Taking the plunge into homeschooling your children for some reason seems frightening and you still haven’t been able to bring yourself to make that move to get started because you are afraid to homeschool. There is always a certain amount of risk in anything we do in this life, and homeschooling is no different. Being successful in homeschooling means coming face to face with your biggest fears. However, there are ways you can stop these worries from holding you back from what you know is right. Don’t let fear stop you from homeschooling your children.
In Episode 84 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share three practices you can do to manage your fear around homeschooling!
Remember your intention. Remind yourself why you chose to home-educate your children and why you believe it’s the right thing to do.
Ask yourself,” What is the worst thing that could happen?” and “How likely is that?” Reframe your decision to homeschool as a commitment for the next year or two.
You don’t need to rely upon yourself, only upon Allah.
Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
I teach you how to choose the right subjects for your homeschool, how to choose the right resources and plan out your year to create a homeschool experience that aligns with the values and beliefs of your family. Whether you are homeschooling in the UK, or elsewhere in the world, this programme will help you give your children an incredible education at home.
I show you the essential teaching techniques that you’ll need to know to get started. There’s even an entire module on how to manage your time so you can still cook, keep the house tidy and take care of yourself, all whilst homeschooling your children!
Perhaps you’re just thinking about how to start homeschooling. Maybe you’re in your first year or so and are still figuring out the ropes. It’s really easy these days to get overwhelmed with everything you have to know about homeschooling successfully.
In Episode 83 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share 3 essential truths on how to start your homeschool year strong!
Three Homeschooling Truths
You don’t need to do it all. You don’t need to do all the subjects, all the curriculum, all the things!
There is no rush. Instead of racing ahead, focus on making consistent progress with your child.
You will not regret this time that you spend with your children. The only thing you might regret is all the time and energy you wasted worrying. You are enough. You were made for this moment.
Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
I teach you how to choose the right subjects for your homeschool, how to choose the right resources, and plan out your year to create a homeschool experience that aligns with the values and beliefs of your family. Whether you are homeschooling in the UK, or elsewhere in the world, this programme will help you give your children an incredible education at home.
I show you the essential teaching techniques that you’ll need to know to get started. There’s even an entire module on how to manage your time so you can still cook, keep the house tidy and take care of yourself, all whilst homeschooling your children!
Homeschooling has so many benefits! But despite this, homeschool stress occurs in even the most ideal situations! Balancing home and education has its own unique variety of pitfalls. Yes, it’s completely normal to feel stressed, uncertain and overwhelmed sometimes. But is it possible to eliminate homeschool stress and it’s impact on our children? Let’s talk about it!
In Episode 81 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how to deal with homeschool stress.
“Salam sister I have a bad habit of overthinking and then getting stressed about almost anything and this is reflecting now on my children as they are being homeschooled and are all the time with me. I have tried very hard to be a good mom set routines trying hard to teach them up to their level and keeping the house clean but my stress levels are always high, I get panicky and angry and I keep telling myself if your children were at school they won’t have to witness me being like this. I love your podcast that’s the only thing that keep me going right now! Lots of love”
Listen to my answer by clicking the play button above!
Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
I teach you how to craft a curriculum for your homeschool, how to choose the right resources, and plan out your year to create a homeschool experience that aligns with the values and beliefs of your family. Whether you are homeschooling in the UK, or elsewhere in the world, this programme will help you give your children an incredible education at home.
I show you the essential teaching techniques that you’ll need to know to get started. There’s even an entire module on how to manage your time so you can still cook, keep the house tidy and take care of yourself, all whilst homeschooling your children!
Education is compulsory but school is not. Under the 1996 Education Act, parents have a responsibility to provide their children with a suitable education whether at school or otherwise. School does not suit all children or lifestyles. Parents choose home education for a number of reasons, the topmost of which is the desire to give their children a quality, individualised education that will equip them for their adult life in an ever-faster-changing world. This may all change. Parliament is currently debating a proposal for a new education bill. The New Schools Bill will also impose new requirements on Home educating parents. So how will this change your life and why should you be concerned?
In Episode 81 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share why home educators should be concerned about the New Schools Bill.
The changes in the Schools Bill impact England, but not currently Wales and Scotland.
Local authorities must have a register of all children not in school. Every local authority is different and without strict guidelines, there is a risk that LAs will abuse their new powers.
Parents can be fined up to £1000-£2500 for failing to comply with new regulations
Local authorities must now provide support to home educators but no specifics have been given on what this will look like.
Instead of protecting home educators, these changes treat us as a problem that needs to be controlled. Many are concerned about what this will lead to.
