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National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans. In 2019, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) issued a congressional resolution for NAAHM to be recognized on a national scale.

"It is my hope as a strong and proud Arab American in Congress that our nation can uplift our contributions in the United States by supporting Arab American Heritage Month," Tlaib, a first-generation American, said about the resolution. "Our history here in the U.S. is rooted in our love for freedom and equality, as well as access to opportunities to help our neighbors thrive, and we see this every day in Michigan. From the agriculture sector to medicine and beyond, we have been at the forefront in building our country without losing our rich culture."

Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL), who is of Lebanese descent, told the House that NAAHM is extremely meaningful for "recogniz[ing] the contributions of the 3.7 million members of my community in the United States. In medicine, law, business, technology, civic engagement, government, and culture, Arab Americans have been, and continue to be, an invaluable part of the mosaic of American life."

Who is considered an Arab American?

Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world's 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage.

The world's 22 Arab nations are Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Yemen.

Terminology

In the U.S., many people conflate "Arab" and "Middle Eastern," but linguistic and geographical factors mean that these terms are not fully interchangeable, according to the Arab American National Museum (AANM). The Middle East includes non-Arabic nations such as Iran, Israel, and Turkey. Similarly, not all Arabic nations are located in what is considered the Middle East - including Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco.

Religion

A common misconception is that all Arab Americans are Muslim. Approximately 25 percent practice Islam, and an estimated 63 to 77 percent are Christian, according to the Arab American Institute.

Language

A 2016 study by the Pew Research Center found that Arabic is the fastest growing language in the U.S. The number of people who speak Arabic at home increased by 29 percent between 2010 and 2014.

Population Size

There are approximately 3.7 million Arab Americans in the U.S.

Immigration

Political instability and war have led to a significant rise in Arab immigration. Since the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the number of Arab American refugees has skyrocketed, with nearly 70,000 moving to the U.S. in 2017, compared with just 26,000 in 2003. President Donald Trump's Muslim travel ban and immigration policies, however, decreased the number of refugees able to find asylum in the U.S. in recent years.

Education

Arab Americans are among the most educated demographic. More than 40 percent have a four-year degree, and 17 percent have a postgraduate degree, according to the website arabamericanstories.org.

Supporting Arab American Students

Arab Americans have long been "left out of the academic discourse, remaining a woefully understudied population for aspiring undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in counseling, psychology, and social work," writes Souzan Naser, an associate professor and counselor at Moraine Valley Community College, in a recent article in Liberal Education.

Naser's research shows that many campus counselors have not been trained to meet this population's unique needs. "Yet many Arab and Muslim students are in desperate need of counselors who understand students' issues within the context of culture, politics, and religion and who will not use Arab American identities against the students," Naser writes. Colleges and universities must understand how anti-Arab sentiment and the rise in xenophobia affects these students if they are to support them.

"Arab American students' lived experiences today are jeopardizing their academic success and emotional well-being. Some are living in a state of hyperarousal - trying to manage racing and unsettling thoughts in anticipation of danger, their minds and bodies on permanent alert," Naser argues. "Others are despondent or in a state of hypoarousal, feeling numb and empty. Students who have had their experiences dismissed, misheard, or judged will feel discouraged about returning to see a counselor."●

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National Arab American Heritage Month | INSIGHT Into Diversity

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National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans. In 2019, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) issued a congressional resolution for NAAHM to be recognized on a national scale.

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Sejal, Mommy, and Pati travel together to the southern tip of India. Along the way, they share meals, visit markets, and catch up with old friends. For Pati, the trip retraces spaces she knows well. For Mommy, it’s a return to the place she grew up. For Sejal, it’s a discovery of new sights and sounds. The family finds their way to Kanyakumari, where three oceans meet, and delight in making it to the end of the earth together.

