Free Courses

• Logical Progression – a long term study programme based on Shaykh al-‘Uthaymin’s book of fiqh called al-Sharh al-Mumti’ ‘ala Zad al-Mustaqni’ taught by Sheikh Abu Eesa Niamatullah
• Free Diploma in Islamic Studies – Islamic Online University
• The Quran and Me – Ebrahim College
• Preparing for Ramadan – Ebrahim College
• Da’wah Course in 10 modules – Messengers of Peace
• The Sacred Formula – A Study of the Du`aa of the Prophets of Allah – Yahya Ibrahim (School of Deen)

“We spread an abundant and delicate feast in the programmes and each small guest assimilates what he can.”
~ Charlotte Mason

We I have let many things slip. I tried to take stock of the past couple of years and I find myself sorely disappointed. I’m not very connected with my teen’s and tween’s education – I have basically set the goals and sent them on their way while I struggle with juggling chores and studies. (I do a rubbish job of it, by the way.) Not quite the broad and generous curriculum I had envisioned clearly.

So, yesterday, I had a conversation with my elder ruffians and we have agreed to revive the following:

1. Faith Journal
There is a genre of hadeeth literature called “al-arba’iniyyat” or collections of 40. The most famous or representative is of course Imam An-Nawawi’s 40 Hadeeth. I thought it would be beneficial for the girls to compile their own collections of 40 ahadeeth based on themes of their choice (good deeds, good behaviour, etc.). They don’t have to make it elaborate with illustrations or embellishments, but they do have to write in their best handwriting. (And I have to appreciate the effort and work on not being a bitter old crone over their penmanship.)

(2) Nature Journaling
Each day, the girls have to draw or paint or photograph something that celebrates nature. They can write if they want, but they can also let the pictures speak for themselves. The goal is to rekindle our sense of curiosity and wonder at the world. Let’s face it, we are so consumed with technology, work… ourselves! … that we are never in awe anymore. Why is that? Why don’t we wonder at the humble beetle in the garden – a creature so tiny yet tenacious that Allah Himself has fashioned and provided for? Why don’t we contemplate and reflect? I cannot draw for toffee so I am going to photograph my way through this ;) I know it is a cheat and I know there are numerous benefits to taking the time and making an effort to draw, but I need to keep things simple and sustainable.

(3) Quran Journaling
My friend Asrina has a scrumplicious idea for Quran journaling that I am definitely going to steal. She is doing a Hafazan Notebook. After memorising a Surah, she and her children jot down the summary and vocabulary. They also journal about why the surah is special to them and write out their favourite ayah. Genius, ma shaa Allah. Please do visit her blog, Muslim Homeschool Mum, for more gems.

I have a few more resolutions to tackle, but I have a propensity to overthink and overdo, so I am sticking with these for now before I move on. Please keep me and my family in your prayers!

So, I am quite the scatter-brained mum who tries to pursue one too many hobbies/online courses. Inevitably, something suffers … my house will start looking like a perfect candidate for “How Clean Is Your House?” and while there is clean laundry, finding particular items becomes a mad scavenger hunt because it’s in a gargantuan unfolded pile.

Marz is getting exam help at a tuition centre in the evenings (thank God… because I cannot wrap my head around Physics and Chemistry!), but Bear and Peep need a little more structure in their days. With the cleaning and cooking I always have yet to do, lesson planning has become a frustrating exercise. I always want to do more for them and end up getting bogged down by the nitty gritties. So what happens? I don’t even get to spend time on the basics much less get to the delectable feast (sorry Charlotte Mason!).

I was despairing over this when I chanced upon this resource – DISCOVERY K-12. This is an online homeschool platform and curriculum for pre-k to 12th grade. There are 7 standard courses: Language Arts, Reading/Literature, Math, Science, History/Social Studies, Visual/Performing Arts, and Physical Education. There are daily assignments, logs, book lists … in short, everything you need to homeschool!

Their school term starts TOMORROW! Timely or what? I feel like I have been thrown a lifesaver! And you know what else? It is FREE. I kid you not, people, IT IS F.R.E.E!

So, if you need a spine for your homeschool or a springboard, this is a great resource. You can use it fully or to supplement. Check the site out by clicking the link below:

[Tree image by Pexels]

History Resources

• Teaching A People’s History by Zinn Education Project
• History On The Net
• Pure History
• Students’ Friend

From Khan Academy

• World History
• AP US History
• US History
• Art History

Language Arts & Literature

• The Good and The Beautiful by Jenny Phillips – has Christian content
• Easy Peasy All-In-One Homeschool – may have Christian content

Grammar

• English Grammar 101
• Khan Academy Grammar
• Daily Grammar
• Scott Foresman Grammar & Writing
• Grammar Monster
• Neo K12

Spelling

• K12 Reader – for Grades 1-5
• Home Spelling Words

Free Books – Public Domain

• Sheldon’s Primary Language Lessons
• Intermediate Language Lessons
• With Pencil and Pen: Language Lessons for Primary Schools