To know him is to love him ﷺ. As we endeavour to help our children to form heart connections with the Prophet ﷺ, we must begin with knowledge. Nurture a love of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in them by learning about him and his noble lineage ﷺ.
Memorising his patrilineal lineage (the male line) is a practice of the traditional cultures of the past that, sadly, is slowly being lost amongst modern-day Muslim children.
Using the FREE worksheets we have provided here, your children can easily memorise the blessed pure lineage of the Prophet Muhammad and strengthen their love for him ﷺ, insha’Allah.
These worksheet activities have been designed to make teaching the Prophetic lineage as easy (and enjoyable) as possible!
There are Four Ways to Use these worksheets;
Daily Memorisation. Remember a name from the Prophetic lineage each day (the correct order is on the guide sheet on page 3). Start from the Prophet’s father, Abdullah, and once remembered you can write it on the page.
Sing-a-long. Remember as many names from the lineage as you can, a great way would be to sing-a-long with theItsy Bitsy Muslims on Youtube where they are also learning the Greatest of All Trees. (An faster-paced alternative is this nasheed – includes music.) Once learnt, the names can be written on the page from memory. (Please note “Kilāb” which was a nickname has been replaced with the real name “Ḥakīm” on sheets – therefore is not the same as the Sing-alongs)
Sorting Game. Cut out all the names on page 4 and mix them and try and place them in the correct order.
Ordering Game. The order of the lineage is mixed up on this page 5, place the right number in the circle. The Prophet ﷺ is number 1 and his father Abdullah is number 2. Number the remaining in the correct order.
The lineage between Adnan (as) and Ismail (as) is not verified so is omitted.
Kilāb appears in the Hadith mentioned in Bukharī, but we have amended the original document and we have replaced “Kilāb” ,which was a nickname, with the real name “Ḥakīm” ibn Murrah, on the advice of our teachers.
Homeschooling is a beautiful way to educate and raise your children. When you look back on your years at home with your children, you will not regret the time you spent with them. But that doesn’t mean it’s always smooth sailing! There will be times when things get tough. You might question other homeschooling options. You may even consider, “Should I continue to homeschool my children?”
In episode 62 of the Raising Mums podcast, we talk about what to do when things go wrong!
This episode deals with real problems that real women are facing! I’m sharing highlights from Group Coaching Calls inside Launch Your Homeschool. In these calls, other mums, like you, who are trying to educate their children at home, ask me for advice on problems they are facing in their homeschool.
This includes questions about:
Homeschool curriculum
Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
Parenting and discipline advice
And coaching around the emotions of a homeschool mum.
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.
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 best ways to find good educational resources for your Muslim homeschool, is by getting recommendations from friends. Well we’re friends, right?! In Episode 57 of theRaising Mums podcast, I share my favorite homeschooling resources from the past twelve months.
This Blogpost may contain affiliate links. Please see Disclaimer for more information.
Consider this podcast episode a year in review. This isn’t just another homeschool curriculum choices list. This podcast episode gives mini-reviews of the resources that really worked for our children!
I share with you the books, curriculum, and activities that we are still loving and using months later!
Committing what is beautiful and true to memory, whether it is Quran, art or poetry; is a valuable part of the Charlotte Mason philosophy. Covering memorisation in your homeschool can be daunting at first; not knowing what to choose to memorise, when to slot it into your homeschooling day and essentially, how to memorise!
In Episode 54 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how we address memorisation in our homeschool.
MEMORISATION IN OUR HOMESCHOOL | MORNING BASKET FOLDERS
Children have this most the most incredible ability when they’re young to memorise things and part of our homeschooling and a part of the Charlotte Mason philosophy is that we make the most of that while they’re young to have them memorise things that are important what we would consider valuable like Quran and duas.
Memorisation can be split between individual and group learning and you can use Morning time folders so everyone can see the material.
Summer is the perfect chance to have more time outdoors. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy a good book!
You can help your children stay consistent with their reading habits and fall in love with reading with Our Summer Reading Challenge! It’ll get even the most reluctant readers excited to read and join in the fun!
Summertime is the perfect time to create fun learning opportunities for your children. Making Islam fun for kids can seem like a daunting task, but here are 10 activities to help your children enjoy Islamic learning and the lovely summer weather at the same time!
And for the days when the weather doesn’t seem so inviting, there are some great indoor activities as well!
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Islam For Kids: All About Allah
Making Islam fun for kids begins with nurturing a love of Allah (SWT). These 3 interactive activities make a great a start:
99 Names Hunt
Print out the names of Allah from this website and stick them around your house or garden for your kids to find. Choose places that are clean and keep the the names off the ground. This can be a regular activity and you can focus on certain names each time you play.