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It’s the last few days of her vacation in Pakistan, and Amina has loved every minute of it. The food, the shops, the time she’s spent with her family—all of it holds a special place in Amina’s heart. Now that the school year is starting again, she’s sad to leave, but also excited to share the wonders of Pakistan with her friends back in Greendale. After she’s home, though, her friends don’t seem overly interested in her trip. And when she decides to do a presentation on Pakistani hero Malala Yousafzai, her classmates focus on the worst parts of the story. How can Amina share the beauty of Pakistan when no one wants to listen?

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Josef is a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany. With the threat of concentration camps looming, he and his family board a ship bound for the other side of the world. Isabel is a Cuban girl in 1994. With riots and unrest plaguing her country, she and her family set out on a raft, hoping to find safety in the United States. Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015. With his homeland torn apart by war, violence and destruction, he and his family begin a long trek toward Europe. All three kids go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. All will face unimaginable dangers—from drownings to bombings to betrayals. But there is always the hope of tomorrow. And although Josef, Isabel and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections will tie their stories together in the end.

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Behind Sami, the Syrian skyline is full of smoke. The boy follows his family and all his neighbors in a long line, as they trudge through the sands and hills to escape the bombs that have destroyed their homes. But all Sami can think of is his pet pigeons―will they escape too? When they reach a refugee camp and are safe at last, everyone settles into the tent city. But though the children start to play and go to school again, Sami can’t join in. When he is given paper and paint, all he can do is smear his painting with black. He can’t forget his birds and what his family has left behind. One day a canary, a dove, and a rose finch fly into the camp. They flutter around Sami and settle on his outstretched arms. For Sami it is one step in a long healing process at last.

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This is a memoir about growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran’s last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.

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Malala, A Brave Girl from Pakistan, Iqbal, A Brave Boy from Pakistan

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Malala, A Brave Girl from Pakistan, Iqbal, A Brave Boy from Pakistan

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This is the story of two courageous children whose bravery transcended their youth. Iqbal Masih and Malala Yousafzai were both unafraid to speak out: he, against inhumane child slavery in the carpet trade and she, for the right of girls to attend school. Both were shot by those who disagreed with them—he in 1995, she in 2012. Iqbal was killed instantly; Malala miraculously survived and continues to speak out around the world. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for her work.

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Bilal worries about being teased by his classmates for being Muslim. He thinks maybe it would be better if people don't know he is Muslim. Mr. Ali, one of Bilal's teachers and also Muslim, sees how the boy is struggling. He gives Bilal a book about the first person to give the call to prayer during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. What Bilal learns from the book forms the compelling story of a young boy wrestling with his identity.

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The spring festival of Basant is here and the city of Lahore, Pakistan is alive with feasts, parties and kite-flying battles. On this special day, Malik will test his skills with Falcon, the small, powerful kite he has built for speed. This is Malik’s chance to be king of Basant: the best kite fighter. This book is about the traditional sport of kite fighting and a determined boy who masters the sport while finding his own way to face and overcome life’s challenges.

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It's Eid and Aneesa should be happy. But her parents are thousands of miles away for the Hajj pilgrimage. To cheer her up, her grandmother gives her a gift of beautiful clothes, one outfit for each of the three days of Eid. At the prayer hall, Aneesa meets two sisters who are dressed in ill-fitting clothes for the holiday. Aneesa discovers that the girls are refugees. Aneesa can't stop thinking about what Eid must be like for them, and she comes up with a plan to help make it the best Eid holiday ever.

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Capturing the colorful world of Islam, this informative picture book celebrates Islam's beauty and traditions. From a red prayer rug to a blue hijab, everyday colors are given special meaning as readers learn about clothing, food, and other important elements of Islamic culture, with a young Muslim girl as a guide.

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A young boy's journey through Cairo where old cultures and new ways of life co-exist.

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The Golden Sandal: A Middle Eastern Cinderella Story

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The Golden Sandal: A Middle Eastern Cinderella Story

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An Iraqi version of the Cinderella story known in Arabic as "The Red Fish and the Clog of Gold".This is the story of Maha, a fisherman's daughter, and her tribulations with her stepmother and stepsister. Maha finds a small red fish in a basket one day. Releasing it back into the water, she is told that no kindness goes unrewarded. The fish becomes her source of help whenever life becomes too difficult.

