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Engage Students With Arab American Heritage Month Activities
Christy Walters
March 3, 2025
Arab American Heritage Month became federally recognized in 2021. During the month of April, individuals and organizations recognize the contributions, culture, and heritage that Arab Americans bring to our collective society. You can help students learn more about this newer heritage month and the great people we celebrate during it in your ELA and social studies classes using Arab American Heritage Month activities.
[Explore Arab American history and heritage in social studies](id-ss)
Students can learn more about the contributions Arab Americans have made to our shared country, their immigration journeys, and more about the countries of their heritage with these activities:
Learn more about Arab American history and heritage
When former President Biden federally acknowledged Arab American Heritage Month, it reminded all American citizens to celebrate and learn more about the rich and diverse cultures of people around them. Help students do the same by exploring resources like:
The federal government’s proclamation on Arab American Heritage Month.
An article about the grassroots efforts by Arab activists and advocacy groups to have a local and nationally recognized heritage month.
Political maps of Africa, the Middle East, and Southwest Asia, which include Arab countries.
Discover the richness of Arab American communities
Communities can connect people and ideas and provide inspiration and empowerment. Students can learn more about some of the Arab American communities across the country with articles on topics like:
The recognition of Anaheim, California’s historic Little Arabia district.
The early immigrant community of Little Syria in New York City and the efforts to preserve its memory.
How the city of Hamtramck, Michigan, hired a former NYPD officer and Yemen immigrant as its first minority police chief in 2024.
Meet Arab American trailblazers
Arab Americans have greatly impacted all areas of our society, from politics to entrepreneurship. Students can learn more about some of these influential figures, like:
Apple entrepreneur Steve Jobs
Robert Saleh, the NFL’s first Muslim American head coach.
Rashida Tlaib, Congress’ first female Muslim electee.
See how Arabs in Southwest Asia fight for their rights
While Arab Americans receive freedoms and civil liberties under the U.S. Constitution, Arabs in countries overseas still have to fight for certain rights. Students can learn more about their causes and activism with articles on topics like how:
Saudi Arabia finally allowed women to drive.
Palestinian teacher Hanan al-Hroub won the Global Teacher Prize for creating a peaceful education setting amid the country’s turmoil.
Lebanon’s graffiti artists and rappers use art to engage youth in discussions about political turmoil in the Middle East.
Explore the origins of Islam
Islam is a primary religion in many Arab countries overseas and is practiced by many Arab Americans. Introduce students to the religion’s origins with resources like:
A timeline of Islamic civilization.
An introduction to the prophet Muhammad.
An article on the influence of Islam on world civilization.
Discover the diversity of Arab countries
Many Arab Americans have ancestry or heritage in countries of Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Middle East. Help students learn more about the politics, geography, and culture of these countries with the following activities:
Located across northeastern Africa and southwestern Asia, Egypt is a leader in the Arab world’s cultural scene. Students can learn more about its population and their interests with articles on topics like how:
Women’s flag football has become a popular sport in Cairo.
The discovery of a massive statue of one of the country’s former rulers may lead to more archaeological finds.
A ballet school in Minya is combining dance and Islamic culture.
Located in the Middle East on most of the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia is known for its Islamic Holy Sites and natural resource production. Students can learn more about the people of this country by reading articles on topics like:
How more Saudi Women are taking jobs outside the home, even in a strict Muslim culture.
The ways Saudi men helped further women’s campaign to drive.
How and why Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca to affirm their faith.
Located on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE is known for its iconic landmarks and tourism culture. Students can learn what it may be like to visit this country by exploring articles on topics like:
How the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum showcases art from different cultures, religions, and eras.
Why Legoland Dubai is such a popular attraction for both residents and tourists.
Why the Islamic State is losing support among young Arabs.
Dive into the history of Mesopotamian civilization
Mesopotamia was a historic West Asian region that now includes present-day Arab countries like Iraq, Syria, and Kuwait. Students can learn more about the area’s history by covering topics like:
Egypt has a rich history from its time of pharaohs to its modern republic, which started in the 1950s. Teach students more about the history of ancient Egypt, specifically on topics like:
[Discover diverse Arab American perspectives in ELA](id-ela)
Students can build background knowledge on Arab American culture, experiences, and activist causes with the following activities and lessons:
See Arab American representation in the U.S.
Arab Americans are making their mark on our shared culture. Students can read more about the ways they’re gaining representation by reading articles on topics like:
Why the federal recognition of Arab American Heritage Month matters.
How the “Dearborn girl” podcast shares stories of Arab and Muslim women in the Dearborn, Michigan community.
The movie “Mosul,” the first Hollywood movie shot entirely in Arabic.
Learn more about the Israel-Hamas War
In October 2023, a war broke out between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group. People of the Arab country of Palestine are caught in the center of the fighting. Some Arab Americans are also affected by the conflict due to having family members in the country or strong feelings about the war and its effects.
Students can learn more about the causes and ongoing turmoil in these countries with the following lesson:
First, have students read an explainer article about the key facts of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Next, share an article about how aid groups have responded to help innocent people caught in the war zones.
Finally, ask students to reflect on what they’ve learned and their feelings. You can make the free writing private or use Newsela Writing to have them complete a short-form summary.
Read Arab American refugee stories
Refugees come to the United States for many different countries for reasons like escaping war or persecuation and improving their living conditions. Students can learn more about the Arab American refugee experience by exploring articles on topics like how:
A Syrian refugee family in Fresno, California is giving back to the community by sharing traditional Arabic breakfasts as part of a fundraising walk.
The Tiyya Foundation is helping refugees from various countries build new communities in the U.S. with soccer programs for children.
Syrian refugee families are adjusting to life in Chicago, Illinois.
Meet Arab American athletes who’ve broken barriers
Arab and Arab American athletes are breaking records and barriers in a variety of sports. Students can explore their achievements through the following lesson:
First have students read about NASCAR’s first Arab American female driver, Toni Breidinger.
Next, have them explore the growing popularity of women’s basketball in Saudi Arabia and what it means for women’s rights off the court.
Finally, have students complete a short-form opinion writing exercise using Newsela Writing to share their thoughts on diversity in sports.
Share books and novels with Arab American themes
Share a list of novels and books written by Arab American authors or that contain relevant themes in Arab American culture for students to explore during independent reading time. Some selections may include:
Newsela’s products go beyond Arab American Heritage Month
We hope these resources make it easier for you to develop relevant, engaging lessons about Arab American history, influence, and achievements in your class. But Newsela’s products have even more great content, interactive activities, and assessment tools that you can use all year long.
If you’re not a Newsela customer yet, sign up for Newsela Lite for free and start your 45-day trial of our premium content to access everything you need to teach about nearly any historical, current event, or student interest topic in your classroom.
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