Favourites

Homeschool Resources | Favourites from 2019

Homeschool resources

The past year has lead to some great discoveries! Some of these homeschool resources were a part of our plan, whilst others were unexpected pleasures!

Homeschool Resources | Our favourites from 2019, to help you pick the Best Homeschool resources for your children!

This blog-post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see Disclaimer.

In Episode fifteen of the Raising Mums podcast, I share some of our favourite homeschool resources of the past year.

WATCH THIS VIDEO!

Favourite Homeschool Resources

Here are a list of all the homeschool resources mentioned in the video:

Homeschool Curricula

Audio Books

Homeschool Resources - Islamic Audio Books

Books

Podcasts

homeschool resources

Thank you to our Sponsor

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homeschool resources

I’ll be back LIVE again next week, Sunday 19th January 2020 at 10am GMT, with another episode of Raising Mums on my Facebook and Instagram accounts insha’Allah.

Next week we’ll be discussing…

Homeschooling during Pregnancy!

I hope I’ll see you there!

Peace and Love,

Homeschool resources
.

January Homeschool Favourites

It’s time to find out what we’ve been enjoying in Our Muslim Homeschool this month!

Welcome back friends! This month I’m excited to share a lot a wonderful books and educational resources that we’ve discovered!

 

January Our Muslim Homeschool favourites

There is also a GIVEAWAY this month. If you’d like to enter ,scroll down to the bottom of this post and enter via the Rafflecopter widget.

Dont forget to watch the accompanying YouTube video, to get a closer look at all the products mentioned in this blogpost.


WATCH THIS VIDEO:


January Homeschool Favourites

Life of Fred Math

I know what you’re thinking …”Not another Maths curriculum Gemma?!?!”
LOL!….I can’t help myself!

In the homeschooling circles, I have been hearing about Life of Fred Math for a long time. It is well known within homeschooling circles as an unconventional method of approaching maths. Life of Fred Math teaches maths in a narrative form, with humorous story line and a distinct lack of practice questions!

It is unlike any other maths book you’ve ever seen!

I’m not sure what it was that finally prompted me to order it, but I’m so glad that I did!

My son absolutely loves. When ask him, “What maths book shall we do today?” he always says, “Life of Fred!”

 

Life of fred homeschool math review

Despite a minimal amount of practice questions and worksheets, the mathematical principles we are covering seem to be sticking in my son’s mind. He loves how each chapter incorporates lots of other interesting facts and information (not always Maths related) and how the maths is put into real-life context.

We have the levels “Apples”, “Jelly-Beans” and “Icecream.” To decide which book is best for your child, visit the Life of Fred website.


If you would like to see inside the books, please
WATCH THIS VIDEO!

For more information about Life of Fred Math, you can visit their website by CLICKING HERE.

Life of Fred can be difficult to find in the UK. I purchased mine from Conquest Books. They are the largest supplier of Homeschool curriculum in the UK, and have loads of other useful curriculum for homeschoolers. To visit there website CLICK HERE.

If you are based in USA, Life of Fred is widely available from most homeschool stores including:
– Life of Fred Website
– Educents
– Amazon

Islamic Behaviour Chart

We have been using this sticker chart from MuslimStickers.com to establish a good morning routine with the children. My family have been using the Islamic Behaviour Chart for 4 weeks now, and the change in my kid’s behaviour in the morning has been phenomenal! No more sluggish and sleepy boys!

No, they’re ready long before I am!
Muslim Islamic behaviour chart homeschool

Having a good morning routine is so important, even as adults, to having a productive day. I have seen that when we are slow to start school in the morning, we never get as much done and the children are less enthusiastic.This reward system has helped us all get ready for the day and begin school by 9am insha’Allah.

Muslim Islamic behaviour chart homeschool
You could use this sticker chart in so many ways! When you recieve it, it is almost completely blank and you can customise it as you wish.
For MORE INFORMATION about the Islamic Behaviour Chart, and see what is included in the pack,
watch the accompanying Youtube video,

Young Explorers Adventures in Mecca

Receiving this book was such a blessing to our home and to our family.
Young Explorers’ Adventures in Makkah is the story of a family’s trip to Mecca for Ummrah. In addition to talking about Hajj and Ummrah, the book also relates their travels around many of the historic sites in the area.
Young explorers adventures in Mecca
Many of you are aware, that the authorities in Saudi are slowly demolishing and covering up sites of Islamic historical significance. Whatever their reasons, there is a risk that knowledge of these places with be lost from the general public.
This wonderful book, shows you where many of these sites can be found. It locates the house of Khadijah (ra) and what it looked like inside. It tells you about the birth place of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and where it can be found. More than half of the book is dedicated to sites around Mecca that hold an importance with the Seerah and our Islamic heritage.
Young explorers adventures in Mecca
Often, when you come across a book about Hajj and Ummrah it will fall into one of two categories. Either it will be very factual, listing what is fard and sunnah etc., but may be a little “dry”. Alternatively, you may find a story book which, although it is very pleasant to read, it provides little information to teach the children from.
This book falls somewhere between the two. Children are captivated by the emotive story-line that runs thoroughout, whilst also learning from the wealth of information it offers about the pilgrimages and the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (saw).