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Muslim Child: Understanding Islam Through Stories and Poems

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Muslim Child: Understanding Islam Through Stories and Poems

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Several short stories, poems and readings tell about Muslim children from a variety of backgrounds and places.

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Praised by the Horn Book as “both quiet and exhilarating,” this novel by the acclaimed poet and National Book Award Finalist Naomi Shihab Nye follows Aref Al-Amri as he says goodbye to everything and everyone he loves in his hometown of Muscat, Oman, as his family prepares to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan. This book was awarded a 2015 Middle East Book Award, was named a Notable Book by the American Library Association, and includes extra material by the author.

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Sold into slavery as a child, Shyima is smuggled into the United States with the wealthy family who kidnappped her. This memoir follows Shyima’s journey as she is rescued from abuse and becomes an advocate for rescusing others from human trafficking as an adult.

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This children’s book includes over fifty activities designed to teach children about Arab American heritage. Every chapter focuses on a different Arab American group with plenty of history, individual biographies, and ways to learn more about Arab American culture.

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New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor Book!

A gorgeously written, hopeful middle grade novel in verse about a young girl who must leave Syria to move to the United States, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Aisha Saeed.

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Lesson plans available.

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Virtual Tour Package

The Virtual Tour Package is a full and immersive experience that brings a wholistic picture of AANM to your group. This option gives teachers a full virtual package in which groups will have access to a kit of materials-recorded virtual tour videos, lesson plans, a quiz, activities, resources and much more-to utilize as they see fit. This package has materials that focus on AANM's Core Galleries: Coming To America, Living In America and Making An Impact. With this package, educators/groups can utilize the materials at their leisure.

These interactive and educational digital resources give educators a first-class look into our exhibits and provide a wide range of tools for both the educator and their students, to bring a full, enriching experience to classrooms near and far.
Each virtual tour is a complete experience, including access to:

A guided tour of AANM's three Core Galleries

Pre-Teaching exercises

Interactive, educational and creative activities and lessons for students

Video, audio and literary resources for the classroom

Quiz template and answer key

AANM's digital objects and archive

AANM Lesson Plans, which follow the Michigan Department of Education's K-12 grade level content expectation standards in Social Studies, English & Language Arts and World Languages

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For Educators - Arab American National Museum

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Virtual Tour Package The Virtual Tour Package is a full and immersive experience that brings a wholistic picture of AANM to your group. This option gives teachers a full virtual package in which groups will have access to a kit of materials-recorded virtual tour videos, lesson plans, a quiz, activities, resources and much more-to utilize as they see fit.

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National Arab American Heritage Month

During the month of April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community's rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.

Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017, with just a handful of states recognizing the initiative. Each year, our grass-roots network of over 250 Arab American volunteers in 26 states gathers hundreds of proclamations from their states, counties, municipalities, and local school districts. If you would like to join a state team please contact Dr. Amal David .

The President of the United States recognized the month of April as National Arab American Heritage Month with a special commemorative letter to our organization. In 2022, Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and 45 state governors issued proclamations commemorating the initiative. Additionally, the following states have passed permanent legislation designating the month of April as NAAHM: Illinois; Indiana (Senate). Oregon; Virginia; and
President Joe Biden Issues Historic Proclamation Recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month-April 2023 Letter from President Biden Congratulating Arab America and Arab America Foundation U.S. State Department Issues Statement Proclaiming National Arab American Heritage Month Proclamations Issued for National Arab American Heritage Month in April 2023 (Updated Daily)
In assisting companies and organizations to fulfill their DEI goals, our Educator's Curriculum Kit highlights the history of Arab migration to America, geographic understanding of the Arab world, Arab American diversity in faith and language, interesting customs and traditions, issues affecting our community, and our many achievements in business, politics, education, and more. We also offer DEI Certification with a virtual or in-person workshop for employees. If you have questions about our curriculum kit or are interested in our DEI certification workshop, call 877-272-2944 or email Dr. Amal David.

