Ramadan is finally here. The moon has been sighted, and families across Dubai are preparing for a month of prayer, reflection, and togetherness. But if you have young children, you might be wondering how to include them in the spirit of Ramadan without overwhelming them.
At Alif Ya Nursery in Al Barsha, we believe Ramadan is one of the best times to teach children about kindness, gratitude, and community. Through simple activities and gentle routines, even toddlers can feel the beauty of this blessed month.
In this guide, you’ll find easy Ramadan activities for kids that work both at home and in early education settings. Whether your child attends our Arabic preschool in Al Barsha or another nursery in Al Barsha, these ideas will help you create meaningful memories together.
Why Teaching Ramadan Values to Young Children Matters
You might think your toddler is too young to understand Ramadan. But children are much more aware than we give them credit for. They notice when routines change. They feel the energy in the home. They see family members praying and preparing special meals.
This is the perfect age to introduce simple concepts like sharing, patience, and saying thank you. These values form the foundation for everything they’ll learn later about faith and character.
At our Al Barsha nursery, we’ve watched children as young as two years old light up when they learn about Ramadan. They love making decorations, hearing stories, and being part of something bigger than themselves.
Simple Ramadan Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
The best Ramadan activities for kids are the ones that feel natural and fun. You don’t need expensive supplies or complicated plans. Just a little creativity and some quality time together.
Create a Ramadan Countdown Calendar
Children love counting down to special events. Make a simple calendar with 30 pockets or boxes. Each day, your child can open one to find a small treat, a good deed card, or a sticker.
This helps them understand that Ramadan is a whole month, not just one day. It also builds excitement and gives them something to look forward to each morning.
At Alif Ya, our toddler classes in Al Barsha use countdown calendars decorated with moons and stars. Children take turns moving a special marker each day.
Decorate Your Home Together
Let your child help you hang up Ramadan decorations. Paper lanterns, crescent moons, and star garlands are easy to make or buy. When children help decorate, they feel more connected to the celebration.
You can also create a special prayer corner in your home. Add cushions, a prayer mat, and some books. Let your child choose where to place each item. This gives them a sense of ownership and makes the space feel welcoming.
Teach Through Storytelling
Young children learn best through stories. Share simple tales about the Prophet’s kindness, the importance of helping others, or what happens during Ramadan.
Keep the stories short and use pictures or props to hold their attention. After the story, ask your child what they learned or how they can be kind like the characters.
Our play school in Al Barsha uses puppet shows and felt board stories to teach these lessons. Children remember the messages because they’re presented in a way that’s engaging and age-appropriate.
Practice Small Acts of Kindness
Ramadan is all about giving and caring for others. Help your child do one kind act each day. It could be sharing a toy with a sibling, giving a hug to a parent, or helping set the table for iftar.
Write down each act on a piece of paper and put it in a jar. At the end of Ramadan, read through them together. Your child will be amazed at how many good deeds they’ve done.
This activity teaches empathy in a concrete way. Children can see the results of their actions and feel proud of themselves.
Explore Traditional Foods
Food is a big part of Ramadan. Let your child help you prepare simple dishes for iftar. Even toddlers can wash vegetables, stir ingredients, or arrange dates on a plate.
Talk about why we eat dates to break our fast. Explain that the Prophet Muhammad used to do this. When children understand the “why” behind traditions, they feel more connected to them.
At our Al Barsha kindergarten, we organize a mini iftar gathering where children bring traditional foods from their families. They learn that Ramadan looks different in every home, but the spirit of sharing is the same.
Make Ramadan Crafts
Crafts are a wonderful way to keep little hands busy while teaching important lessons. Here are a few ideas:
Paper Lanterns: Use colored paper, glue, and markers to create beautiful lanterns. Hang them around the house or in the child’s room.
Thankful Tree: Draw a tree on a large paper. Each day, add a leaf with something your child is grateful for. By the end of Ramadan, you’ll have a full tree of blessings.
Crescent Moon Mobile: Cut out moon and star shapes and hang them from a coat hanger. Let your child paint or decorate them however they like.
These crafts double as decorations and give children a sense of accomplishment. Plus, they’re great conversation starters when guests visit for iftar.
Learn Simple Duas and Songs
Teach your child a short dua they can say before meals or at bedtime. Keep it simple and repeat it often. Children have amazing memories and will pick it up quickly.
You can also sing Ramadan songs together. Music makes learning fun and helps children remember important messages.
At Alif Ya, our early education in Al Barsha programs include daily circle time where children sing Arabic songs about Ramadan, gratitude, and kindness. They love the rhythm and often sing them at home too.
How Alif Ya Nursery Celebrates Ramadan with Children
At our Al Barsha nursery, Ramadan is more than just a theme. It’s a lived experience that touches every part of our day.
Blessed Friday Traditions
Every Friday, we give special attention to Islamic teachings. Children learn about the importance of Friday, practice wudu under supervision, and join a simple congregational prayer. This helps them understand that prayer is a normal, beautiful part of life.
During Ramadan, we add extra stories and activities on Fridays to deepen their understanding of this special month.
Hag Al Leila Celebration
Hag Al Leila is a beloved UAE tradition that happens mid-Ramadan. Children dress in traditional clothes and go door to door collecting sweets and nuts.
At Alif Ya, we celebrate this tradition with a special event. Children wear kandoras and abayas, sing traditional songs, and receive treats. It’s a joyful way to connect them to Emirati culture.
Daily Ramadan Activities
Throughout the month, our classrooms are filled with Ramadan-themed learning. We set up a Majlis corner in the role-play area where children can practice hospitality. We label everything in Arabic so they’re constantly building vocabulary.