 

If you are interested in purchasing this book for your family, it is available from Amazon (USA) Amazon (UK) and Wordery.com

For more information, visit their website: Islamopedia.co.uk

I’m so Angry

This is the story of a young boy named Huthayfah, who gets angry with his mother. This touching story draws on the Prophetic advice for the best way to deal with anger.

It is well written and the illustrations are colourful with faceless characters.

 

I'm so angry Sarah Javed Homeschool

If you have a child who struggles to control his or her anger, this book may help you and you child to find ways to cope.

The author, Sarah Javed, is a fellow homeschooler from the U.K. She shares her snippets of her homeschooling life on her Instagram account.

I’m so angry is available from Amazon (USA) and Amazon (UK).

 

Tiny Twinkle Products

Now for something a little different!

I have been aware for sometime that mainstream bath products contain potentially harmful ingredients. Using natural and/or organic products on my children puts my mind at ease.

What a delight it was to be introduced to Tiny Twinkle Products on Instagram who produce Organic, Natural and HALAL bath products for children.

 

Tiny twinkle organic natural halal bath products kids

The products contain only natural ingredients, and  gentle on my children’s skin. They are all labelled with the “halal” sign, and (very importantly…) they smell incredible!!!

The products in their range retail between £7.50-£18.

The business is run by a Ruhana, a primary school teacher and new mum. When I asked her to tell me a little about herself and why she started her business, she said:

“About a year ago I found out I was pregnant. This was a happy and overwhelming experience as I would become a mother for the first time. 
During my pregnancy I started making a list of what I’d need to get for my new arrival. I asked other mothers about their recommendations. I then heard about Johnsons baby products having cancer related chemicals and thought I don’t want to put chemical based products on my baby. So I started researching. 
I first made my own nappy balm with all natural organic ingredients. After my daughter was born I started using this on her, and noticed that she got no nappy rash at all. 
My husband was also impressed and told me to start a business selling organic baby products. Some friends and family had asked about these products as there was a gap in the market for purely organic halal baby products, so I started creating my own brand called ‘Tiny Twinkle’. 
Alhamdulillah, since starting, the response has been amazing.

If you are looking a range of halal, natural bath products for kids, I would recommend Tiny Twinkle.

For more information about their range, and to place an order, visit them on Instagram and Facebook.

GIVEAWAY

It’s Giveway time!!!

 

Muslim Homeschool Giveaway

 

This January I am so happy to be able to share SIX of my favourites with one of you! It’s MASSIVE!!!
I will be giving away:
– I’m So Angry by Sarah Javed – (RRP: £5.99)
– Young Adventure in Makkah – (RRP: £10.05)
1 Islamic Behaviour Chart – (RRP: 4.99)
3 Products from Tiny Twinkle (including the Nappy Balm, Mild Shampoo and Whipped Lotion) – (RRP: £29.50)
The January 2017 Favourites Giveaway will run from Friday 27th January at 12AM, until Friday 3rd February at 12AM GMT.
The giveaway is open Internationally.
All entrants under the age of 18 must have parental permission to enter.
Please aware that if entering from overseas, you may be liable to pay customs tax (or the equivalent), so please check beforehand.
You can enter by following the directions in the Rafflecopter widget posted below (click HERE is you would like to know more about Rafflecopter).
I’ll announce the winners on THIS blog post and contact them directly through email.
The winner has 24 hours to respond, otherwise I will have to select another winner.

I hope you found it useful to see what we’ve been enjoying in our homeschool this month.I’d love to know what your family has been using this January 🙂

Please share in the comments section below insha’Allah.

Make sure you don’t miss the next blog post by Subscribing to my mailing list.

For a daily look into our homeschooling day follow me on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.
In need of your duaas.
Peace and Love xx

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Muslim homeschool favourites

 

Homeschool Favourites | September 2016

I can’t believe it’s September already!

In this blog-post I will share some of the products and books we have been enjoying in our Muslim homeschool this month.

I’m thrilled to show you a really great science kit, some art equipment that my son loves, and even an app that my youngest son plays!

We also have a GIVEAWAY running this month, so if you’d like to enter, please scroll down to the bottom of this post to the Rafflecopter widget.

