When homeschooling you have the best intentions, but sometimes you wonder if you’re going to make it. Does your homeschool have a chance of success? How are you going to make it work, or even if you will fail?
You know how homeschooling benefits your kids and provides them with an excellent education. You’ve found advice on choosing curriculum, learning styles, methods of homeschooling, and setting up a schedule. But have you ever been told what personal qualities YOU NEED to succeed?
In Episode 92 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how to successfully homeschool.
Enough to Homeschool is a 5-day virtual workshop with Dr. Gemma, for the mother who is ready to feel like a homeschooler.
Homeschooling success depends on the mother’s emotional regulation.
The curriculum she picks, her daily routine, and her knowledge of education are helpful. But, if she cannot see through the fog of her emotions, she will not be able to see the truth of what her children need, how to best educate them, and will struggle to enjoy the privilege that is home education.
Unlock your confidence and step into your role as a home educator!
The Enough to Homeschool 5-day workshop will take place 10-14th October 2022.
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!
Homeschooling moms have a lot on their plate. You’re often playing the role of housewife, mom, teacher, wife…and more. Homeschooling is fulfilling, interesting and exciting, but it can also be challenging and just plain hard! Being a homeschool mom can take sacrifice to a new level so it is so important that you take care and have confidence in yourself, but many of us completely ignore our own needs. Listen to the Our Muslim Homeschool Podcast, Raising Mums, to get some practical tips to deal with these challenges.
In Episode 66 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how to Break your Homeschool!
Key Points:
There is no homeschool without a homeschool mum
Without your health, there will be no homeschool; not now and not in the future.
Say “no” and establish healthy boundaries
Learn to trust your own decisions and inner wisdom
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!
As homeschooling mums, we’re constantly trying to find the right balance.We agonise over our homeschool plans and are always trying to learn how to homeschool better.
But some days homeschooling doesn’t follow the plan. On those days, when you’re tired, or you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, what should you prioritise? What is the ONE THING you MUST DO when you homeschool?
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I’ll be beck next Sunday 21st March 2021, at 4pm GMT, for another LIVE episode of the Raising Mums podcast on FacebookandInstagram , and the BIG RAMADAN ANNOUNCEMENT insha’Allah.
See you then insha’Allah!
Peace and Love,
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As homeschooling parents, we have to overcome many obstacles and hurdles, to provide out children with the education and lifestyle we want for them. When you first begin, one of the biggest barriers to home education, is dealing with naysayers.
In those beginning months and years of home education, many of us are fragile. The slightest bump in the road can shatter our confidence and leave us questioning our decision to homeschool. And so, when people around us find fault in our homeschooling, it can send us into a negative spiral, of self-doubt and shame.
This Blog-post may contain affiliate links. Please see Disclaimer for more information.
So what do you do when someone tells you that you shouldn’t homeschool your children?
In episode 34 of the Raising Mums podcast, I discuss how to deal with naysayers, in a way that will leave you feeling empowered, rather than ashamed.
The key to dealing with naysayers is to identify if they are truly coming from a place of concern, or simply feeding their own ego.
In both situations, put yourself into their position and respond with love and compassion.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t stand up for yourself. If you are being mistreated, you must! But do it with compassion, and you will leave the situation feeling more empowered, and confident in your decision to home educate your kids.
This episode of Raising Mums was brought to you by Miraj Stories!
You can save up to 25% off on this Islamic app for children aged 4-9, with an exclusive Discount Code just for Our Muslim Homeschool fans! It includes Islamic audiobooks, picture books, songbooks and games.
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Homeschooling is not easy. Pretending like it is only leads to further pressure and more stress! But how do you homeschool your kids when stress levels are rising and things feel like they’re falling apart?
Read on to find out how to homeschool when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
How to Homeschool AND Take Care of You
First of all, you need to make sure you are taken care of. You cannot possibly hope to be in the best form for your children if you are feeling depleted and stressed.
Follow your own pursuits
When we become mothers, we find ourselves dedicating every moment we have to our kids. We forget that we are also women with our own goals, own desires, and our own dreams. Don’t neglect these! Find time in your week to follow your own pursuits whether its painting, pursuing your own learning, or playing an active sport. Try to do anything to help you wind down and feel happy and content!
