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!
If you want to start homeschooling your child, you’re probably feeling a mix of emotions. You’re excited, anxious and maybe a little scared too. It’s normal to feel this way. If you already home educate your kids, you probably have lots of worries too! That’s normal too!
In Episode 76 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share why we should overcome our worries and just start homeschooling!
Key Points:
There are a lot of unknowns when you home educate your children. Despite the illusion, mainstream schools cannot offer children any certainty about their future. But you have chosen to walk a different path.
When you worry about tomorrow, you miss now. You miss the opportunity to teach, connect with your children, and enjoy homeschooling
Living this way is a recipe for discontent and will lead to poor decisions.
Worrying does not prevent problems from happening. It is not a sign of love.
When you feel worry, renew you intention, make dua, and pray Istikara: https://bit.ly/3srPw0g
Hadith About Worrying
Anas ibn Malik reported:
A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allah?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Tie her and trust in Allah.” Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)Jami At-Tirmidhi English: Vol. 4, Book 11, Hadith 2517 Arabic reference: Book 37, Hadith 2707
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!
Charlotte Mason emphasises the importance of well-written and inspiring books, or ‘Living Books’. Parents find themselves scrambling for recommendations and booklists for their children’s subjects. When we get to history, the book search becomes even harder. Not because we can’t find decent books, but there are so many to choose from, it’s difficult to know which books will suit our family values. As Muslim parents, we need books which portray other than the Western world’s view of history.
Scroll down to find the book list of children’s Islamic history books I recommend!
This Blog-post contains affiliate links. For more information, see Disclaimer.
How to read like Charlotte Mason
The Charlotte Mason method places living books as its central focus when educating children. When they cannot read a book for themselves, it should be read aloud to them. In exposing children to a nutritious diet of elegant literature and wholesome prose, they can absorb knowledge and maintain it.
By gradually reading decent books, children develop knowledge andintelligence by making important connections in the material they are exposed to. The beauty of Charlotte Mason’s approach to education lies in its simplicity. Being exposed to a superb selection of books is all your child needs for an enjoyable and successful education.
How to choose Charlotte-Mason-approved books
One of the most common questions when starting the Charlotte Mason method is: “What is a living book?”
A living book is a book which is:
well-written
provides children with new ideas
a book your child finds enjoyable
inspiring and impacts the reader
literary in style, where possible. (However, they do not always have to be stories)
Now, this is why it is often difficult to narrow down a solid list of living books; because it will look different for every child. Where one child may find the ‘Just So Stories’ by Rudyard Kipling delightful and entertaining, another child might find them boring and difficult to understand.
However, well-written books are easier to identify among the bookshelves in a store or library. Finding living books is a skill you develop over time, so try not to get too overwhelmed in the early stages.
Does Charlotte Mason include Islamic history?
When researching the Charlotte Mason book lists, it can be easy to assume the history curriculum doesn’t favour an Islamic look at history. Some of the books appear to favour an Anglo-Saxon version of events, complete with the wonder of the British Empire and the valiant efforts of the crusaders.
However, it is important to remember that the Charlotte Mason approach is an educational philosophy, not a boxed-and-ready curriculum. You don’t have to purchase the book lists from her schools in order to benefit from her teaching advice. There is an entire world of published books to embrace, so feel free to go out for yourself and find books which suit your children and your family.
Living books inspire children, preferably in a literary way. We can easily apply this principle to Islamic books and tailor our history lessons to suit our Islamic values. Remember, we’re not looking for textbooks, and we’re not looking for books which display disjointed facts and condensed learning objectives.
Reading and your Book of Centuries
As well as living books, a Book of Centuries will prove to be an invaluable resource. After reading a passage from a history book, help your children find the correct timeline page. They can write or draw something to represent what they heard when you were reading. Find out more about using a Book of Centuries here:
The Our Muslim HomeschoolBook of Centuries comes with the added bonus of extra pages during the timeline of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. This gives you space to dedicate extra details to that important period and dive into the lifetime of the prophet in fun and engaging way. It also includes a timeline featuring some important dates in Islamic history from 570CE – 1924CE. Purchase yours here [link to the Amazon listing].