We also organize a charity drive where families can donate food or supplies. Children help sort and pack items, learning that Ramadan is about giving to those who need it.
Parent Involvement
We believe parents are our partners in education. During Ramadan, we send home activity ideas, recipe cards, and conversation starters so families can continue the learning at home.
We also invite parents to share their own Ramadan traditions. This enriches our program and shows children that there are many beautiful ways to celebrate.
Tips for Parents: Making Ramadan Easy with Young Children
Ramadan with toddlers and preschoolers can feel challenging. Routines change, everyone is a bit tired, and you might worry about keeping your child engaged. Here are some tips to make it smoother:
Keep Expectations Realistic
Your child doesn’t need to understand everything about Ramadan right now. Focus on one or two key messages like kindness and gratitude. The rest will come with time.
Maintain Regular Routines
As much as possible, stick to normal meal times, nap schedules, and bedtimes. Young children thrive on routine, and too much change can make them cranky.
If your family eats iftar late, consider giving your child a small snack earlier so they’re not too hungry or overtired.
Include Them in Preparations
Let your child help with small tasks like arranging dates, setting the table, or choosing which lantern to hang. When children feel included, they’re more cooperative and engaged.
Be Patient with Yourself
Some days will go smoothly. Other days, your child might have a meltdown right before iftar. That’s normal. Give yourself grace and remember that you’re teaching important lessons just by showing up and trying.
Why Choosing the Right Nursery in Al Barsha Makes a Difference During Ramadan
If your child attends nursery, you want to know they’re in a place that respects and celebrates Ramadan. Not all nurseries in Dubai give the same attention to Islamic traditions.
At Alif Ya, Ramadan is central to who we are. We’re an Arabic preschool in Al Barsha that was built around language and culture. This means Islamic values aren’t an afterthought. They’re part of our daily rhythm.
Our teachers understand how to make Ramadan meaningful for young children. They know how to explain concepts in simple terms, how to keep activities age-appropriate, and how to create a warm, respectful environment.
Parents often tell us they chose our top nursery in Al Barsha because they wanted their children to grow up proud of their heritage. Ramadan is a big part of that.
Other Alif Ya Branches Celebrating Ramadan Across Dubai
Can’t visit our Al Barsha location? We have three other branches where your child can experience the same Arabic-first approach and Ramadan celebrations.
Our Nad Al Sheba nursery serves families near Meydan with the same quality care and cultural focus. The Al Mizhar 1 branch is perfect for families in Mirdif looking for toddler classes and preschool programs. And our Al Mizhar 4 location offers baby care and early education for the Oud Al Muteena community.
Each branch celebrates Ramadan with the same love, care, and attention to detail. Your child will feel at home no matter which location you choose.
Ramadan Activities That Build Lifelong Values
The activities you do during Ramadan might seem simple. A craft here, a story there, a small act of kindness. But these moments add up.
Children who grow up celebrating Ramadan develop a strong sense of identity. They learn to be kind, patient, and grateful. They feel connected to their community and proud of their faith.
And the best part? You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present. Share meals together. Tell stories. Make memories. That’s what Ramadan is all about.
Join Alif Ya Nursery for a Ramadan Filled with Meaning
At Alif Ya Nursery, we don’t just teach children. We help them fall in love with their language, their culture, and their faith. Ramadan is one of the most beautiful times to see this come to life.
If you’re looking for a nursery in Al Barsha that truly understands the importance of Islamic values and Arabic heritage, we’d love to welcome your family.
Our classrooms are filled with warmth, laughter, and learning. Our teachers care deeply about each child. And our Ramadan celebrations are something your family will remember for years to come.
Book a Tour at Alif Ya Nursery Al Barsha Before Ramadan Ends
Spaces fill up quickly, especially after families see how we celebrate Ramadan. Secure your child’s spot at Dubai’s leading Arabic nursery. Call us at +971 52 125 5721 or visit our Al Barsha branch page to book your tour today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ramadan at Our Al Barsha Nursery
At what age can children start learning about Ramadan?
Children as young as 18 months can begin to understand simple Ramadan concepts through stories, songs, and activities. At our baby care in Al Barsha and toddler programs, we introduce age-appropriate lessons that focus on kindness and sharing.
Do you teach children to fast at your nursery?
No. Young children are not expected to fast. Instead, we teach them about why adults fast and focus on other aspects of Ramadan like giving, praying, and being kind to others.
How do you explain Ramadan to non-Muslim children at your nursery?
We present Ramadan as a time when Muslim families pray, spend time together, and help people in need. We focus on universal values like kindness and gratitude that all children can understand and practice.
What if my child attends your Al Barsha kindergarten but doesn’t celebrate Ramadan at home?
We respect all families and backgrounds. Children who don’t celebrate Ramadan at home are still welcome to join our activities. Many parents appreciate that their children learn about different cultures and traditions in a respectful way.
How can I continue Ramadan learning at home if my child attends your nursery?
We send home activity sheets, recipe ideas, and conversation starters throughout Ramadan. You can also use the simple activities mentioned in this guide. The most important thing is to keep it fun and pressure-free.
Does your Al Barsha Montessori-style approach work with Ramadan activities?
While we’re not a traditional Montessori school, we do use hands-on, child-led learning. This works beautifully with Ramadan activities. Children explore at their own pace, choose activities that interest them, and learn through doing rather than just listening.
Can I visit during Ramadan to see how you celebrate?
Yes! We welcome parent visits year-round. Call us at +971 52 125 5721 to schedule a tour. Seeing our Ramadan setup in person is the best way to understand how we bring this blessed month to life for young children.