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How to have a homeschool breaks
Breaks are essential when it comes to homeschooling, but how many of us regularly take advantage of a break? We make sure to give our children breaks from their schoolwork and time for snacks or some fresh air. But make sure you also take a break and not use it as a chance to do other chores or tasks! Breaks are just as important for mum as for the kids. Use this time to have a cup of tea, meditate, or just sit outside for a little bit. These regular breaks throughout the day are extremely effective in refreshing you to continue the day ahead.
As mums, we also regularly neglect our own physical needs. Make sure you’re eating properly, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest at night. If you are feeling tired, weak, or hungry you cannot be in the best state to teach your children. By attending to your own physical needs and taking care of yourself, you will reduce the chances of burning out quickly and feeling that all-too-familiar exhaustion!
Reward yourself
Just like your kids get rewards to motivate them and keep them on task, mums should have rewards too! As you work your way through each day, week and month of homeschooling, reward yourself. You deserve it! Homeschooling is just as challenging for you as it is for your children and you should celebrate your achievements. Whether that’s buying yourself something, taking time out to be with friends or even having a quiet night in with a bubble bath!
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How to have a homeschool mentality
The beauty of homeschooling is you can be as different from school as you want to be and keep the features you love. This is YOUR homeschool. So, make it yours.
Don’t compare
Everyone has a unique way of homeschooling because no two families are the same. Sure, we may borrow certain ideas from each other, but even our execution of those ideas varies depending on the unique differences of our children. We each face different struggles, so never compare your progress to those of other homeschools. You may be achieving things another mother struggles with. Remember, people rarely share the extent of their difficulties on social media, so avoid comparing yourself to the people you see in your Instagram and Facebook feeds.
Keep it simple
This is your homeschool with a limited number of children. You don’t have to accommodate for a class of 25-30 children. So, do yourself a favour and keep your life simple! Start with the basics of reading, writing and mathematics. Then you can slowly work your way into other subjects, some of which may only require you to read a book aloud to your children and encourage some discussion.
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Scrap it!
If something isn’t working for you or your children, SCRAP IT. You don’t have to prove anything. Some things click with some families but cause complete chaos in another. You’re in charge, so you choose what you do as a family. When you spend time and money on a new curriculum or resource it can be tempting to keep going with it no matter what, but if it is creating negative learning experiences for your child, don’t be afraid to stop. With any new curriculum, especially the pricier ones, it’s always best to try some form of trial or sample before you commit money to it. Make sure it’s something you and your children will benefit from.
Be gentle
Always be gentle with yourself, particularly at the beginning of your homeschool journey. This is a hard road for even the most experienced veteran homeschoolers. It doesn’t necessarily get easier, you just get better at troubleshooting and knowing what works for you. Every new year can be like starting again and learning new things as your child grows and enters a new year/grade. Take one day at a time and celebrate the small wins.
How to make homeschool easy
Having the right mentality is one thing, but this is much easier if you have made practical steps to making your homeschool tasks easier. Whilst the ideal scenario is sitting and working with your kids as they complete magnificent, sophisticated pieces of work, this isn’t usually the reality. Some days you’ll be lucky if you read a single book together. And that’s ok. But there are things you can incorporate into your homeschool day to make lessons a little easier.
The joy of reading aloud
Reading aloud is probably the most popular homeschool activity. And for good reason – it is highly effective! Give your children something to work with such as Lego blocks, jigsaw puzzles or colouring. Then select a book to read to them. This can be a fictional book which is above their reading level or even a non-fiction book for subjects like History or Science. Read aloud to your kids and then discuss the contents together. You’ll be surprised by how much they absorb!
Learning through play has always been the primary way children learn at a young age. Thankfully, there are plenty of games out there with education and key skills built right in. Head to Word United to see some amazing examples of games with purpose. When either you or your children feel the frustration rising and the workbooks are being discarded in a huff and a puff, grab some games! Your kids won’t even realise they are still learning as they enjoy the delightful change of pace!
Get them online
The internet can provide more than resources for us to print and laminate. There are multiple websites which are designed to help children independently take charge of their learning. Khan Academy and Khan Academy Kids are perfect examples of programmes which facilitate your child’s learning in a range of subjects. And it’s completely free! The fact that your children can navigate these websites pretty much independently means it can grant you some extra time for a break or to get some other things done.