Like most history lessons, it can be difficult to keep the seerah engaging for your children. By using a Book of Centuries, your child can actively engage with the stories and decide for themselves what to include in their book. For more information and guidance on keeping your seerah lessons fun and engaging, check out this post [insert blog post link here]? the seerah one is not published yet.
Book list of Islamic History Books for Kids
If you need a book list to get you started, check out my list of recommended reading for history:
A Philosophy of Education (The Home Education Series) by Charlotte M Mason (For parents) AmazonUK | USA
Your ideal homeschool
Home education gives you the freedom to choose the topics important to you and your family. The Charlotte Mason method is particularly useful for this. The focus isn’t on the subjects you study, but how you present them to your children. Using the books above, a Book of Centuries, and a relaxed approach, you can make history lessons meaningful and enjoyable for you AND your children!
Related: Homeschool History Curriculum | Islamic & British CLICK HERE
How to Start Homeschooling UK
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!
A good education for our children is every parent’s concern and priority. We have been schooled to think of “success” as synonymous with, or at least dependent upon, “schooling”. However, as Muslim parents homeschooling in the UK, have we’ve lost sight and understanding of what a good education truly means?
In Episode 75 of the Raising Mums podcast, I talk about how we can instill good character in our children.
Key Points:
The Quran and Prophet ﷺ spoke extensively about the importance of good character.
Although individual teachers may try, the school system school has other priorities over developing noble character traits.
Children lead double lives, not just externally, but internally also.
When we homeschool, we can priority character, without sacrificing their academic performance.
The key to the immediate success of our children in this world, and their ultimate success in the next is our parental responsibility to ensure we nurture balanced, honest human beings who live lives based on principle and who exemplify good character in their dealings with other people.
Hadith about Good Character
The Prophet ﷺ once declared, “I have been sent to perfect noble character.” (Sunan Al-Bayhaqee: 21301)
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Righteousness (birr) is good character.” (Sahih Muslim: 2553)
The servant does not attain the reality of faith until he loves for people what he loves for himself of goodness. (Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān 235, Grade: Sahih)
No human being will enter Paradise if there is as much as the weight of a seed of arrogance in his heart. (Musnad Aḥmad 7015, Grade: Sahih)
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!
Our religion values reading since the first verse revealed to our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was “read” from surah Al-Alaq. Reading is an important part of a homeschooling life and the primary means of gaining knowledge. Children are like sponges and absorb everything they are exposed to. Everything they read will read influences their heart, their way of thinking, and beliefs. This is why it’s crucial for parents to make sure that the children read only good and worthy books.
In Episode 74 of the Raising Mums podcast, Ustadha Mehded Maryam Sinclair shares her insight and wisdom in picking books for the Muslim child. This audio recording was a response to a question asked after her masterclass with the mums of Launch Your Homeschool.
Mehded Maryam Sinclair is an American writer, teacher, performing artist and student living in Istanbul where she studies, researches, and teaches the lives of the prophets known in the Qur’an to families all over the globe. She helps to inspire Muslim families to love their religion by telling them vivid stories that nourish their hearts. She is the author of two award-winning books, When Wings Expand and Miraculous Happenings in the Year of the Elephant, and A Trust of Treasures, as well as five audiobooks, A Mercy to the Worlds, The Bowing of the Stars, The Fall of the Tyrant, Take Heed, and Scents of Paradise. She has narrated classical Qur’anic stories to thousands of live listeners in the US, the UK, Turkey, Jordan, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand. VISIT HER WEBSITE:https://www.stories-of-light.com
To find the right books for Muslim kids consider…
Imaginary reality and Physical reality.
In the past, stories reason for existing was in line with survival of a community.
