0 Fun with MEP Math

Masha Allah, It is so delighted to see kids being active and enthusiastic during this lesson, having fun with various stuff. I thought of saving the pictures of this sweet memories of their mess time. Also I would like to mention how it works great.

The MEP MATH is a well-organized program which provides:

• Mental work; Pupils should count and carry out operations mentally.
• Board work; Pupils are encouraged to come to the board to show a solution, convey an idea, etc.
• Oral work; Pupils are encouraged to use correct mathematical terms and should get used to reading aloud mathematical statements correctly.
• Demonstration; where the pupils should work with manual aids (number cards, strips, dominoes, items from their collection etc.).

Finally it ends up with discussions on their thought processes, what they wrote down etc.
Here are some of the shots of our classroom activities:

The number strips and the number rods in different colors. (Done by Big sister)

 Using the number cards, strips, dominoes, and signs to work on sums.

Showing that each shape is in four versions: 2 sizes and each size in 2 colors

The dominoes and number cards were given by one of our cousins which she made during her Montessori course. Jazakallah, A great help and very useful!

0 New Grade - Muharram 1437

Subhanallah, as we enter into another new hijri year, I’m really astonished how the days and years pass so swiftly and how rapidly the little ones grow Masha Allah…

As usual kids were actively preparing for their new grades academically. Although each & every day is a learning adventure for a homeschooler the upgrading of new grade is a joy and grants them a sort of enthusiasm in their learning.

Our new brilliant student for this year is our Little sister who is the youngest at home, quite advanced and petted by all of us.

 It is so fascinating to see how she is warmly welcomed by her siblings. This beautiful Arabic alphabet chart was done by her elder sisters.

And the English alphabet is for our little soldier done by Big sister.

Finally our gorgeous journal for the year was designed by dear hubby Alhamdulillah.

Ah, ha, it is not an easy task unless by the help of Allah. Shaythan comes in different angles to corrupt our minds. But one thing to remember is that which I listened from one of the lectures of Moulana Mufthi Ismail Menk “Spending time with children is a form of Ibadah and is one of the actions of Ambiya.

Our only desire is that our children love the Rabb of the universe with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and adhere to his commands at all times.

Today we live in a global village, bombarded with fitnas from all corners. We pray to Allah for a humble offspring who are going to be steadfast in this Deen and spread it across the globe Insha Allah.

May Allah accept our efforts and guide us on the straight path!

2 Story of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام

And [then] he said, "Indeed, I will go to [where I am ordered by] my Lord; He will guide me. My Lord, grant me [a child] from among the righteous." So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy. And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast." And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, "O Abraham, You have fulfilled the vision." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice, And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations: "Peace upon Abraham." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, he was of Our believing servants. [37:99-111]

As we are in the blessed month of Zulhijjah and looking forward to celebrate the Eidul Adha, it is unworthy to celebrate it without knowing the purpose of it.

Subhanallah! It is the rememberance of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام and his noble family.

As usual elder kids were discussing about Hajj and having fun with Hajj board game, I thought of making something interesting for younger two. They two are very keen in listening to stories and enjoying them.

So, I made this little story book in order to make them understand how Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام became the true friend of Allah by passing each test successfully. The points were taken from TalimiBoard (KZN) Al- Maktab.

I left some space for them to paste the correct pictures to make the book more colorful and enjoyable for them.

 Download PDF file

And the discussion points are to be discussed in an emotional way so that it might illuminate the hearts of the young Muslims who are going to be the future leaders one day Insha Allah.

May Allah accept our good deeds and make us among the true lovers of Him!

0 Pillars of Islam

Alhamdulillah, today we are here with our little soldier’s pillars of Islam activity for his lesson from Bright Star Thasheel books. Masha Allah there are a lots of beautiful projects done by other dear homeschoolers.

This one was done using paper towel rolls and we used an old carton to lay the pillars in order. The pictures and the numbers were taken from old activity books. I used the pictures and the number so that it will be easy for him to understand.

The curious fellow was so happy and he is saying the pillars in order and is also familiar with the names of five times salah too.

Subhanallah, we are almost at the end of the lunar year and it is time to evaluate the kids before we move onto the new grade on Muharram Insha Allah. So, we are being a bit busy doing our exams and hope we will have our next post Mmm…., May be around next month Insha Allah.

1 Eid Cards 1436 (2015)

Alhamdulillah, we are almost at the end of this blessed month. May Allah accept all our good deeds!

It is interesting to see children grow and activities differ year after year. Alhamdulillah , little princess was able to fast all until today without much tantrum, Masha allah.

As usual kids were eager about preparing their eid cards for pen pals and friends. By the will of Allah I was feeling sick and tired for few days and was not in a good position to spend time with their project. 

By the grace of Allah Big sister is quite grown and she was ready to prepare and help her siblings. They used whatever stuff was available at home to decorate their cards.