In April of each year, the Arab America Foundation hosts a national event in Washington DC commemorating National Arab American Heritage Month. The event is attended by members of Congress, state and local leaders, and members of the Arab American community. The event highlights the Arab heritage and culture featuring: arts, cuisine, music, and dance. For sponsorship information regarding future events, contact Warren David.
National Arab American Heritage Month Commemoration Event, Wednesday, April 26, 2023, Washington DC Click Here for Sponsorship and DEI Opportunities Press Release, National Arab American Heritage Month 2023 The Origin of National Arab American Heritage Month: History and Legacy Suggested Corporate DEI Activities and Best Practices for National Arab American Heritage Month Recognition of National Arab American Heritage Month Goes Mainstream!
Past Events
National Arab American Heritage Month Event, April 2022 National Arab American Heritage Month Event, April 2021 National Arab American Heritage Month Event, April 2020 National Arab American Heritage Month Event, April 2019 National Arab American Heritage Month Event, April 2018 National Arab American Heritage Month Event, April 2017
Educational Resources
NAAHM 2023 Educator's Curriculum Kit Download National Arab American Heritage Month 2023 Logo Download National Arab American Heritage Month Banner Click Here for Sponsorship and DEI Opportunities
Proclamation Resources
2023 Arab American Heritage Month Proclamation Kit 2023 Arab American Heritage Month Legislative Kit

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National Arab American Heritage Month - Arab America Foundation %

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During the month of April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community's rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.

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Arab American Stories is a 13-part series presented by Detroit Public Television that explores the diversity of the Arab-American experience. Hosted by NPR’s Neda Ulaby, each half-hour features three short, character-driven documentaries that profile Arab Americans making an impact in their community, their profession, their family, or the world at large.

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FOR EDUCATOR S
Resources

Arab American Stories
Curriculum Guide

Arab American Stories is a 13-part series presented by Detroit Public Television that explores the diversity of the Arab-American experience. Hosted by NPR's Neda Ulaby, each half-hour features three short, character-driven documentaries that profile Arab Americans making an impact in their community, their profession, their family, or the world at large.

Arab American Stories highlights the diversity within the Arab American community. The series showcases the lives of 39 different Arab Americans from around the country. The stories in the documentary are notably devoid of political or other rhetoric, filled instead with engaging stories of Arab Americans across the country who have made contributions in art, science, and business and many other areas of society. Many of these stories work on multiple levels, and will have as much relevance to students interested in subjects such as art, science, entrepreneurship, law, and other fields as well as those interested in immigrant stories and understanding more about the Arab American experience.

The accompanying viewing guides and lesson plans have been created to assist educators in positioning the episodes as part of lessons across multiple disciplines. All lessons have been aligned to the new Common Core standards. Like the series, the lessons cover a broad range of topics and help students explore the characters and concepts presented in the episodes further. Students are also challenged throughout the lessons to think about community, culture, identity, and the American experience as seen through the 39 Arab American stories.
Lessons and episodes cover a wide variety of education objectives and subjects. The series should not be viewed solely as a history or social studies resource. Teachers will find concepts and objectives across the education spectrum, including:

Math (with strong geometry, calculus and real-world math applications presented)

Science (with emphasis on physics and the science in industry in invention)

Careers (with a broad spectrum of career choices, paths and options presented)

Literature (with opportunities to hear from authors)

History and Social Studies (with themes of culture, identity, immigration, Arab-American relations and Arab-World history)

Art & Music (with opportunities to see and hear from a wide variety of working artists and musicians)

The lessons have been designed with an interdisciplinary approach meant to engage students in dialogue. Each lesson contains:

An overview of the episode

Preview questions

Vocabulary (words are from the episodes and definitions are based on the context in which the word was used in the episode)

A journal/writing prompt

Post-viewing discussion questions

Lesson activities

Web resources

Common Core alignments

Best practice for use of media in the classroom:

Supports instruction

Is part of a lesson, not the lesson itself (a short segment under 15 minutes is best)

Is directly connected to the lesson and meets key learning objectives

Includes pre and post viewing discussion

Engages students and allows for students to interact with concepts presented through activities

Through the people they meet in each video, students will be given real-life context to the concepts that are presented in the lessons. The people they meet in the stories bring these abstract issues and problems to life. Students will be challenged to:

Research and investigate issues further

Analyze issues and concepts presented

Demonstrate understanding through creating projects and presentations

Understand concepts and issues from a local, national and global perspective

All lessons are designed for grades 9-12 and are aligned to the new Common Core standards. Activities are designed from the Common Core emphasis on analysis, understanding and demonstration of understanding.