Photo credit: quotelovin.com
To make the game a little more challenging for older children, try saying the English name and your child has to find the Arabic translation, or vice versa. This activity is perfect for opening a discussion about the many amazing qualities and attributes of their Creator.
Go for nature walks and help your kids create their very own scrapbook of beautiful things Allah (SWT) has created. They can press flowers or leaves into their book, draw sketches of animals, go birdwatching or collect specimens of minibeasts! This bug catcher kit is loads of fun for little explorers!
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Islam For Kids: Qur’an Study
Just because summer is here doesn’t mean the Qur’an lessons need to stop! Add some creativity to your Qur’an sessions with these activities:
Take It Outside
With the sun shining and the temperatures rising, it can be difficult to hold your kid’s attention during Qur’an lessons. So, pack a cosy blanket and a picnic and take it outside! This will be an exciting change for your kids and help them associate positive and happy memories with learning the Qur’an.
Qur’an Journaling
Get creative and pull out all the art supplies! Using this simple structure for Quran journaling, help your kids interact with the Qur’an and engage with it. The art supplies make this incredibly fun and your kids will learn that the Qur’an can teach and comfort them when they need it.
Use the summer weeks to help your kids focus on their salah and develop a healthy prayer habit!
Salah Tracker
Salah trackers are a brilliant way to help children become personally responsible for their own salah and celebrate their progress. Allowing your kids to be independent with their salah shows them you trust their own prayer journey. These trackers from Muslim Mommy are perfect to get you started!
Prayer Space
Having a dedicated prayer space for their salah adds to the excitement for children. Fill their space with things they love that will help them feel positive and happy during every salah time. Plus, you can bond as you set up the space together! Help your children design their own salah posters and add comfy cushions to curl up with whilst they perform their post-salah adhkar (supplications). Check out this amazing Salah Space!
Islam For Kids: Stories of the Prophets
Studying the prophets is the perfect way to help children discover wonderful role models. With Muharram upon us, why not focus on the amazing stories about Musa (AS)?
Build A Boat
Stretch those S.T.E.M muscles and build a boat! Begin with the famous story of Musa’s mother placing him in a basket as a baby and floating him along the river. Use these ideas to build your own sturdy boat or basket. Then, if the weather allows, head to a lake, river or stream nearby and discover how sea-worthy your models are!
Photo Credit: inspirationlaboratories.com
Red Sea Study
You can’t learn about the Prophet Musa (AS) without learning about the Red Sea. The story of Musa splitting the sea to escape from the evil Pharaoh has all the ingredients children need for an engaging story!
However, by studying the Red Sea you can help your children realise how true the story is. Knowing the sea really and truly exists will upgrade this story from exciting to mind-blowing for your children. Help your kids draw, colour or label their own map of the Red Sea. You could take this further and put together a geography presentation!
Seerah Story Time
Well, after all these activities your kids will be going to bed fulfilled, happy and oh-so-tired! Soothe them to sleep with a regular bedtime story of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Make sure you end on a cliffhanger each night! This will leave your kids eager for the next instalment the following night. Curl up in bed together and bond over the beautiful stories that fill the life of the final messenger. This book from Leila Azzam is a wonderful addition to any Islamic library for kids.
Share your summer!
I would love to see what you and your children get up to this summer! Tag @OurMuslimHomeschool on Instagram or Facebook and share your summer activities so we can all see what fun you’re having!
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Eid al-Adha is almost here! We can use this special time to teach our kids what Hajj is and why it is so wonderful. Use these activities to not only teach your kids about this amazing journey, but to create meaningful memories and experiences.
We can sometimes feel like our time for worship is diminished when we are doing chores or taking care of the kids. However, teaching them about Hajj can be filled with rewards when done with the right intention.
What is Hajj?
Abu Hurairah narrated that he heard Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) say:
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression will return [free from sins] as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Al-Bukhari)
Hajj is one of the five basic pillars of Islam, and it happens once every year during the month of Dhul Hijjah. Muslims from all over the world make their way to Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Each Muslim must make this journey at least once in their lifetime, if they are able. Therefore, 10 days of this special month are celebrated by Muslims around the world in recognition of those performing Hajj.
However, just because you’re not making the blessed journey yourself, doesn’t mean you and your family can’t honour the pilgrimage at home.
Try these Hajj-themed activities to teach your kids what Hajj is and why it is so special.
Sensory Activities
Hajj Sensory Bins
These sensory bins from The Muslimah Guideare easy to make and fun to explore. Find stones to throw at the jamaraat with the Muzdalifah bin, pour water using the Zam Zam bin, and use the Safa’ and Marwah bin to tell your kids the story of baby Ismail.