You can see the beautiful work of my little ones :)

These three are to be sent for big sister’s pen pals

Then comes the little princess’s stuff.

Oh, yes this is our little soldier’s, He is no more a little soldier. Now he is the big boss at our home. You can see he has decorated the eid masjid with colorful bulbs.

Finally, our cute little sister’s card to be given to a cousin of her age.

Wish you all a HAPPY EID. May the blessings of Eid be with you throughout your life!

Also let us pray for the Muslim ummah across the globe for peace and harmony. And may Allah help the mujaahideen who are striving to safeguard the deen of Allah!

0 Ramadan 1436 (2015)

Subhanallah! We are awaiting for a great month, a most blessed month, in which is a night greater in values and goodness than a thousand months.

Kids are happy to meet the valuable month with their awesome bulletin board to be filled each day Insha Allah.

Sometimes it feels bored to make same kind of projects again and again but, these kinds of activities really makes it interesting for them to spend their time usefully in this blessed month for the purpose of filling the blanks to compete with each other as it will be displayed in the board. Also the activities may be the first time for my younger ones.

The Quran tree is with thirty leaves to be colored each day for each Juz Big sister has completed. The first juz leaf is colored with the hope that she will do it Insha Allah.

Then the Salwath and Dhikr chart to be filled by both, Big sister and Little princess. The things that nullify the fast and the Ramadan verbs are from dear sister Umm Maimunas Ramadan acivity pack which we used last year and thought that it will be familiar for them when it is visible in the board.

Little princess has to translate and fill each verb as she learns and the Saum tracker basket is to track how many she has fasted. Hope that the basket will be full with yummy cherries at the end of the month Insha Allah.

Oh, this is my little soldier’s beautiful Ramadan tracker in a car as the little boy is mad with cars. He is always curious, asking me how many days are left for Ramadan, and I know that he is going to repeat the same question with me asking how many days are left for eid to test my patience with my fast.

Yes, now he himself can have the track of the days Insha Allah.

Finally, our cute little sister’s lovely Ramadan balloon just to make her happy as she wants to do something when her siblings do.

May Allah help us reach this blessed month with sound health and fulfill our Ibadas in a way that will please our Lord!

0 Psychology from the Islamic Perspective (Book Review)

 

Indeed, We sent down to you the Book for the people in truth. So whoever is guided - it is for [the benefit of] his soul; and whoever goes astray only goes astray to its detriment. And you are not a manager over them. [39:41]

First and most I thank the Rabb of the universe who created the heavens, the earth and provided the humanity the great gift of Islam which is a complete and comprehensive religion. Subhanallah!

Yes, I am here after a quite long time to share some of the knowledge which seemed to be beneficial to me and with the hope that it will be beneficial for my sisters too Insha Allah!

Today we are in a world which is filled with mental illnesses like anxiety, worry, distress, and depression which will be the second largest killer after heart disease by 2020. These are the words heard across the globe rather than the words happy, calm, and peace which Islam promotes and for what Islam was gifted for.

Subhanallah! What is the reason….?  It is the deprivation of SPIRITUALITY. While I was going through some psychological books was feeling that something was missing. Though, it covered most of my doubts like causes, symptoms, stages of psychological issues etc… the missing part was SPIRITUALITY. The soul requires a spiritual connection to its sources, The Creator, just as the body requires food and water to survive.

This is a wonderful book written by Dr. Aisha Utz, worth to be read by all of the Muslim psychiatrists.

The main weaknesses of the secular approach to psychology is that:

• Human are viewed as independent of their creator and Lord
• Theories are based upon human intellect alone, apart from the revelation of the creator
• Knowledge and research focus only on tangible aspects of humans, while ignoring the spiritual and unseen elements
• Behaviors are generally seen to be determined solely by drives, reflexes, conditioning and social influences.

To understand the true nature of humans in an Islamic framework, it is important to go back to this story of their creation, as detailed in the Quran. We can glean a great deal of knowledge from the well-known story, knowledge that is beyond the realm of scientific theories and speculations.

Here are some of the lessons about human being on an Islamic view:

Human are unique in their creation and distinct from their creator. Human was placed on earth for a purpose which is to worship Allah. They are his successors on earth, and all of the earth’s resources are been made subservient to them.

The key to salvation and happiness is in following the guidance that comes from Allah. This will determine the value of this life and their states in the hereafter.

As parents it is important to know that which is norm and abnormal behavior of kids, adolescents, and so on... to build up a healthy and brave society Insha Allah.

2 All About Me

Our little soldier, the one and only boy who is curious and sometimes a bit naughty when he has nothing to do. Especially when the sisters spend time reading on their own. Alhamdulillah, he has almost completed half of his Qaaidha and hope we will be starting our English alphabets very soon Insha Allah.