 

Muslim Homeschool Favourites September

Homeschool Favourites | September 2016

To get a better look at all the products mentioned in this blog-post, WATCH THIS VIDEO:

Table Art Easel

This table-top art easel is made by the company Winsor and Newton. We decided to give this to my eldest as an Eid gift, because he is developing an interest in art.

Well…needless to say…HE LOVES IT!

 

Muslim homeschool favourites table easel

Thanks to its beautiful leather handle, he seems to be carrying it around everywhere!

 

Muslim Homeschool Table Art Ease
Our bay window has become his “Art Studio!”

Inside the easel there is room to store lots of arts supplies, and the adjustable arms means that it can be used with a wide range of canvas sizes.

If you have a child who loves to paint, but don’t have the space for a full-sized easel, then this table easel might be a great for your family!

 

Muslim Homeschool table art easel
Almost done!

 

Magnetic Science Kit

The boys have really enjoyed using this Magnetic Science Kit by Thames and Kosmos to supplement our science curriculum.

 

Muslim homeschool magnetic science kit

We have been learning about magnetism and this kit has been a fantastic resources. It contains all the specialist equipment you need for 33 experiments (including loads of different magnets, iron fillings, magnetic discs, a compass and loads more!) and a instruction manual.

The experiments in this particular science kit teach children the basic principles of what is magnetic, why its magnetic, how compasses work, and introduces electro-magnetism. There are also instructions for some fun games you can do with the magnets!

Migo and Ali: Love for the Prophets

My kids are really enjoying this collection of stories about the Prophets of Allah. This books contains stories about fifteen different Prophets (A.S.), with a large section at the back dedicated to stories about Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).

 

Migo and Ali Muslim Homeschool

The stories are short, well-written and each section end with a dialogue between Migo and Ali as they talk about what they learnt.
The illustrations are beautiful! It is worth noting that there are no depictions of the Prophets or Sahaba in the pictures.

They have also made the effort to have the book approved by scholars of Islam.

This wonderful book is suitable for children aged 3-8, and is one of those books that your family will pick up again and again to read together.

I got my copy from IbraheemToyhouse.com

 

Gambian Mommy Arabic Worksheets

In Our Muslim Homeschool, we have been making an effort to teach my youngest son the letters of the Arabic alphabet. In my quest to good educational resources, I was introduced to these worksheets by Gambian Mommy.

Ngaima Sesay designed and produced these worksheets, as she was becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of resources available to teach her own children Arabic.

 

Arabic alphabet worksheets Gambian mommy

As a homeschooling mum herself, she recognised the need for good quality teaching material, and set about producing an incredible selection of Arabic worksheets for other mothers.

The worksheets she has put together are brilliant! There is so much variety! Whether you child learns visually, or by writing, or is an auditory learner, there are worksheets for everyone! There are even games for the kinesthetic learners amongst us!

Some worksheets are in black and white, and others in colour…they’re so pretty! It is clear that a huge amount of time and thought that has gone into these worksheets.

Each pack has instructions on how to use them, a phonics section to help parents pronounce the letters correctly, and a dictionary section to explain the meanings of words.

If you are looking for interesting and fun ways to teach young children the Arabic alphabet, I would highly recommend you
on the Gambian Mommy store on TeachersPayTeachers.com.

 

Alif Baa app

When I asked my 4 year-old son what he thought of this app he said, “It’s cool!”
I totally agree with him! The Alif Baa app teaches children the letters of the Arabic alphabet, as well as some Arabic vocabulary.
AlifBaa App Muslim Homeschool
There are four games to chose from:
Flashcard style game: Where cards with each letter are shown, and sounded out, along with a new vocabulary word .
Find the letter: The game says a letter and the student has to find it in amongst the other letters.
Put the letters in order: The student has to put the letters of the Arabic alphabet in order in the quickest time.
Trace the Letters: Students are shown how to write each letter and then have to trace along the dotted lines.
This app is a wonderful way to make learning Arabic fun and enjoyable for young kids.
For more information on this app CLICK HERE.

SheCasa Hijabs Prayer Dress

When you stand on your prayer mat, in the presence of your Lord, it is nice to present yourself in something clean, and beautiful…something special!
SheCasa Hijabs is a shop on Facebook and Instagram that specialises in handmade Prayer dresses and Tasbeehs.
The material they use is so soft and luxurious, and they look so beautiful!
shecasa hijabs prayer dress tasbeeh
I have had prayer dresses in the past from abroad, and they always fray at the seams and the material seems cheap.
However the prayer dresses from SheCasa Hijabs are a great quality and so well made mash’Allah. They are beautiful!

GIVEAWAY

It’s GIVEAWAY TIME!