Finger print painting
This activity designed by Muslim Kid Genius will show the wonderful diversity which exists within the tawaf ritual. Little ones will love getting their fingers in some paint! As a result, you can teach them about the unity of Muslims from all backgrounds walking around the Kabah together.
What is a Hajj lesson without a Kabah activity? Using teamwork and the many cardboard boxes we save “just in case”, build your very own Kabah using this papier mâché method. You could use this Kabah for the tawaf ritual during the role play activity below. Scroll down for details!
Mixed media Picture
Mixed media pictures are wonderfully fun to make, because you can literally use anything to fill your picture with texture. Little ones will particularly enjoy this activity, and even your older kids will be pretty impressed with the results. Check out this amazing picture from A Muslim Child is Born.
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Discuss with your little ones the various ways someone can travel to Makkah. Explain how the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions travelled from Madinah to Makkah before we had planes and cars! Your kids can use various art supplies such as pastels, paints, and collage materials to make these transportation colouring pages fun and creative!
Tracing pages
Train those fine motor skills by giving younger kidsthese tracing pages from Muslim Learning Garden. You can discuss tawaf, pelting stones at the jamaraat, the tents in Mina and even the run between Mounts Safa’ and Marwah.
Reading time
An activity as effective as it is timeless, reading will always be a joy for your kids when you get involved. There are so many kids’ books online which cover the Hajj pilgrimage in a fun and beautiful way.
Give old treasure maps a creative spin and talk to your kids about the different locations which are so important to the Hajj pilgrimage. Plus, you could use these maps in the role play activity below! Scroll down for details.
Kabah paperclip bookmark
This activity from A Crafty Arab is brilliant because not only can your kids have a lot of fun making these paperclip bookmarks, they will make wonderful little Eid gifts from your kids to other family members.
Mosaic art
Teach your kids the wonders of mosaic art as they learn the patience and perseverance it takes to make something truly amazing!These Hajj-themed pictures will make great gifts. Plus, what child doesn’t like getting glue on their fingers?
Foam pilgrims
Image Credit: helloholydays.com
Teach your kids about ihram (the garment pilgrims wear on Hajj) by making these amazing foam pilgrims from Hello Holy Days. Your kids could use them as props for role play or when using their Hajj displays from the activity above.
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Group Activities
Role play
Get the whole family involved and role play the rituals of Hajj,just like this post from Multicultural Motherhood. This can be done inside or outside. If you’re inside, use a different room for each location. Use your maps and your papier mâché Kabah from the activities above!
Using these 4 challenges from The Muslimah Guide, let your older kids put their engineering skills to work. Using these challenges as a guide, you can have a Hajj-themed building competition. Complete with prizes, of course!
Family Quiz
It’s time to put all your Hajj knowledge to the test – as a family. Host a Family Quiz Night using these questions from Education Quizzes. Switch up the fun by letting your kids hold the question cards and test YOUR knowledge!
The most important aspect of this special time is to have fun with your kids. Use these activities to create positive associations with Islamic learning and bond at the same time.
If you try any of these activities with your kids, make sure youtake a photo and share it on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #ourmuslimhomeschool so I can see it!
One of the most effective ways to teach our kids Islamic studies, is by using excellent children’s books.
Over the past decade, I’ve collected a small library of Islamic books for kids. I know what makes a good children’s book, and what makes an excellent one!
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Seriously, when it comes to Islamic Studies, you cannot be too particular about which books you use with your children.
If you’re looking to teach your children more about Hajj, then read on friend!
In this blogpost, I’ll be sharing with you my favourites kid’s books about Hajj; books that inspire wonder and awe, whilst also informing the mind and heart.
I know…I expect a lot from my books!
Here are my recommendations!
The 9 Best Children’s Books About Hajj
For Children Under 5
Two Pigeons on a Pilgrimage
This is the story of two pigeons, as they witness the rites of Hajj! Illustrated by a very talented 12 year-old girl, this rhyming story even includes some fun matching games.
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Children Aged 5-9
Makkah and Madinah Activity Book
This fun sticker activity book is packed with dot-to-dot drawings, colouring pages, puzzles to solve, and loads of stickers, to help your children explore the sacred sites of Makkah and Madinah.
This is retelling of Hajar in the desert, and her struggle to find water for her baby son, Ismael (as). Beautifully written, with spectacular illustrations, this is a book your family will treasure.
This beautifully printed activity book will capture the imagination of your children! Its brimming with all kinds of fun activities, colourful illustrations and fascinating facts to teach your children about the amazing journey of Hajj. They’ll love it!