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Get outside
In the end, there is no greater remedy for feeling overwhelmed than going outside. Just breathing fresh air and having gentle exercise each day will help both you and your children feel refreshed. If you want, your children can take their nature journaling supplies, but it’s not necessary. You’ll be amazed at how much learning and development happens when children are just relaxed and having fun in nature!
How do you homeschool?
There is no doubt homeschooling WILL feel overwhelming at times, but make sure you look after yourself and take advantage of the flexibility homeschooling provides.
How do you make life easier when homeschooling gets overwhelming? What tips do you have for making homeschool life smoother when it feels like it’s spiralling out of control?
Drop all your tips and advice in the comments below!
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As we move into the New Year, I always recommend that during this time of transition, homeschooling families should take some time to reflect on the successes and failures of the previous year, the lessons learnt, and set some new intentions before pushing ahead into the New Year.
During this time, before beginning your next homeschool term, seek clarity and direction for your family by getting quiet,turning inward, making dua, and asking yourself some very important questions.
WATCH THIS VIDEO
Watch this YouTube video, when I went LIVE on my Facebook and Instagram accounts, and chatted with you about preparing your homeschool for the New Year, and talked you through the questions listed below.
Seek Clarity for your Homeschool
1) What was my favourite homeschool memory of last year?
2) What was my most painful homeschool memory of last year?
3) If you were to summarise the last year homeschooling in one word what would it be?
4) What areas were really successful?
5) What areas/people/topics/activities drained me? What drained the kids?
6) Where can I get help?
7)What can I cut out?
8) Where can we grow, further develop in our homeschool?
9)What areas don’t allign with my homeschool/family vision?
10) What positive change(s) can I implement going forward into the next year?
There are far better things ahead than we ever left behind.
C.S. Lewis
I hope that this video and the questions I’ve posed will help you find the clarity you need moving forward, and help you to live a life with your family that aligns with your values.
If you would like to share the answers to any, or all of the questions above, I would love to hear them! Please leave them for me in the comments below.
Peace and Love,
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It’s been wonderful to get back into our homeschool curriculum this week, after the disruption of last week! We’ve been learning more about the Vikings, have enjoyed some great works of literature and made loads of art projects from our Toucan box.
Read on to take a look into a typical homeschool week with us, using the Charlotte Mason approach to education and the Ambleside Online homeschool curriculum.
Monday 2nd October
This morning the kids worked through a few lesson of CTC Math, on the computer. They are enjoying the programme and benefiting from the way it approaches maths. My eldest learnt about map co-ordinates and different types of graphs; whilst my younger son learnt about the concept of symmetry. It was a fun morning!
Today in circle time, we learnt about famous viking explorer, Leif Erikson and looked at another famous painting by Hokusai, “Mishima Pass in Kai Province.”
We have been using a wall calendar for picture study, as they are very inexpensive compared to art books, and can hang easily on our wall; allowing the kids to look at it and learn from it throughout our school week.
Tuesday 3rd October
The highlight of the day was the Toucan box came in the post! Thankfully the boys had already done most of their school work before it came, otherwise nothing would have been done! It was all very exciting!
We have recently upgraded to the largest of their boxes, the “Super box”, which contains 4 different craft activities and a picture book. To read a review of the Toucan box and see an un-boxing video we made, CLICK HERE.
For more information about Toucan Box, visit their website HERE and use the referral code GEMMA-9E6X to get your first box free!
Out of the four, the boys decided to do the underwater scene first. It turned out lovely, and we read the picture book that came at bed-time.
The postman also brought a new new book to go along with our study of Medieval Britain, A Knight’s city by Philip Steele. This book is AMAZING!
It is filled with the most incredible pop-ups that are so intricately designed. The book takes you on a tour of life in a medieval city, and it is full of great information along with pop-ups of a cathedral, castle and bridge. It really sparked my boy’s imagination and has helped them to visualise the scenes in the living books we are reading from.
After all the excitement, we spent a little time in the afternoon reviewing sight-words with the gamePOP from learning resources.