No specifics are given on what information will be collected to assess if a “suitable education” is being provided by parents.
The Bill and amendments are currently being discussed in the House of Lords throughout June. Petitions against the Schools Bill by home educators are available to sign nationwide. The easiest way to find it is by searching onFacebook for the New Schools Bill and your consistency name.
Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
I teach you how to craft a curriculum for your homeschool, how to choose the right resources, and plan out your year to create a homeschool experience that aligns with the values and beliefs of your family. Whether you are homeschooling in the UK, or elsewhere in the world, this programme will help you give your children an incredible education at home.
I show you the essential teaching techniques that you’ll need to know to get started. There’s even an entire module on how to manage your time so you can still cook, keep the house tidy and take care of yourself, all whilst homeschooling your children!
One of the bonus points of a homeschool life is being able to go on field trips during term time when it’s quiet! But what are you supposed to do on a homeschool history trip?
Do you have to take all your books with you?
Do your children have to complete a project?
Do you have to collect “evidence” to prove your visit?
This blog post offers advice for each age group when attending a homeschool history field trip.
Why are homeschool history trips important?
The first piece of advice is the most important – you don’t HAVE to do anything! If all you and your children do is attend a field trip, explore your surroundings, and have a great day, then class that as a successful field trip!
However, as homeschool mothers, we carry a heavy pressure to squeeze every learning opportunity as much as possible. So, how can you make the most of a homeschool history trip?
First, understand why a homeschool history trip is important. The Charlotte Mason philosophy encourages our children to build relationships with the topics they are studying. What better way to build a relationship with the knights of medieval times than exploring the ruins of their once-glorious castle? How better to understand the struggles of Victorian life than to trail through the London dungeons?
By exploring history through trips as well books, children benefit from seeing their studies come to life. It allows them to experience the information first hand!
What should you do before a homeschool history trip?
How do you prepare for a homeschool history trip? This part can create an overwhelming to-do list, if you’re not careful. So, it’s important to remember that we cannot possibly teach our children every single piece of information available. The aim of our homeschool is to create a lifelong love of learning and an appreciation of the journey. We need to spark our children’s interest.
So, before a homeschool history field trip, that is your only goal – spark their interest. Teach them just enough to create a buzz of excitement about your upcoming trip.
Read impressive battle stories from Arthurian legend before visiting a castle.
Discuss the struggles of Abdullah Quilliam before he established the UK’s first mosque.
Try a day living like Tudors before visiting the Tudor houses and museums.
By creating this sense of wonder in your children, you are prepping them to make way for any new experiences the field trip has to offer.
For your older children, encourage them to think about other things they would like to know. If they have their own set of questions they want answering during the trip, they are taking charge of their own learning and being responsible for the satisfaction of having their questions answered.
Maybe they can research the field trip destination beforehand, and they can be the tour guide. Allow them to research what is available, and they can oversee where you go and what you do on the day.
Homeschool History: Level 1 (Under 7s)
If following a Charlotte Mason philosophy, you’ll know the “requirements” for under 7s are minimal. The focus should be on being outside as much as possible, maybe a little arithmetic, and plenty of snuggles with living books!
But this is when a field trip comes in handy. A child under 7 can enjoy a homeschool history trip for exactly what it is – an adventure and a chance for more exploration!
Encourage your child to collect souvenirs, and I don’t mean the expensive ones from the gift shops! Maybe your child finds an interestingly shaped rock or a flower? Maybe they find it thrilling to follow a map of your location in a brochure!
Tip: Remember anything collected can either be sketched or stuck into their Book of Centuries to commemorate their historical trip through time!
To find out more about How to Use a Book of Centuries – CLICK HERE
The idea for this age group is to keep stoking the fire of curiosity and wonder. Children under 7 have a natural inclination to explore and ask questions. Your only job is to not get in the way!
When travelling home, or even the following day, ask your child to orally narrate what they did on their trip. Let them tell you what they understood and the connections they made.
Homeschool History: Level 2 (Ages 7-11)
Once your child hits this age bracket, the intensity of work steps up a little bit.
Please note: this is by no means a hard and fast rule for this age group. Judge your child’s ability based on their progress rather than their age. If your child is still at the freestyle-exploration stage, leave them there! Often, they’ll show YOU signs they are ready to upgrade their learning.
So, what can a child do on their history trip? If their trip includes a destination linked to a current area of study, your child probably already has some questions they need answering. Find out beforehand what they will have access to on your trip and help them come up with a list of questions they’d like answering.
Another hands-on idea for your child is for them to document their trip – whether a video or photo diary, keeping a written journal, or even just collecting memorabilia for a scrapbook!