This unique book, follows a young family on their trip to Makkah. In addition to the usual important sites, it also shows you where many other sites of Islamic historical significance can be found; including the house of Khadijah (ra) and what it looked like inside.
It tells you about the birth place of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and how to find it! More than half of the book is dedicated to sites around Mecca that hold an importance with the Seerah and our Islamic heritage.
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?
Teaching your children about Islam can be a daunting prospect! Where do we start?
How do we teach the material?
Once they do start learning the various Islamic sciences, how do we keep up the momentum and maintain their enthusiasm.
How can we encourage our children to want to learn about Islam?
What are the best online resources available to help parents?
This blog post was sponsored by aliandsumayaschool.com. See disclaimer for further details.
I was recently introduced to the Ali and Sumaya school, an online Islamic school, that teaches children the principle Islamic sciences, from the comfort of my own home.
It has been such a blessing to incorporate it into my children’s Islamic education, and I am so excited to share it with you.
What is an Online Islamic School?
When we first logged on, I was so impressed! It’s like an Islamic version of ABC Mouse! mashAllah! Instead of teaching phonics or maths, it teaches children Quran, duaas, Arabic, and more!
The children absolutely adore it, and really look forward to doing their lessons! I have seen an incredible shift in their attitude towards learning the Islamic sciences. When I announce that it’s time for Ali and Sumaya school, they rush to get to the computer and watch one another do their lessons.
They even recognize the characters in the school from the Ali and Sumaya DVDS, which only adds to their enthusiasm!
However since we began the programme, about 2 months ago, they have continued to offer more levels,and add more learning material to their website every month!
How does it work?
Most lessons offered involve your child watching a short animated video, where the material is explained. These videos have been made to a very high standard! The audio is clear, with beautiful recitation of Quran, and the animation is amazing!
Then after practicing what has been taught, they complete a short quiz to ensure they have understood the lesson.
They way the school assesses memorisation is very simple, but very clever. The teacher will recite part of an ayah or duaa, and then conceal part of it with a “beep”. The child then has to decide what is missing from the duaa, and select the correct answer from a number of options.
If they pass the quiz, they are awarded a “badge.” The badges are the equivalent to virtual stickers, and my kids love collecting them!
A nice feature on the site is the presence of a leader board. For every lesson you complete, you are awarded points, and the students with the highest number of points will feature on the global leader board.
What age does my child need to be?
There are no specific requirements for age or experience. The only thing I would recommend is that your child should be able to comfortably use the mouse or a tablet, otherwise they may struggle to complete their lessons.
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Are their sources reliable?
There are so many different ways people practice Islam today, especially with regards to worship. The creators of the Ali and Sumaya school consulted a number of religious teachers from Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
If you have any further questions about the scholars and sources that were used, you can email the Ali and Sumaya school directly. Click HERE for their contact details.
How long are the lessons?
The time each lesson takes does vary between subjects and levels. However, the makers of the Ali and Sumaya school recommend that children spend 10-20 minutes on each lesson, as few times a week to get the most out of the programme.
We have chosen to use these online classes slightly differently. Instead of everyday, we have been using the Ali and Sumaya school as a reward for good behaviour or academic achievement! They enjoy using this online school so much that they will actually work towards it! They really do love it!
Benefits of Online Learning
Personally, I think the biggest benefit of using an online school like the Ali and Sumaya school, is that the kids enjoy it! Subhanullah, what a difference it makes to your child’s learning when they are having fun!
When a child is self-motivated and interested in learning the material, they will retain that information more effectively than if you are forcing them to do their lessons. The Ali and Sumaya school is a fantastic way of nurturing a positive attitude towards studying Islam.
One of the biggest challenges we face as parents today, is the constant struggle we have with limiting screen time. This internal battle happens in almost all of us everyday. Many of us feel guilty at the amount of time our children spend watching TV, or playing on other electronic devices. What is wonderful about the Ali and Sumaya school, is that that guilt is gone! My children can go online, and do their lessons, and learn something really beneficial! Alhumdulillah!
The Ali and Sumaya school provides a halal alternative to the mainstream media. Furthermore, it is a safe and wholesome way for children to spend beneficial time online.
How do I enroll my children?
The creators of the Ali and Sumaya school only take in a limited number of students each term so that they really get to know those pupil’s needs, and assist them as much as possible.
If you would like to secure your child’s place for this terms intake, you can visit their website: AliandSumayaschool.com for more details.
If you have any questions about the Ali and Sumaya school, and how we use it in our home, please leave them in the comments section below!
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!
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!”
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.
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!
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.
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,
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.
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.
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
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.
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) andAmazon (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.
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 Instagramand Facebook.
GIVEAWAY
It’s Giveway time!!!
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.
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