Arab American Stories is also available to stream in classrooms around the country through Safari Montage.

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Arab American Stories Curriculum Guide Arab American Stories is a 13-part series presented by Detroit Public Television that explores the diversity of the Arab-American experience. Hosted by NPR's Neda Ulaby, each half-hour features three short, character-driven documentaries that profile Arab Americans making an impact in their community, their profession, their family, or the world at large.

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Steve Jobs is one of the most well-known men in modern history. He was the co-founder of the Apple Computers. If you have used an iPhone, iPad, an Apple computer or any other Apple product, you have Steve Jobs to thank. He was the son of a young Syrian man and soon after his birth was adopted by Clara and Paul Jobs. He learned about electronics working with his father on projects in his garage as a boy. He met his Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak when he was in high school and after an extremely short college career, he and Wozniak founded Apple in 1976. Steve Jobs was 21. In 1980 After several years as a privately owned company, the pair allowed the public to buy shares in the company and on day 1 it was worth $1.2 Billion! Steve was also the owner of Pixar Animation Studio famous for the movies Toy Story, Finding Nemo and The Incredibles. The company merged with Disney and he became the largest shareholder in Disney.

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Donna Shalala is most for being the for being the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton from 1993-2001. She is the longest holder of the position in history and was the first Lebanese-American to hold a Presidential Cabinet position. Donna was an early member of the Peace Corps,serving in Iran from 1962-1964. She was a professor of political science and education for several years before becoming  President of Hunter College in 1980. She later became the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, becoming the first woman to lead a Big Ten School. As Secretary of Health and Human Services Shalala ensured over 3 million children received health care and raised the childhood immunization rates to the highest in history. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor from President George W. Bush, in 2008. She has served as the President of Miami University and is currently the president of the Clinton Foundation.

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Paula Abdul is of Syrian descent and has a long career in the entertainment industry. Paula is a dancer, singer, choreographer and television personality. She was born in San Fernando, California and was an exceptional student during high school. She went on to attend California State University and during her freshman year she became a dancer for the Lakers basketball team. She left college to pursue dancing and soon was hired as Assistant Dance Director by the Jackson 5 for their Victory tour and this was soon followed by choreographing for many famous acts including Janet Jackson, Duran Duran, and George Michael. Later, she became a singer releasing 3 albums selling over 30 million records and winning a Grammy Award. She served as a judge on American Idol for eight seasons.

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Tony Shalhoub is a Lebanese American Actor. He is the winner of a Golden Globe for Best Actor in Television Series (Musical or Comedy), 2 Screen Actor Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series and a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He was born in Wisconsin, one of ten children. He studied Drama in college at The University of Wisconsin and earned a Masters degree from the Yale School of Drama. During his career he has been an actor on Broadway and has been nominated for several Tony Awards. He is famously known for his starring role on the television series Monk. In 2005, he established the Arab-American Filmmaker Competition in conjunction with the Network of Arab-American Professionals and Zoom In-Focus Productions. Tony has played featured roles in many movies including Spy Kids, voiced Luigi in Cars and Cars II, and Splinter in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:Out of the Shadows.

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April is National Arab American Heritage Month. This month celebrates the history, culture and people that have been adding to the landscape of the United States for years. It is especially important considering the current climate in our country and hopefully a month of recognizing contributions of Arab Americans will help recognize the importance of them to America. This unit includes famous Arab Americans in entertainment and technology. In addition there is a comprehensive quiz, a word search and crossword puzzle focused on Arab American Heritage.

