0 Weekend Activities With Abi

Each day is different from the other. The weather was charm and all were feeling drowsy waking up late. Kids were working with Hubby while I was busy preparing meals.

Oh! Masha Allah, they came up with this beautiful popsicle jewelry chest. Popsicle are fantastic for many activities. They look cute and beautiful.

Abi helped them to assemble the popsicle together using hot glue gun and Big sister did the painting and the decorating part.

Hey, here is a cute cottage for our Little Sister.

Abi didn’t forget to fix a birdhouse for our little girl.

Finally, comes the bridge built for our Little Soldier. Building bridge structures are great for kids to learn physical science like force and motion etc.…

Our first popsicle bridge passed the weight test of 22 kg. Oops! We missed to take a shot.

Update: This Sunday was for Little Princess, Oh! it came out pretty well though it took quite a longtime

They really look pretty and is an interesting activity for kids to spend time quietly. Hoping to make more exciting stuff Insha Allah.

0 Ummi… “I want to do something...”

Homeschooling is a marvelous journey which creates an understanding on how the children grow and grasp knowledge from the world around them. It is something that cannot be made understand, but something to be felt or understood by one’s own self. It is something that gives the children the freedom and opportunity to explore the world and “let it happen” and not “make it happen.”

What is meant by this is that the child comes up with her own curiosity and ideas and then we guide and open up the ways for them to dive into their interests.

It so happened … my 7-year-old came to me saying that she wants to do something interesting. I said, “you come up with an idea and I’ll help you with it.” Finally, she grabbed a book from the shelf Super Science Models by Janice Vancleave’s. Really a fascinating book and was interested in making a layered book. Eventually we ended up with this beautiful layered book of seasons.

 And the sun runs [on course] toward its stopping point. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing. [36:38]

Then comes my 5-year-old saying that “you spent time coloring and drawing with sister, I also want to do something.” Yes, I warmly welcome his interests too. We worked on this project and finally came up with a layered book of senses.

And it is He who produced for you hearing and vision and hearts; little are you grateful.[23:78]

Have We not made for him two eyes? And a tongue and two lips?[90:8-9]

Until, when they reach it, their hearing and their eyes and their skins will testify against them of what they used to do. And they will say to their skins, "Why have you testified against us?" They will say, "We were made to speak by Allah , who has made everything speak; and He created you the first time, and to Him you are returned. [41:20-21]

Subhanallah! It is so fascinating to discuss the bounties of Allah given to us. They are priceless. Having the organs in order is a great gift from the Mighty and having them function is another incomparable bounty.

Alhamdulillah, may Allah keep us steadfast in this beautiful journey which really builds up closeness with our precious gifts (the children). Also let this journey build up the closeness with our loving creator who guides his slaves, and we pray to him to show us the straight path which will make us and our progeny enter Jannah!

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.