Muslim Homeschool giveaway

 

 

This September I am so happy to share THREE of my favorites with one of you!!!
I will be giving away:
3 Worksheet Packs from the Gambian Mommy (RRP: $12.00)
1 AlifBaa app (RRP: $1.99) – iPad or iPhone only.
1 Prayer Dress and 1 Tasbeeh from SheCasa Hijabs
The September 2016 Favourites Giveaway will run until Friday 23rd September 2016 at 12AM GMT.
The giveaway is open Internationally.
All entrants under the age of 18 must have parental permission to enter.
Please aware that if entering overseas, you may be liable to pay customs tax (or the equivalent), so please check beforehand.
You can enter by following the directions in the Rafflecopter widget posted below (click HERE is you would like to know more about Rafflecopter).
I’ll announce the winners on THIS blog post and contact them directly through email.
The winner has 24 hours to respond, otherwise I will have to select another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
=

I hope you found it useful to see what we’ve been enjoying in our homeschool this month.I’d love to know what your family has been using this September 🙂
Please let us all know in the comments below.

Make sure you don’t miss the next blog post by Subscribing to my mailing list.

For a daily look into our homeschooling day follow me on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.
See you next month insha’Allah!
In need of your duaas.
Peace and Love xx

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Muslim Homeschool Curriculum Kindergarten 1st grade

Homeschool Curriculum Choices: Kindergarten & 1st Grade

I am so excited to share Our Muslim Homeschool Curriculum choices for 2016-2017.

In the U.K. my sons would be in Reception (Kindergarten) and Year 2 (1st Grade), at ages 4 and 6 years old.

We follow an eclectic approach, drawing heavily from the Classical approach and the Charlotte Mason method.

This blog-post contains affiliate links. For more information, see our Disclaimer.
Please WATCH THIS VIDEO to see what books and resources we are using this year in our homeschool. If you want more information, or would like to buy anything for your family, I have given links in this blog post for almost everything that is mentioned!
I hope you enjoy the video and find benefit in it!

Introduction

Well-Trained Mind:
Home Learning Year by Year:
For the Children’s Sake:
Charlotte Mason Companion:
Pocketful of Pinecones:

KINDERGARTEN

MCP Phonics:
MCP Maths:

FIRST GRADE

MATHS

Saxon Math 3:
Rays Arithmetic:
Problem Solving:
Maths for the Gifted Student:
Kumon Multiplication:

LITERACY

Well-Trained Mind:
First Language Lessons:
Spelling Workout B:
Spelling Workout C:
Spelling Workout Table of Contents and Sample:
Read Me Out Loud:
A Child’s Garden of Verses:
Montmorency’s Book of Rhymes:
Winnie the Pooh:
Carol Vonderman Handwriting:
The Content of Character:
The Black Ships before Troy:
Bambi:
Charlotte’s Web:
A Bear Called Paddington:
Just So Stories:
Hardy Boys:
The Happy Prince:
The Wind in the Willows:
Jungle Book:
Raggedy Anne:
Winnie the Pooh:
Audible FREE TRIAL UK:

Audible FREE TRIAL USA:
http://amzn.to/2bO11Lq (USA)

Magic Treehouse:
Tutankhamun:
Time Warp Trio:
The Odyssey:
Stories from Ancient Egypt:
The Trojan Horse:
The Greek News:
Croco’Nile:
Magic School Bus:
MTH: Leonardo Da Vinci:
Usborne: Leonado Da Vinci:
Laurence Anholt Books:
The World of Peter Rabbit:
My First Story Writing Book:

HISTORY

The Story of the World:
The Story of the World Activity Book:
Usborne Ancient Egypt Sticker Book:
Egyptian Painting Kit:
Egyptian Mummy Kit:
Book of Centuries:
Book of Centuries Cover Page:

SCIENCE

What’s smaller than a pygmy shrew?:
Switch on, Switch off:
What makes a Magnet?:
What is the World Made of?:
Germs make me sick:
Usborne Science Encyclopaedia:
DK Science Encyclopaedia:
Berenstain Bears:
See inside your body:
Everybody has a Body:
Magnetic Science Kit:
Usborne Spotter’s Guide:
Usborne Beginner Series:
Looking at Nature:
Burgess Bird Book:
A Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady:
Handbook of Nature Study:
British Birds Handbook:
Food for Free:
First Book of the Seashore:
Little Book of Outside in all Weather:

ART

Famous Paintings Cards:
Children’s Book of Art:
Lives of the Great Artists:
Start Exploring Masterpieces:
Famous Artists:
Children’s Book of Art:
Heinmann First Library:
Easy Carpentry Projects:
Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you found this blog post useful and got some ideas for your family.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
Make sure you don’t miss the next blog post by Subscribing to my mailing list.
For a daily look into our homeschooling day follow me on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.
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In need of your duaas.
Peace and Love xx
Living history curriculum islamic
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