By Panagis Dionysios Malik Evangelatos
Teaching middle school is already an energetic profession. We spend our days on our feet, talking almost nonstop, solving problems, answering questions, redirecting behavior, and trying to keep thirty adolescents engaged. Add fasting during Ramadan to the mix—no food, no water, and often less sleep—and the school day can feel even more demanding.
After nearly a decade of teaching while fasting, I’ve learned that success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter and conserving your energy. Here are four practical tips that have helped me not only survive the school day but continue to be an effective teacher throughout Ramadan.
1. Increase Student-Led Academic Discourse
This is the single biggest change I make during Ramadan.
Talking all day while fasting is exhausting. By the afternoon, your mouth is dry, your energy is lower, and even giving directions can feel like extra work. Instead of relying on teacher-centered instruction, create more opportunities for students to do the talking.
Think-Pair-Share, Socratic Seminars, collaborative group work, debates, peer teaching, and student presentations allow students to engage deeply with the content while giving you opportunities to facilitate rather than dominate the conversation. Not only does this conserve your voice and energy, but it also encourages higher levels of student engagement and critical thinking.
2. Simplify Your Lesson Delivery
Ramadan is not the time to feel like every lesson needs to be a performance.
Use visual directions, guided notes, short instructional videos, examples on the board, and written procedures whenever possible. Keep your direct instruction concise and intentional. Students often learn just as well when they are actively doing rather than listening.
By reducing unnecessary teacher talk, you’ll finish the day with much more energy.
3. Conserve Your Energy During Every Break
When you’re fasting, every bit of energy matters.
Instead of filling every prep period or lunch break with emails, grading, or meetings, give yourself permission to recharge whenever possible. Sit quietly, close your classroom door for a few minutes, make dhikr, read Qur’an, or simply enjoy the silence.
Even a brief period of rest can help you reset mentally before teaching your next class.
4. Prepare Before the School Day Begins
Decision fatigue is real, and it’s even more noticeable while fasting.
Whenever possible, prepare your lessons, copies, slides, and materials before arriving at school. Having everything organized reduces stress and prevents unnecessary trips around campus or last-minute scrambling throughout the day.
The fewer decisions you have to make while you’re tired and hungry, the more energy you’ll have for what matters most—your students.
Final Thoughts
Ramadan teaches patience, gratitude, discipline, and reliance on God. While teaching during Ramadan certainly comes with its challenges, it also reminds us to be intentional with our time and energy.
Your classroom doesn’t have to look exactly the same as it does during the rest of the year. Giving students more ownership, simplifying instruction, conserving your energy, and preparing ahead of time aren’t shortcuts—they’re strategies that allow you to continue serving your students while honoring your worship.
May God accept our fasting, grant us strength throughout the school day, and make this Ramadan a source of benefit for both ourselves and our students. Ramadan Mubarak!
Panagis Dionysios Malik Evangelatos 