Tip: Take your Book of Centuries with you! You will probably come across lots of new information and dates on your trip. Let your child check this information against things they have already recorded in their Book of Centuries! [Purchase yours here UKUSA ]
Homeschool History: Level 3 (Ages 12+)
Now is when we must get serious… right? Well, not necessarily! Once your child hits this age range, a lot of his/her studies may start to take a “serious” turn. Whether you’re thinking about secondary school or GCSEs, children will notice the expectations for their work are increasing.
A history trip is not that time. See your history trip as a blessing and a chance for your pre/teen to get back to enjoying learning and seeing what they can soak up without an official plan. Children absorb a lot more information when they don’t think they HAVE to!
However, if you or your child are eager for more, set a history trip as part of a greater research project.
They don’t just have to visit Stonehenge; they are researching the impact of religion and spirituality in pre-historic Britain!
They’re not just visiting Gettysburg National Military Park; they are creating their own timeline and map of the civil war.
They’re not just visiting Titanic Belfast; they are putting together an engineering report of the safety requirements for a cruise ship.
They’re not just visiting Mesa Verde National Park; they are researching the Native American contribution to civilisation.
Helping your child build connections with what they are seeing on their trip with other areas of study is a guaranteed way to embrace the Charlotte Mason mentality during their older years. Education is a study of relationships, and a history trip is a fantastic way for older children to appreciate how their different areas of study are interconnected.
Once you get home
The days after a homeschool trip are a great time to soak in what you have all experienced and learnt. Whether you have an informal discussion or even go as far as to put on a presentation for family members! Find a way to recap or narrate your experiences and spend time with what you have learnt before moving on to the next topic. And that means you too! Join in with the children and show them that learning truly is a lifelong pursuit.
Keep focused
As you can see, there is no right or wrong way to go on a homeschool history trip. But what is important is that you remember your focus as a Charlotte Mason homeschool:
Discuss how topics are related.
Facilitate your child building their own relationship with their topic.
Remind them of the disciplines and habits required when out of the house.
Narrate back what they have learnt in a range of creative ways.
What do you do on your homeschool history trips? Leave a comment with your history trip recommendations!
[Don’t forget to order your Book of Centuries here UKUSA .]
Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
I teach you how to craft a curriculum for your homeschool, how to choose the right resources, and plan out your year to create a homeschool experience that aligns with the values and beliefs of your family. Whether you are homeschooling in the UK, or elsewhere in the world, this programme will help you give your children an incredible education at home.
I show you the essential teaching techniques that you’ll need to know to get started. There’s even an entire module on how to manage your time so you can still cook, keep the house tidy and take care of yourself, all whilst homeschooling your children!
Are you running out of ideas, or have a lack of ideas to begin or challenge your young students? Let us help, we share our favourite homeschooling resources of the year from our Muslim homeschool!
In Episode 80 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share our favourite homeschool resources of the year!
If you would like to see the resources I mention in this homeschooling podcast episode…
Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
I teach you how to choose the right subjects for your homeschool, how to choose the right resources and plan out your year to create a homeschool experience that aligns with the values and beliefs of your family. Whether you are homeschooling in the UK, or elsewhere in the world, this programme will help you give your children an incredible education at home.
I show you the essential teaching techniques that you’ll need to know to get started. There’s even an entire module on how to manage your time so you can still cook, keep the house tidy and take care of yourself, all whilst homeschooling your children!
Sometimes we get in a rut in our homeschools and do not make the changes that are necessary for our children to succeed. It takes courage to make big changes in your homeschool – and generally when you have a nagging feeling that something isn’t right it’s time to make a change. In our Homeschool podcast, you’ll learn how to navigate change in your home by placing yourself at the helm of your homeschool, whilst also trusting in Allah and your instincts.
(Affiliate Links may be included. See Disclaimer for more information.)
In Episode 79 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how we can manage to navigate change in our homeschool and positively move through transitional phases.
This Homeschool Podcast episode discusses:
Embrace the emotions you and your children feel during these periods of transition. Do not feel shame or guilt for a feeling.
According to the author William Bridges, there are three stages to managing a transition: 1. Letting go, 2. Uncertainty 3. Acceptance
Change is a time when we “remember”. Imam Al-Hadad says that remembrance is, “the pillar of the Path, the key to realization, the weapon of the seekers, and the unfolding of sainthood.” – The Book of Assistance.
Trust that whilst you may not understand it, or want it, Allah has a plan. Don’t hold your plans too tightly. This is not the end, but a new beginning.
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allah the Almighty said: I am as My servant thinks I am” (Hadith Qudsi 15) Related by al-Buhkari (also by Muslim, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn-Majah).
Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
I teach you how to craft a curriculum for your homeschool, how to choose the right resources, and plan out your year to create a homeschool experience that aligns with the values and beliefs of your family. Whether you are homeschooling in the UK, or elsewhere in the world, this programme will help you give your children an incredible education at home.
I show you the essential teaching techniques that you’ll need to know to get started. There’s even an entire module on how to manage your time so you can still cook, keep the house tidy and take care of yourself, all whilst homeschooling your children!
Homeschooling brings its own set of unique challenges. But when life hits you hard, homeschooling is even tougher. When you are having one of those days when everything seems to be falling apart, it’s easy to let the rest of the day go in a downward spiral, some days it’s hard to maintain a sense of hope and gratitude and get back on track to homeschooling better.
In Episode 78 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how to homeschool better when having a difficult day.
Key Points:
There are times when making something other than homeschooling a priority, is the right thing to do.
And there are times when it’s not!
To determine if you need to take a break, look at your reasons. Do you like them?
Resources Mentioned
Hadith on Waking Up: Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “During your sleep, Satan ties three knots at the back of the head of each one of you, and he seals each knot with the following words: ‘The night is long, so keep on sleeping.’ When that person wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone; when he makes ablution the second knot is undone; and when he prays, all his knots are undone, and he gets up in the morning active and in good spirits, otherwise he gets up in bad spirits and sluggish.” [Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
I teach you how to craft a curriculum for your homeschool, how to choose the right resources, and plan out your year. Create a homeschool experience that aligns with your values and beliefs! Whether you are homeschooling in the UK, or anywhere else in the world, this programme will help you to give your children an incredible education at home!
I show you the essential teaching techniques that you’ll need to know to get started. There’s even an entire module on how to manage your time so you can still cook, keep the house tidy and take care of yourself, all whilst homeschooling your children!
One of the main benefits of homeschooling our children is the freedom to teach the subjects we feel are important. One of those subjects is the history of Islam. We want our children to not only learn about their Islamic history but to feel connected to it. A Charlotte Mason education is focused on building connections and relationships with the things our children are learning. Visiting historically significant sites is a key way to bring history alive.
By educating our children at home, we don’t have to abide by the school timings. We can use our days to take our homeschool on the road and explore history in the real world.
History of Islam in Your Homeschool
As Muslim parents we feel pressure to push our children towards Islamic studies like Qur’an and Islamic history. However, like with most subjects under the Charlotte Mason philosophy, our children need to be engaged. We have to spark their interest and ignite their passion for the subject. To do this, sometimes books, crafts and games are enough. But if you have the chance to bring your lesson to life in the big wide world, you should take it.
Tip: Don’t forget to take your Book of Centuries with you and fill it with all the new dates and people you learn about!
The Charlotte Mason philosophy encourages us to nurture relationships with the material and with each other. It encourages us to build connections and appreciate the knowledge we gain. What better way to do that than to take your children on a fun field trip? Field trips allow children to experience history for themselves and create valuable memories.
Does Islam have history in the UK?
When we think about the history of Islam, our mind very rarely considers the British Isles. However, the UK has some of the richest Islamic history in the Western world. Knowing we have such easy access to our own history on this island is exciting – and one way to transfer that excitement to our children is to help them experience it for themselves. Here are some fantastic history trips around the UK to enrich your lessons on the history of Islam.
The Cambridge Central mosque boasts stunning architecture of both English and Islamic influences. By growing up in the West, your children will feel connected to this combination of cultures. This mosque focuses on connecting the human experience with the natural world. So the building goes beyond stone and marble and integrates nature throughout its design. It’s surrounding Islamic gardens will be a joy for any nature study enthusiasts following the Charlotte Mason philosophy. Children will see the importance of nature in a spiritual sense when exploring the beautiful gardens.
Image credit :cambridgecentralmosque.org
You can visit this mosque as a family or book a guided tour through the grounds and gardens. The mosque even has an interactive exhibition open daily. This exhibition explores the scientific influences in the history of Islam from the 9th to 16th centuries.
However, Cambridge Central mosque does not just highlight the history of Islamic civilisation and architecture. It is carving its name in modern history by being one of the first Islamic establishments to embrace an eco-friendly and sustainable existence.
Activity Idea: Take your nature journals! Observe the beautiful gardens and select your favourite parts to sketch and colour in your journal.
You cannot discuss the history of Islam in the UK without mentioning the very first UK mosque. Founded in 1887 by Abdullah Quilliam, a Victorian English convert, this mosque boasts an impressive history. Children will love learning about his life and the trials he went through when establishing this mosque.
