So, what SHOULD they know?

This is a question that many homeschooling parents ask. What should my children know? How do I make sure that they are not falling behind?

One way to find out is by looking at the national curriculum of your locality. For those of you based in the UK, with children between 3 and 6, here’s a brief summary of what your children should know in literacy and numeracy.

http://www.nationalliteracytrust.org.uk/Database/elgoals.html#elgoals

After reading this, and having a report from Junayd’s key worker at his nursery, I can gladly say that I am pleased with the stage Junayd has reached tabaarakAllaah. He is well ahead, mashaa`Allaah, and his key worker said that it was obvious that he had been taught at home. And there is no success except with Allaah, and all goodness comes only from Him. Alhamdulillaah.

5 Months?!

Bismillaah.

Has it REALLY been nearly FIVE months since I last updated? SubhaanAllaah, I’ve severely neglected this humble abode of mine, and I’m sorry to you all. I’m sure you had better expectations.

Nevertheless, there are many things to say… things have happened… things have changed, and life goes on, alhamdulillaah.

Firstly, Junayd is no longer a full-time homeschool student. Please don’t look at the screen like that! Junayd now attends a Montessori nursery (equivalent to Kingergarten) part-time and is home-schooled part-time. Why the change? It was really just needed, and Allaah knows best.

Junayd has begun memorising Surah al-Baqarah, mashaa`Allaah. He does this with his father while I concentrate on teaching him the shorter suwar… he’s picking it up so, so well mashaa`Allaah tabaarakAllaah.

I’m doing more Islamic Studies with him now – focusing on his adaab and character inshaa`Allaah. Last week we had a lesson on Jannah and Jahannam, and Junayd said:

“I love Abi. I want him to go to Jannah too!”

Yes, that left me teary-eyed, mashaa`Allaah. I was making an internal du’aa: ‘Make du’aa for me too, Jundee!’

With so many things on at the moment, homeschooling is rather slow. But, it has not seized alhamdulillaah. Slow and steady is better than fast and hasty. Reminds me of the fable of the Rabbit and the Turtle.

I hope you’re all in good health and eeman. Feel free to send me your updates… I KNOW I’m well out of the swing of things!

~ Umm Junayd.