We also raed about Prophet Nuh (Noah) from the book Lives of the Prophets by Leila Azzam.We discussed how Nuh’s wife and son were not from the believers, and how faith is a gift from God and should be cherished.
The afternoon was filled with activities outside the home; like Quran class and a Muslim beaver scouts meeting.He came back with even more badges for me to sew on! MashAllah.
Thursday 5th October
Along with the usual school work, the boys had a swimming class this morning. The long drive there gave us an opportunity to listen to the literature component of our curriculum Understood Betsy.
We have really been enjoying listening to the audiobook version on Audible. In fact, I have personally enjoyed it so much, I have been tempted this week to put it on for myself to listen to whilst I was getting on with housework! It’s really good!
After swimming, and a Seerah class with their other home-ed friends, we went into our garden to enjoy the autumn sunshine.
Keeping herself busy…You have to pick your battles with 2 year-olds!
Friday 6th October
It’s Friday! Hurray!
Friday for us means nature walk! This week we went out to a patch of scrub-land near the river and explored. It was beautiful!
RUN! Woohoo!
Along the walk, I noticed some beautiful cowslip flowers by the pavement. I stopped, without saying anything, took a photo of them and walked on. A few minutes later I turned around and found my sons sat down by the same flowers having their own discussion and conversation about them.
There was no need for me to say anything, and “force” a learning opportunity. Instead of saying, “Look at these boys,” or “Do you know what these flowers are called?”, they were able to make the discovery themselves! These are the moments that will stay with them and that they will retain, not incessant lecturing from me!
I have to remind myself often, to follow the advice of Charlotte Mason, and stay quiet! I find it so tempting, in my enthusiasm, to give constant prompting to the boys. This was a beautiful reminder to myself, that they don’t need me to do that! They have each other! mashAllah.
Amongst some other discoveries, we found a few apples trees growing along the route, and a muddy puddle full of different foot prints; different kinds of birds and dogs (although my boys were convinced they were bear foot prints!)
My 5 year-old also found the biggest feather he’s ever seen! He was so excited and, as we had seen birds-of-prey in the area last week, and decided it was an eagle feather!
Bear footprints?
After a stopping off for hot-chocolate at a cafe, we started walking back to the car. It was a long walk, so I decided to distract them with Quran!
Each of the boys had to recite all the Quran that they could remember. We talked about how the Quran is the word of Allah, and everything in creation wants to hear it. So as they recited, we talked about how the clouds in the sky, the grass under their feet and birds in the trees were listening to them. Subhanullah! Before we knew it, we were back at the car!
We made it to Jummah prayer at the mosque. Although we went to a mosque I don’t usually visit, there is something very powerful about standing shoulder to shoulder with women, whom I didn’t know, praying together. Unity.
We didn’t have time to sketch and paint in our nature journal’s today, but the boys did make a lovely chicken a mushroom pie! It was a great end to the week.
How was your homeschool week?
Please do let me know and tell us all about it in the comments!
I think the theme of the last few weeks should be how to homeschool when nothing goes to plan!
We were just starting to get into a rhythm and a good homeschool routine, when flu hit and then an un-planned road trip really challenged our schedule.
Monday 18th September
I was sick today! With a terrible fever and flu, we kept it really simple today with maths on the computer, reading practice and some Quran.
The kids were still unwell too, so they finished off an activity from their Toucan Box and made this awesome Dinosaur egg with plaster of Paris. We love our monthlyToucan box. You can read a review I wrote about it HERE.
After dosing up on paracetamol and ibuprofen, I felt human again so we read aloud fromA Child’s History of the World, learning about King Alfred.
Honestly, I had never heard of Alfred and his treaty with the Vikings before….it was really interesting!
Tuesday 19th September
Since we missed circle time yesterday, I made it a priority today. We revisited a painting by Hokusai and the children gave a lovey narration of it. We sang some French nursery rhymes from Comptines a chanter and finished off the Shakespeare play “Two Gentlemen of Verona” from the book Beautiful stories from Shakespeare for children
The boys struggled a little ( a lot) following the plot of the play. I am thinking of encorporating peg dolls or some props to help them to narrate the plays. It is not the language that they find hard, but the complex story lines! We’ll find a way insha’Allah.
