Saturday, February 28, 2009

Activity to develop muscular coordination (and the pincer grasp)

Assalamu Alaikum,

This activity is good for the development of muscular coordination and the pincer grasp (which is important to develop because children will need this when learning to write/hold a pencil). This activity is ideal for infants aged 12 to 36 months. To my knowledge this is Montessori in its origin...waAllahu Alim.

Directions:
  • Get a wooden/wicker basket.

  • Fill it with wooden clothes pins

  • Sit facing the child. Take a clothes pin and open it fully, making sure the child sees this.

  • Clip the clothes pin to the edge of the basket.

  • Repeat this with 3 or 4 other clothes pins. Make sure the child sees each time that you fully open the clothes pin.

  • Invite the child to pin the remaining clothes pins.

As much as possible, when doing activities, try to limit your talking to what is essential. This is to allow the child to concentrate and focus on the task (otherwise the child will be focusing on your voice).

Here's an example (from: The Wonder Years)

Enjoy insha'Allah!

Treasure Box - Infants 6-12 months

Assalamu alaikum

This idea is not specific to any one school of education but the approach that I prefer is one that suggests having as few plastic objects as possible for the child's sensory experience. This is a great sensory activity for kids and they stay engaged with it for a long period of time. Be sure to change some of the objects in the basket every few days to maintain interest insha'Allah.

Directions:
  • Get a wooden/wicker basket and fill it with a variety of objects. (Ex. tennis ball, measuring spoon, fabric pieces, wooden spoon, baby food jar filled with beans - seal the jar with tap to avoid it being opened, ball of yarn, etc.). Avoid small objects that can present a choking hazard.

  • Sit with the basket between you and the infant.

  • Take an object out of the basket and explore it. Involve the infant in this process as much as possible (i.e. touch the infants hand with the object, hold the object under the infants nose, etc.)

  • Allow the infant to explore the contents undisturbed for as long as he/she wishes. Leave the basket in a place where the infant can easily get it when he/she wants.



I found this pic as an example on dovegreyreader.

Enjoy insha'Allah!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Sensitive Periods

assalamu alaikum
Earlier we were talking about Sensitive Periods. Here is some more background information on them insha'Allah. I prefer the concepts used in the Montessori methodology but in other schools of thought sensitive periods are also called "Windows of Opportunity".

Sensitive Period for Order (age 18 months to 2 years)
I also wanted to let you know that the activities that I will post will be in the following areas insha'Allah:
1. Sensory Motor Skills
2. Cognitive Skills
3. Practical Life Skills (this again is the Montessori style/method)

Thursday, February 19, 2009

First Language Activity - Infants 24 to 36 months old

assalamu alaikum,

Here is the first language activity for Infants 24-36 months old insha'Allah: 

 

 

Leave your feedback...how did it go....suggestions?

First Language Activity - Infants 9 to 12 months old

Assalamu alaikum Here is the first language activity for Infants 9 to 12 months old insha'Allah (I will insha'Allah upload an Arabic version later today or tomorrow insha'Allah). 

 This game can actually go to three years old (if needed). If you need ideas about how to extend the game let me know insha'Allah.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Our First Day

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Insha'Allah, this blog will provide resources and tools for raising Muslim children from birth until 4 years old insha'Allah. The reason for this age group is simple: there exists a plethora of information and resources for children ages 5 and up alhamdulillah, but Islamic resources for children below age 4 is not as abundant.

It is hoped that what is posted here will help you provide quality, enriching, engaging, and fun activities for your child. You are not a clown therefore your job is not to 'entertain' your children. You are a mentor, a trustee (your children are an amana), and you are your childs first and insha'Allah, best teacher. Do your best to inspire your child to become a Muslim that Allah is pleased with.

Yesterday, I read (and I do not remember where) this: "what is more precious and vulnerable than a child?" Children are vulnerable and they depend completely on you - their parent. Handle them with care, their mind, body and soul.

But, let's get started insha'Allah. I think the easiest way to do this would be for you to tell me (breifly) what your kids have already mastered (i.e. they know their colours, numbers 1-10, etc.). I've done one activity (almost finished insha'Allah) for kids 2-4 years old and insha'Allah I'll post it in the next day or two.
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