If you are a Muslim homeschooling family, it can be difficult to find Islamic resources. I will be writing about specific resources you can use to integrate Islamic studies into your homeschooling or after-schooling program. For general homeschooling information and helpful tips, please visit the Families.com Homeschool Blog.
The Islamic Waldorf School Online is a subscription-based Islamic curriculum. The site is operated by Kristie Karima Burns, an American revert who operated a Waldorf school in Saudi Arabia.
[h]Waldorf in Brief[/h]
Developed by Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf is a method of teaching that engages the whole child. Waldorf seeks to actively reach each child’s heart, mind, and body. For that reason, “studies” often involve much hands-on work, handicrafts, storytelling, and songs. Waldorf is also a very spiritual method of teaching, emphasizing holidays, festivals, and nature. The method may be adapted to any religion.
[h]Islamic Waldorf School Online[/h]
The Islamic Waldorf School Online puts the ideas of Rudolph Steiner to play in an Islamic curriculum. Children learn about the lives of the Prophets (Peace be upon them) through fun, engaging stories. They learn verses of the Koran through singing and chanting.
As in traditional Waldorf, housework and handicrafts are also generously interspersed throughout. For example, children learn breadmaking, crocheting, cooking, and knitting. A parent or caregiver is often telling Islamic stories or reciting Koran as the children work, allowing the information to “sink in.” The curriculum is so active and hands-on that children do not realize they are learning!
The curriculum also features some science in the form of nature stories and studies. Nature walks and quiet observation are also an important part of the lessons.
Math is taught through stories as well. While there is an adequate amount of math included for the younger grades, parents of older studies will probably need to supplement. In fact, it might be helpful to think of this as an Islamic supplement to your existing curriculum.
[h]Using the Curriculum[/h]
As of this writing, the Islamic Waldorf School Online is very new and is not extremely structured. Each month, visitors gain access to that month’s Yahoo group. There, they find all of the files they need for the month: craft instructions, recipes, verses, stories, circle time chants, and general instructions. Activities and verses are divided in fairly broad age ranges, so it is possible to teach several children at once. There are no daily or weekly schedules, simply a list of items to cover during the month.
[h]Related Links[/h]
- Families.com Homeschool Blog
- “The Islamic Year: Surahs, Stories, and Celebrations” Book Review
- Why This Muslim Family Homeschools
- Waldorf Schools