activity, students will illustrate the plot of an Islamic story.
This example is from the book The Spider and the Doves: The Story of the Hijra by Farah Morley about the Prophet Muhammad's* escape from persecution from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.
There are many other engaging books that introduce students to various literature relating to Islam. Here are some suggestions:
- Ramadan by Suhaib Hamid Ghazi
- Al-Khidr: The Green One by Hugh Talat Halman
- The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust by Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland DeSaiz
- Yaffa and Fatima: Shalom, Salaam by Fawzia Gilani-Williams
- Tales from Rumi by Ali Fuat Bilkam
- The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
- Under My Hijab by Hena Khan
- Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
- Salam Alaikum: A Message of Peace by Harris J
- This is Why We Pray: Islamic Book for Kids by Ameenah Muhammad-Diggins
- Who Believes What? Exploring the World's Major Religions by Anna Wills
- All About Islam by Zakariya Ibn Abd Qadir
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: After listening to the story, create a narrative storyboard that includes important details from the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions:
- In about 3-5 cells, write the major details of the story in order of occurrence.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters and items to illustrate each cell. The Creator has each animal from the story.
Requirements: Beginning, Middle, and End of the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images. | Descriptions do not always match the images. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Plot | Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about The Spider and the Doves: Islamic Literature
Organize a classroom read-aloud of an Islamic story
Start by choosing an age-appropriate Islamic story from the recommended list. Gather students together, preview the cover, and activate background knowledge by asking what they know about Islam. Reading aloud helps students engage with the text and builds cultural awareness.
Facilitate an open discussion about story themes
Encourage students to share their thoughts on the story’s main themes, such as courage, kindness, or faith. Guide the discussion with open-ended questions. This promotes critical thinking and empathy for diverse perspectives.
Guide students in identifying key plot points
Help students sequence the story events by recalling what happened at the beginning, middle, and end. Use graphic organizers or anchor charts to visualize the narrative structure for all learners.
Support students in creating detailed storyboard cells
Ask students to draw or digitally design each storyboard cell, including characters, setting, and important items. Remind them to add captions or speech bubbles to capture important details. This strengthens comprehension and artistic expression.
Wrap up with a reflective sharing session
Invite students to present their storyboards to the class and explain their choices. Celebrate diverse interpretations and discuss any new insights about Islamic literature. This builds confidence and a sense of community.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Spider and the Doves: Islamic Literature
What is 'The Spider and the Doves' and how can it be used in the classroom?
'The Spider and the Doves' is a story about the Prophet Muhammad's escape from Mecca to Medina, highlighting themes of courage and faith. Teachers can use it to help students visualize Islamic history by having them illustrate the plot, promoting deeper understanding through storytelling and art.
How can I create a narrative storyboard for an Islamic story with my students?
To create a narrative storyboard, have students break the story into beginning, middle, and end. In 3–5 cells, they should write major events in sequence and illustrate each scene with characters and key items from the story, helping reinforce comprehension and creativity.
What are some recommended books for teaching about Islam to middle school students?
Some recommended books for teaching about Islam in grades 6-8 include Ramadan by Suhaib Hamid Ghazi, The Grand Mosque of Paris by Karen Gray Ruelle, Tales from Rumi by Ali Fuat Bilkan, and Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai, among others.
What is the educational value of using Islamic literature in world religion lessons?
Islamic literature allows students to explore diverse cultures, holidays, and beliefs, fostering empathy and understanding. It helps make abstract concepts concrete, enriches classroom discussions, and supports standards for multicultural education.
How can teachers make lessons about Islam more engaging for grades 6–8?
Teachers can create more engaging lessons by using stories, interactive activities like storyboarding, discussing real-life examples, and incorporating diverse Islamic literature. Visuals, group discussions, and creative projects help make the content relatable and memorable.
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