National Arab American Heritage Month for Kids

Steve Jobs is one of the most well-known men in modern history. He was the co-founder of the Apple Computers. If you have used an iPhone, iPad, an Apple computer or any other Apple product, you have Steve Jobs to thank. He was the son of a young Syrian man and soon after his birth was adopted by Clara and Paul Jobs. He learned about electronics working with his father on projects in his garage as a boy. He met his Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak when he was in high school and after an extremely short college career, he and Wozniak founded Apple in 1976. Steve Jobs was 21. In 1980 After several years as a privately owned company, the pair allowed the public to buy shares in the company and on day 1 it was worth $1.2 Billion! Steve was also the owner of Pixar Animation Studio famous for the movies Toy Story, Finding Nemo and The Incredibles. The company merged with Disney and he became the largest shareholder in Disney.

Donna Shalala is most for being the for being the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton from 1993-2001. She is the longest holder of the position in history and was the first Lebanese-American to hold a Presidential Cabinet position. Donna was an early member of the Peace Corps,serving in Iran from 1962-1964. She was a professor of political science and education for several years before becomingPresident of Hunter College in 1980. She later became the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, becoming the first woman to lead a Big Ten School. As Secretary of Health and Human Services Shalala ensured over 3 million children received health care and raised the childhood immunization rates to the highest in history. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor from President George W. Bush, in 2008. She has served as the President of Miami University and is currently the president of the Clinton Foundation.

Paula Abdul is of Syrian descent and has a long career in the entertainment industry. Paula is a dancer, singer, choreographer and television personality. She was born in San Fernando, California and was an exceptional student during high school. She went on to attend California State University and during her freshman year she became a dancer for the Lakers basketball team. She left college to pursue dancing and soon was hired as Assistant Dance Director by the Jackson 5 for their Victory tour and this was soon followed by choreographing for many famous acts including Janet Jackson, Duran Duran, and George Michael. Later, she became a singer releasing 3 albums selling over 30 million records and winning a Grammy Award. She served as a judge on American Idol for eight seasons.

Tony Shalhoub is a Lebanese American Actor. He is the winner of a Golden Globe for Best Actor in Television Series (Musical or Comedy), 2 Screen Actor Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series and a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He was born in Wisconsin, one of ten children. He studied Drama in college at The University of Wisconsin and earned a Masters degree from the Yale School of Drama. During his career he has been an actor on Broadway and has been nominated for several Tony Awards. He is famously known for his starring role on the television series Monk. In 2005, he established the Arab-American Filmmaker Competition in conjunction with the Network of Arab-American Professionals and Zoom In-Focus Productions. Tony has played featured roles in many movies including Spy Kids, voiced Luigi in Cars and Cars II, and Splinter in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:Out of the Shadows.

Vocabulary Words - There are some challenging vocabulary words related to the famous Arab Americans that are highlighted in this unit. A quiz and word search using these words will help children retain these words:

Using a world map or globe, have the children identify the parts of the world that are considered the Arab Nations. Using the map/globe, have the children locate the 22 countries that are Arab:

Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Bring out the crayons, pencils, and construction paper! The flags of the Arab nations are gorgeous! Have each child recreate one (or more) national flag that they are attracted too. Have them learn one or two facts about the country and share it with the class.

Steve Jobs was one of the innovators who made personal computers available to everyone. Have a discussion about how the students lives would be different without access to computers - smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops.

Computers operate by utilizing code that makes them run and do tasks that we direct them to do. Have each child explore coding by visiting websites/apps that are designed to introduce children to programing. Some examples include , and .

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National Arab American Heritage Month for Kids | Woo! Jr. Kids Activities

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April is National Arab American Heritage Month. This month celebrates the history, culture and people that have been adding to the landscape of the United States for years. It is especially important considering the current climate in our country and hopefully a month of recognizing contributions of Arab Americans will help recognize the importance of them to America.

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April is Arab American Heritage Month. Explore these free preK-12 lessons, activities and resources on Share My Lesson.

