With Ramadan around the corner, may Allah allow us to reach it, many mums are on the lookout for activities to keep their little ones engaged. With 'Ramadan-themed' crafts a popular go-to for the younger years, here are some simple, meaningful literacy based ideas for you to implement إن شاء الله.
○ Ramadan Reading Basket: Place this in a prominent area and make the books accessible for your child to peruse. Include titles that relate to Ramadan, stories from the Qur'an and Seerah, Allah’s Beautiful Names and Attributes. Purchase some new titles or print out some free ebooks. Institute a daily read aloud and use this opportunity to bond over beneficial books.
○ Ramadan Mystery Bag: Fill a pretty gift bag with various items your child associates with this special month (or things you want them to associate with it). Whilst you CAN use print outs; small, tangible items add a nice sensory element. Have your child feel inside the bag and take out one item at a time. Let them guess what is in their hand before looking at the item. Then speak about the item or have child tell you about it. Once all items have been taken out, you can play a game of 'I spy' where you focus on initial sounds or rhyme. For example, "I spy with my little eye, something for my iftar plate, and that is a.....date!"
○ Compose a simple (non-rhyming) "Ramadan is..." poem with your child on what Ramadan is to them. You can do this in the run-up to the month, as a way of getting them excited, or during the month itself. How does it work? Brainstorm together which sounds, sights, smells, tastes, activities and feelings they associate with the Ramadan. Jot these down. Then, compile your descriptions in the following format and have your child illustrate their poem:
Ramadan is...
waking up for breakfast when its still dark outside,
crispy samosas,
lots of children at the masjid...
There is no right or wrong here; it's simply a reflection of your child's experience. If you wish, you can use the opportunity to introduce your child to what the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم mentioned about the virtues of this special month as this will help them understand what this month is truly about and make them eager to do good إن شاء الله.
○ Ramadan Recipes: Whilst our focus this month shouldn't be on food, invite your child to help you prepare iftar and teach them about the reward of helping someone break their fast. Opt for picture based recipes with simple instructions for your child to read.
○ Writing to remember: Keep a Ramadan diary and encourage your child to record something they did or learnt each day. Let them to illustrate and caption something they were grateful for (or something that made them happy) and relate this blessing back to Allah. Compile a small illustrated list ot things to make dua for during the times dua is accepted. Bring out the best, most special stationery items for these activities: stickers, markers, stencils; whatever your child is eager to use إن شاء الله.
Which other simple ideas can you think of? Share them in the comments!
Visit our store for a range of engaging phonics printables إن شاء الله. Apply coupon code: RAMADAN at checkout for 25% off all products until the end of Ramadan!
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