So, when it comes to projects or activities I have to choose something that goes along with pictures. The banner on top was done by him, it is all about him in rainbow colors and the little boy’s name inside the cloud.

His favorite food is pizza, and fruits are pineapple and dates

He is so mad of sheep and goats, mostly after reading about Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم taking care of sheep when he was small.

Oh, when it comes to ambition he is so serious about becoming an Imam and muazzin. It is so fascinating to see him practicing Azan turning towards the wall and raising his hands to the ears. May Allah accept and make it come alive Insha allah.

Then his favorite color is green and religion is Islam

Then comes age

Yes! You can see that he has three wonderful sisters

Oh! Finally, THE WHITE BMW he is sooo….. Interested of it. He has a collection of cars which he gathered from magazines.

May Allah grant our kids good health and make them the coolness of our eyes!

0 Toilet Paper Roll Activities

Alhamdulillah, the days are passing and my youngest girl is now two year old talking, imitating and craving for fun activities. Masha Allah she is quite advanced, loved and patted by everyone.

The little girl was murmuring to me,”Ummi I want to do proect, proect” I couldn’t understand what she was telling “ proect like sisters’ are doing. Finally I said, ‘You mean project, darling’. She nodded yes.

So, I was wondering what to do with this curious girl and came up with this idea. Made cute color rolls with toilet paper rolls by wrapping varnish paper.

The little girl was so happy and proud with it, Alhamdulillah. She was getting familiar with colors and made it more interesting by making her match the popsicles with same colors.

She also had fun stacking them by placing a round cardboard in between the rolls.

Then she was rolling them and was watching which color roll was winning.

This is an activity done by Big Sister and little princess (Toilet paper roll stamps) we cut different patterns for each roll, dipped them into the paint and stamped into the paper. Decorated the middle part with beads and other available stuff.

Making little ones happy and occupied with simple stuff is quite easy, Alhamdulillah.

1 Vehicle Activity

Curious, naughty, cute tantrums… what does all these interpret. Mama, I need your attention! My 4 year old was throwing out all of these behaviors. May be he is the only little soldier in our house in the midst of three girls.

I didn’t want to point out his mischievousness, rather I worked with him. Talking, and asking about his interests. As he really loves vehicles, especially cars, we did some activities that he really enjoyed Alhamdulillah.

This is a road project we made using Bristol board and black construction paper. He was so happy and made a masjid with his wooden blocks.

You can see little soldier driving his cute blue car to the masjid. LOL …

Then we played this fun game. The little boy has to park his vehicles in the correct number I announce. This really helps to recognize numbers that they are confused with. Little soldier is confused with numbers like 21 & 12 so, this activity was great.

Next comes car track painting. He moved the car wheels back and forth in a plate of paint and rolled the cars along the sketch paper which made colorful tracks on paper.

 Sorry, I usually don’t get to take pics step by step.

 Vehicle collections from magazines and newspapers to keep the little boy occupied. 

0 Teaching Salah

And they who carefully maintain their prayers [23:9]

 عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ شُعَيْبٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ جَدِّهِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏  مُرُوا أَوْلاَدَكُمْ بِالصَّلاَةِ وَهُمْ أَبْنَاءُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ وَاضْرِبُوهُمْ عَلَيْهَا وَهُمْ أَبْنَاءُ عَشْرِ سِنِينَ وَفَرِّقُوا بَيْنَهُ

Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As رضي الله عنه: The Messenger of Allah said صلى الله عليه وسلم Command your children to pray when they become seven years old, and beat them for it (prayer) when they become ten years old; and arrange their beds (to sleep) separately. [Sunan Abi Dawud]

[Note: beating should not cause bodily harm and not on the face]

Little Princess will be 7 in few days Insha Allah. It is time for me as a Muslim mother to teach her the second most important and compulsory act of worship which is said to be the key of Jannah.  Subhanallah, the one who was sent as a mercy to the universe صلى الله عليه وسلم said: my coolness of eyes lies in Salah. Indeed, the real sweetness of a Mumin’s life lies in remembering Him.

She was so curious and was eager to begin her salah. Her fiqh lessons were going along with the subject. We did some activities to make her interested and familiar. I wanted to make a lapbook for Wudu and Salah and then thought the practical lessons work out more than lapbooks. So we ended up with some simple activities.

This cute book was from dear sister Umm Abdul Basir’s to make the kids understand about Qibla in simple way.

She wrote down some virtues of Salah in this beautiful mini key book.

A mini book to know the times and names of Salah

And for the postures I made it interested for her by making her and Big Sister to show the postures while I was naming them, and then to name the postures while I was doing it. By the time guiding them how the parts of body should be. She colored and made the cards.

Finally, I would like to share this wonderful article about Salah which really makes a change in our heart. I was so amazed when I read this. [Link]

My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication. [14:40]