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April is Arab American Heritage Month. Explore these free preK-12 lessons, activities and resources on Share My Lesson.

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Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month

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During April, we uplift Arab American Heritage Month. These resources will help educators celebrate Arab identity, counter negative stereotypes, teach about Arab history and cultures, and ensure an inclusive environment that supports Arab American students this month and throughout the year.

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Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month

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During April, we uplift Arab American Heritage Month. These resources will help educators celebrate Arab identity, counter negative stereotypes, teach about Arab history and cultures, and ensure an inclusive environment that supports Arab American students this month and throughout the year.

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Eid! The short, single syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift giving and the holiday parties, or carnival rides to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy.

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Two girls forge a forever-friendship by learning each other’s language. The Day Saida Arrived demonstrates the power of language to build bonds beyond borders.

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The Little Black Fish may be small, but he has big questions about the world and is determined to find the answers to them. Whilst all the other fish in the pond just follow each other around, too scared to do anything different, Little Black Fish swims over the edge of the pool, into the stream towards the river and on to the sea. On his adventure Little Black Fish sees many wondrous and beautiful things, encounters danger lurking around every corner and is finally faced with his ultimate challenge...

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The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq

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The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq

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Alia Muhammad Baker’s library in Basra, Iraq, has been a meeting place for those who love books for the past fourteen years. Now war has come, and Alia fears that the library—along with the thirty thousand books within it—will be destroyed forever.

In this incredible true story of a war-stricken country where civilians seem powerless in the face of battle, this feminist and inspirational tale about a librarian’s struggle to save her community’s priceless collection of books reminds us how, throughout the world, the love of literature can unite us all.

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Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood

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Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood

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In this groundbreaking memoir set in Ramallah during the aftermath of the 1967 Six-Day War, Ibtisam Barakat captures what it is like to be a child whose world is shattered by war. With candor and courage, she stitches together memories of her childhood: fear and confusion as bombs explode near her home and she is separated from her family; the harshness of life in the Middle East as a Palestinian refugee; her unexpected joy when she discovers Alef, the first letter of the Arabic alphabet. This is the beginning of her passionate connection to words, and as language becomes her refuge, allowing her to piece together the fragments of her world, it becomes her true home.

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Amid the turmoil of modern Damascus, one teenage boy finds his political voice in a message of rebellion that echoes throughout Syria and as far away as Western Europe. Inspired by his dearest friend, old Uncle Salim, he begins a journal to record his thoughts and impressions of family, friends, life at school, and his growing feelings for his girlfriend, Nadia. Soon the hidden diary becomes more than just a way to remember his daily adventures; on its pages he explores his frustration with the government injustices he witnesses. His courage and ingenuity finally find an outlet when he and his friends begin a subversive underground newspaper. Warmed by a fine sense of humor, this novel is at once a moving love story and a passionate testimony to the difficult and committed actions being taken by young people around the world.

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For High School-How Does It Feel to Be A Problem

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For High School-How Does It Feel to Be A Problem

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Addresses the lives of Arab Americans in the United States in a post 9/11 world.

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When sixteen-year-old Amal decides to wear the hijab full-time, her entire world changes, all because of a piece of cloth...

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Figs and Fate: Stories about Growing Up in the Arab World Today

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Figs and Fate: Stories about Growing Up in the Arab World Today

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A collection of five stories portraying Arab life in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, and Iraq today.

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As part of our free loan program, individuals, educational institutions, community groups, and nonprofit television stations throughout the U.S. can borrow teaching packets and DVDs. You can also access dozens of lessons, activities, and interactives on our website.

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Supporting Arab American Students in the Classroom

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Supporting Arab American Students in the Classroom

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Supporting Arab American Students in Classroom

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Presently Invisible: The Arab Plight in American Classrooms

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Presently Invisible: The Arab Plight in American Classrooms

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Don't Erase Me: The Modern Arab American

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Don't Erase Me: The Modern Arab American

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Don't Erase Me: The Modern Arab American | Jeremiah Stinnett | TEDxOhioStateUniversity