Asalaam ‘Alaikum,

Now that my children are a bit older – I am going to try something different this year for teaching them about Ramadan. In the past, we mostly made a huge bulletin board and did many arts and crafts activities together. Through these activities, we also learned more about Ramadan.

 

While we will probably do some of those same activities this year – I am trying to help my children start to understand the true meaning of Ramadan.

 

Last year I made a Ramadan Journal – but it mostly consisted of a page or two that I printed off and had my children write their thoughts. My children really liked this idea. This year I have decided to expand that idea – and I have made different pages for each day of Ramadan – focusing on different aspects of Ramadan and fasting.

 

Instead of telling my children what the important lessons are for Ramadan – instead of telling them about Ramadan – I am going to turn the tables and ask them instead. I am hoping that this will help them to reflect more on Ramadan – and to see it differently.

 

I don’t know, being told something doesn’t always make it stick. Sometimes you have to work through it – research it yourself – and think about it before you can come to a good answer. In the Qur’an, we are often told to think and reflect. So, instead of just providing crossword puzzles or fill in the blank activities, I thought I would instead ask my children to actually think about what Ramadan means.

 

Click Here for Ramadan Journal

 

This will require some research on their part – and deep thinking. I am not going to send them out there on their own – but will guide them through the process. I think this will be a good activity to have older children do – but I also think it has a place in the homes of younger children as well. If your younger child cannot write – discuss the different questions with them – tell them or help them find the answers and (if you want) you can write the answers down for them. I think there is a good learning opportunity here, insha’Allah – even for ourselves.

 

Perhaps these activities will also be beneficial for you and your family. Please share any ideas, comments, or advice you may have.

Jazak Allah Khair,
Sumayyah Umm SAA