Teaching the Arabic alphabet to Muslim children in the West is often done after the English alphabet, as a second language. Despite this, there are so many way we have found to make learning Arabic fun and enjoyable for your preschoolers. Below I have listed my favorite resources and activities to help all Muslim kids learn the Arabic alphabet and have fun doing it. These recommendations are primarily for young children (under 4s) but could be used for any child new to the language.
- Montessori cards
As I was beginning to discover the Montessori method of education and browsing through the plethora of information online, I stumbled across a great website, ‘
Noor Janan Homeschool’. In amongst her free printables, I found these lovely Arabic Letter Cards. After printing and laminating them, we have used them a multitude of ways. I ask Dino boy to name the letter, or to pair with matching letter, put them in order or we play a memory game with them.
- Playdough
On the same website (
Noor Janan Homeschool) there are Arabic playdough cards, where you mould the playdough into the shape of the letter on the card. Dino boy was not interested in these, so after laminating them, we now use them as colouring in sheets, and simply wipe clean after. As he is colouring in, we talk about the letter, its sound, words that begin with this letter or what its shape reminds us of.
- Telling a story
I came across this method on Youtube on the
safida34 channel where you tell a story with the letter. For example with Ba, Ta and Tha:
“Ba, Ta and Tha are three boats. One sunny day, they decided to go out on the seas and catch some fish. Ba was not a very good fishing boat, and he left his fish in the water (Where the fish are representing the dots on the letters). Ta did very well mashAllah and caught two fish and Tha, who had the longest fishing rod (sticking your tongue out to make the sound of the letter) caught three fish.”
- Puzzles
We have been fortunate to receive a few puzzles, wooden and card, of the Arabic letters. These are available from amazon and many Islamic bookstores. I use these when I want to kids to do some Arabic, but they are not in the mood for anything ‘heavy.’
- Islamic Playground
This website
Islamic Playground is a recent discovery of mine. Although I do try to limit screen time for my kids, there are occasions when they deserve a treat! There are two lovely games on this site
- Drag and match game where the player has to match the letters and as they do it the letters sound is played.
- A journey through the Arabic alphabet. The player has to walk along the letter and as they reach an obstacle on the path they will be asked an ‘Islamic’ question to get past. Although this one does require mum or dad’s help, it is well worth it.
- Painting
Sometimes the simplest things work the best! Either write out the letters yourself, or ask you child to, and then paint them . Simple but it holds their concentration!
- Workbook
The website
rahmahmuslimhomeschool has a wonderful workbook for ages 3+ to help your child recognise and begin writing the letters. Dinoboy LOVES this. I’ve put it in a ‘grown-up’ folder for him which only adds to his excitement!
8. Youtube
There are many songs and videos on Youtube to help you child become more familiar with the sounds and shapes of the letters. These are our favourites:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI3oBB_n1AU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dQ3lizkjuE
The main thing that I always need to remind myself of is, that at this young age, it should be fun. Make it light, frivolous, smile and make happy memories!
I would love to hear how you have taught your little ones the Arabic alphabet. Please leave a comment in the box below.
Please remember us in your duaas.
Peace and Love.
No comments:
Post a Comment