Image credit :abdullahquilliam.org
Please note: as of the time of writing, the Abdullah Quilliam society is currently working on restoring and expanding the mosque. It is currently open for prayer times, but please check ahead before you travel there.
Activity Idea: Life in Victorian England had its challenges for Muslims. Setting up the first mosque couldn’t have been an easy task. Learn what you can about the trials and triumphs of Abdullah Quilliam. Keep it fun and have your child orally narrate what they learnt on the way home.
The Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic world at the British Museum
The British Museum in London has a spectacular collection of galleries covering a wide range of historical periods. Interestingly, the museum has two rooms dedicated to the history of Islam. The display is called The Albukhary Foundation Gallery.
Image credit: islamicworld.britishmuseum.org
While the website contains extensive videos and images for children to examine, nothing beats experiencing collections in real life. Booking a trip to this museum is enlightening for children. Let your children see how the history of Islam fits in with the rest of the world. Because, the history of Islam is not something separate – it is integrated into other time periods and civilisations.
Activity Idea: When looking at the exhibition, encourage your children to select the piece they like the most. They can either sketch it, write about it, or talk about it with you. Maybe it’s something you can research further at home!
This stunning museum in London holds a magnificent collection of Islamic art. With over 19,000 items from around the world, this exhibition explores the evolution of Islamic artistic influences dating back to the 7th Century.
The similarities of these pieces whilst maintaining some beauty of each culture they originate from truly sets this collection apart. Your children will learn from each collection how Islam does not erase your culture, it simply enhances it with its beauty.
Activity Idea: Don’t forget your sketchbooks! Geometric patterns and calligraphy text are key elements of Islamic art. Allow your children to take their sketchbooks and attempt to replicate some of the beautiful patterns they come across.
Like Cambridge Central Mosque, Halal Tourism Britain is making history by being led by Britain’s first professionally-trained Muslim tour guide. These tours allow you to travel through London and some of the UK’s biggest tourism spots. If you book one of their guided tours, you can see places like Trafalgar Square and Lambeth in new ways. You and your family can learn about Islamic influences dating as far back as the Ottomans.
Image credit: halaltourismbritain.com
Activity Idea: Collect memorabilia such as tickets, brochures, and maps on your tour and stick them together in a collage of your trip! You can include diary entries from your children, itineraries, photographs, etc.
Connect to the History of Islam
Above are just a few ideas for trips around the UK for you and your family. The things you will learn on these trips can become stepping stones to other places. The more you learn about the history of Islam in the UK, the more places you will find to visit. You might be surprised how much of our Islamic heritage can be found on this small island in the Western world.
If you would like to start including the history of Islam in your Book of Centuries, sign up for the Our Muslim Homeschool newsletter and receive some free images!
Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
I teach you how to craft a curriculum for your homeschool, how to choose the right resources and plan out your year to create a homeschool experience that aligns with the values and beliefs of your family. Whether you are homeschooling in the UK, or elsewhere in the world, this programme will help you give your children an incredible education at home.
I show you the essential teaching techniques that you’ll need to know to get started. There’s even an entire module on how to manage your time so you can still cook, keep the house tidy and take care of yourself, all whilst homeschooling your children!
At one time or another in our home education journey, many of us deal with a well-known doubt in ourselves that we call imposter syndrome. It can come in many forms, and it usually hits you when you’re discouraged, stressed, or on the way to burnout. It’s that constant feeling that you might be doing something wrong when home educating. How do we overcome homeschool Imposter syndrome especially when it is causing unnecessary stress in an already stressful world?
In Episode 77 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how to change your negative mindset about home education.
Key Points:
The way we speak to ourselves informs the actions we take.
Negative thinking such as, “You don’t know what you’re doing,” “You’re not good enough,” and “Those mums are so much better than you,” causes you to make poor decisions about the education of your children.
Feeling like a fraud leads you to compromise your values and what is true to you, so try to be someone else or please the people around you.
You do not need to wait until an imaginary day in the future when you’ve got it “all figured out” to feel like a homeschooler. You can enjoy home education TODAY!
Because the way you think about home education directly correlates with how you feel.
If you want to feel better then change the way you think.
Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
I teach you how to craft a curriculum for your homeschool, how to choose the right resources and plan out your year to create a homeschool experience that aligns with the values and beliefs of your family. Whether you are homeschooling in the UK, or elsewhere in the world, this programme will help you give your children an incredible education at home.
I show you the essential teaching techniques that you’ll need to know to get started. There’s even an entire module on how to manage your time so you can still cook, keep the house tidy and take care of yourself, all whilst homeschooling your children!