Stories become problematic when boundaries between reality and fantasy are erased or no distinction between good and evil.
One should also avoid books promoting disunity of the family, shirk, or that are solely focussed on magic.
I have also put together a list of the best kids’ books for Muslim children ages 0-5 years old. GET YOUR BOOKLIST HERE: https://ourmuslimhomeschool.com/booklist
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!
We start the homeschool year enthusiastically but sadly, the passion to teach our children sometimes begins to fade. Even adults can get bored if they’re doing the same old routine every day. We may start to chose a half-hearted approach as the daily demands of caring for a household and the intense effort required as a homeschooler can drain even the most dedicated parent.
In Episode 72 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share that it is ok not to always be passionate about homeschooling!
If you don’t feel passionate about homeschooling, it’s ok! That’s not a sign that you shouldn’t home educate your children.
Long-lasting passion comes after putting in the work; after gaining experience and learning new skills.
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!
When making homeschooling decisions sometimes we put too much weight on happiness and what makes our children happy and making sure they always do what they enjoy. Yes, children are an amanah (trust) from Allah SWT and we have certain duties and responsibilities towards them. We must guide them with kindness and mercy, but we also need to equip and prepare our children for the dunya and the akhirah.
In this homeschooling podcast I consider that sometimes, homeschooling may involve curriculum, activities, or reading books our children may find hard or don’t enjoy. These might not necessarily make them happy but they will benefit them by helping develop their characters and being ultimately being good for their life to come, InshAllah.
In Episode 71 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how we can homeschool for the ultimate happiness, InshAllah.
Key Points from this Homeschooling Podcast Episode
Happiness is not the only goal for your children and your homeschool.
Also consider what is good for them, in this world and the next?
When you make a decision, consider what is good for them, not just what makes them happy.
It’s ok to choose a homeschool curriculum or activity that they do not enjoy.
Allah, the Almighty says, “And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.” (AI-Baqarah, 2:216)
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 the 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!
Too often we spend our days drowning in homeschool comparison and looking for that next surefire thing that will magically bring us up to some self-imposed standard. Living in a social media-driven world makes this worse, it is the source of so much of our discontent. We now can compare and judge ourselves 24/7 with other in homeschools UK but also around the world. When we compare ourselves to what others are doing, have, or simply how they are, we are essentially making ourselves feel downright inadequate and deflated – with low self-esteem to match.
Listen to my advice on not letting comparison rob us of the joy of homeschooling and learn to appreciate ourselves and our differences.
In Episode 70 of the Raising Mums podcast, I discuss the reason why you’re not happy homeschooling and what you can do to overcome these feelings.
The key points to take away are:-
Comparison robs you of clarity and gratitude. It makes you heedless of Allah.
When you make a decision for a state of heedlessness, you will inevitably regret that decision.
You lose compassion for others, and may even lose friends.
Comparison sometimes disguises itself as looking for inspiration. Always question your intention for looking at the lives of others.
Stay in your lane. Stop looking at what everyone else is doing. Use that energy to improve what you are doing with your children.
Focus on your own children and what you can do to support them on this learning journey.
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!
You have a lot to do. In addition to all your other jobs and responsibilities, you’ve also chosen to home educate your children. That’s huge! It’s no wonder that when you can’t keep up with the homeschooling curriculum, you worry they’re falling behind. You worry that they’re not where they’re supposed to be, that you’re failing as a homeschooler, and perhaps you should put them in school.
But before you jump to that decision, listen to this episode of the podcast!
In Episode 68 of the Raising Mums podcast, we talk about feeling behind in your homeschooling curriculum and what you can do to feel more positive about educating your children at home.
The belief that life will be better once you “catch up” robs you of the present; and the joy and connection you could be experiencing with your children now.
Your children are exactly where they are meant to be. You are exactly where you are meant to be.
Be the mother you wish to be, now. Don’t wait for when everything is perfect, because that day will never come.
How to Start Homeschooling
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!