After reading about the Battle of Hastings from Our Island Story we stopped school for the day and tried to get better!
Wednesday 20th September
After two days being stuck indoors, I was itching to get out!
After a little morning school, we went to a nearby park and get some fresh air. I had been reading in Home Education Volume 1 by Charlotte Mason about the importance she placed on breathing in “outdoor” air compared to “indoor” air, and so I felt inspired to follow her advice!
Thursday 21st September
By now the kids were well enough to go to their home-ed classes and were able to go swimming and to their Seerah class.
Those long drives to classes were my saving grace! We look our iPad and listened Understood Betsy on Audible on the way there and back. If you remember in my last blog post, I said the boys were not enjoying that book AT ALL! Well they seem to really like the Audiobook. Alhumdulillah!
I was so impressed with how responsive they were to the audiobook, that I used up all my free credits with Audible to get almost all the books we will be using this year with the Ambleside online curriculum.
If you haven’t tried Audible before, they are a publisher and distributor of the world’s largest selection of digital audiobooks and spoken word content. There is a30-Day FREE TRIALavailable at the moment if you’d like to try it with your family.
In the evening, we sang French songs with our cookies and milk!
Cookies and French songs!
Friday 22nd September
Although I was still not feeling well, there was no way we were missing out on nature study! I love it too much!
We spent the morning sketching a blackbird into our Nature notebooks with the help of some fantastic YouTube videos by John Muir Laws
We headed off the our nearby park for our usual nature walk, but within minutes of reaching there, the heavens opened! It was raining so hard we had to run back to the car and eat our picnic there! Whilst we were eating we listened to an excellent CD,A Guide to British Garden Birds., until the rain stopped.
Once back home, we painted our blackbirds using water colours, and the children spent the remainder of the day with their grandparents.
The boys worked on the next chapter in their Islamic Studies books. My 7 year-old read about Life after Death using theSafar Year 3 book, and my 5 year-old learnt about how to use the toilet and keep clean using the Year 1 books.
Sunday 24th – Tuesday 26th
My in-laws are visiting at the moment, so we decided to make the most of our flexible schedule and take them toAlton towers. This kids enjoyed spending time with their grnadparents and they loved going on all the rides!
Justin’s House was her favourite!
With it being a weekday, there were no queues! I have never been to a theme park where you didn’t have to queue up for anything! It was brilliant for the young kids.
My daughter got to meet Postman Mat (which she is still talking about), and the boys got to go on some faster roller-coasters. They’re now planning how they can build their own roller coaster at home out of Lego! Whilst there,we stayed in a hotel within the resort for a few days and came back Tuesday afternoon.
It is worth noting that Alton Towers, and all Merlin attractions, do offer a home-educator discount, but you will have to prove you home school with a letter from the LEA.
Wednesday 27th September
After getting back from out trip, I decided to spend the remainder to the week catching up on what we missed last week. Initally the morning was spent doing the usual daily workl; Quran, Maths and Reading. My 7 year-old son startedThe Bears on Hemlock Mountainwhich he seems to be enjoying.
During circle time we learnt about Prophet Idris (Enoch)(AS) from the book Lives of the Prophets by Leila Azzam.
Then the boys remembered that their Seerah teacher had asked them to make a list of 5 good things they wanted to do/acheive this new Islamic year. Their lists included things like learn to swim, read more Quran, be better to my mum! My 5 year-old son wanted to type his list up on the computer and here he is mashAllah!
Islamic new year resolutions
Thursday 28th September
Today we went seemed to spend most of the day in the car! After a little “morning school”, travelling to the boys’ swimming class and Seerah class took up a large part of the day.
We used this time once again to listen to audiobooks, listening to Parables from Nature using Audible.
It was lovely to have some sunny weather today though. However, as all you mums know, sunny weather means catching up on laundry! After being sick, and going away for the weekend, and the endless rain we’ve been having, there was a lot of washing to do! By the end of the day I had 4 or 5 loads of clean laundry to fold/iron and put away(…eugh), but seeing that empty laundry basket was satisfying.
This is what homeschooling really looks like!
