“Islamic Studies” for Toddlers

“Islamic Studies” for Toddlers

For children at this age, a formal curriculum is, of course, not necessary.  We can teach our children now (and even until adulthood) about Islam naturally.  However , the following is an “outline” of things that I have found appropriate for my  toddlers throughout the years.  Of course, every child is different and it is advised not to push children. The following concepts can be taught to children in everyday living.  Toddlers will not understand the implications/meanings of such things as “Where is Allah?” but you can build the foundation for later, insha Allah.

18 months – 3 years

Aqeedah

(you can teach your child to respond with the appropriate answers by asking them the question, inflecting your voice at the end so they know it is a question, and then providing the answer. Repeat often (daily/weekly) and eventually as their speech grows, they can learn to answer the questions. Again, the understanding is not there, but you are building a foundation, insha Allah).

• Where is Allah? (Arabic: Q: Ayn Allah?  A: Huwa fee samaa)

• Who is your Lord?(Arabic: Q: Man rabbuk?  A: Allahu rabbee)

• Who made you? (Arabic: Q: Man khalaqak  A: khalaqanee Allah)

                Talk with child about the things that Allah has made.  (i.e, What a pretty tree that Allah made)

(You might try teaching the above questions/answers in Arabic–see above)

Duaas/Sayings

 (teach naturally as the situation occurs by simply saying the duaas yourself and prompting your child to say them after you)

•   When Waking Up

•   When going to bed

•   Before eating (bismillah)

•   After eating

•   When sneezing

•   Greeting

•   When it rains

                             

Quraan

•  Listen to Quraan daily together

•  Let children sit by you while you read/recite Quraan encouraging them to repeat after you

•  Work on fatihah (even if just one ayaah)

Adab/Akhlaq (Etiquette/Manners/Morals)

• Saying Shukran/Thank you

• Eating and drinking with right hand

• Teach child not to show private parts or let others look at them.

Only let siblings see them undressed if they take part in their care (diaper changing, toilet help) and only if absolutely necessary; teach them to always make sure they are covered and not naked during diaper changes/using the restroom longer than necessary.

Be sure to “praise” child when they share or do something nice. Make a big deal out of it. Tell them that Allah likes when they……..

 History/Seerah

• Read stories of the Prophets and companions:

• Online downloadable copy/software: http://www.2muslims.com/divineislam/ProphetsStories1.exe

• Read short  ahadith that are like stories

• Read stories from the Quraan:

List of some stories from the Quraan: http://talibiddeenjr.wordpress.com/2006/05/12/stories-from-the-quraan/

                 

Ibaadah

• Let child see you pray and pray near you if interested (fortunately, kids often do this automatically, masha Allah)

• Teach the etiquette of not walking in front of those who are praying

Do you have some special  activities that you do with your toddler? If so, please share!