Friday 29th September
Fridays are our favourite day! We spent the morning walking in nearby woodland. We spotted a squirrel with a sweet chesnut in his mouth. When we followed him we found the tree and hundreds of sweet shestnuts on the floor! The boys decided to collect as many as they could carry to take home for the squirrels in our garden!
I don’t know what they’re looking at!
Sweet Chestnuts EVERYWHERE!
In the afternoon, the boys planted some of the sweet chestnuts in the garden and left loads out for the squirrels.
They added a green/blue blackbird egg to their nature notebooks and had a class at home with their French tutor. The rest of the day was spent helping to cook dinner. They made chicken curry and rice mashAllah!
Adding to their nature notebook later that afternoon
So it has been a “higgledy-piggledy” week. We are one week behind in schedule set out by Ambleside online, so instead of beginning week 5 we will beginning week 4.
I’m not really concerned at all if I’m honest! Instead of taking 36 weeks to compete the year, we will take 37.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our week.
What do you do when your children get sick?
Do you prioritise any subjects and try to get something done?
Take a peek into our homeschool week! In this blog post, I am excited to share snippets of our week!
This week was officially our 2nd week of using the homeschool curriculum Ambleside online. So far, I have found using a set curriculum strangely liberating!
Up until this point, I have always enjoyed piecing together my out curriculum. However, with my work online and myhomeschool shopgrowing, I wanted to find something that took the pressure of me a little. So far, Ambleside online’s curriculum is doing just that!
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Monday 11th September
Monday usually means recovering from a busy weekend! This Monday we kept things simple with morning school, Quran class and then a trip to the park. Today was also the first time we read fromA Child’s History of the World and we loved it!
Pizza and Shakespeare!
Baby doll goes first!
Tuesday 12th September
Tuesdays are usually busy day for us, and this Tuesday was no exception!
With swimming, French AND wrestling classes all on one day, we struggled to do all the subjects that I had planned.
We managed most things, but we didn’t have time to read from Our Island story orUnderstood Betsy. Don’t worry.. we made up for it later in the week!
Wednesday 13th September
The boys had fun today adding to theirBook of the Centuries. We added in the historical figures Harun al-Rashid, Charlemagne and King Harold II . We also managed to start reading Understood Betsy, but my boys were not impressed! I will keep persevering!
In the afternoon, the boys went for Quran classes and Muslim scouts.
They have learn so much about Rabbits and the rest of the rabbit family from the two chapters we have read. The stories are rally engaging and are a wonderful way to introduce children to biology and natural history.
We are currently in the middle of landscaping the garden, but with the torrential rains and storms we’ve had all week, nothing has been done for awhile! But the kids are enjoying the mud!
Happy toddler!
Friday 15th September
On Fridays the books are put away and we go outdoors!
This morning was spent exploring nearby woodland.
He spotted a hare! Run!
If you were a hare which way would you go?
Are you in there?
We didn’t have any kind of agenda today except that I asked them to find a leaf to take home to paint into their nature journals.
It’s been a long time since we used watercoloursand I wanted them reintroduce watercoloursby painting something simple.
I had a go too and it was so relaxing! I’m very keen to add to my nature journal again!
Unfortunately, because we were having too much fun in the woods, and because I forgot to bring my watch, we got home too late to go to Friday prayers at the mosque. Astaghfirullah. Next week I will be better prepared insha’Allah.
In the afternoon, after their French class, the children spent time with their grandparents!
That light….
Today, whilst out for our walk, I was struck with gratitude; how fortunate I am to be spending my days with my children and walking outdoors in the beautiful British countryside today.
In the thick of it, sometimes forget how blessed I am but being outside reminded me of how lucky I truly am. It forces me to slow down and reflect. There is something about the light in a forest, the way is peeks through the canopy and illuminates pockets of the woodland floor, that always strikes me. There so much to learn from being still and observing creation.
This week with Ambleside online has gone very well. Although we have fallen slightly behind in our reading of Understood Betsy and Poetry, I am confident we can easily catch up insha’Allah. The only thing left to do this weekend is work through the next chapter in our Islamic studies books.
I have really enjoyed sharing our week with you, and I hope you enjoying reading about it!
If you have any questions, please leave them for me in the comments below and I will try to answer them as best I can.
