FKAD Usrah Program

Choosing children's books

2009-09-04T23:17:00.005-04:00

Assalamualaikum FKAD Moms,

Today I went to the a local bookstore to look for chidren's books. There are so many varieties of topic, authors and characters. I asked the salesperson if she can recommend any good books for children. She then started to show me one by one that were either bestsellers or have won awards. I never realize how hard it was to pick children's books. Most of the books she recommended either has sing-along songs, magic, monster theme, or princess theme that I wouldn't see it to have a good value to read to children. In the end, I chose two books from the same author that have simple messages in the stories and fun for the kids (be sure to join our storytelling tomorrow to see the books I've chosen).

Perhaps we can start a list of Muslim moms-approved children's books. That way, we know that the book is "safe" from values that we don't approve. Perhaps, maybe, we should publish our own children's books that are Muslim moms-approved. What do you think FKAD Moms, are you up for the challenge?

Storytelling: Learning about senses

2009-08-28T22:03:00.000-04:00

Assalamualaikum FKAD moms,

Alhamdulillah, the children have been learning about their sense of sight and sense of hearing through stories and various activities. Insha Allah tomorrow, they will learn the sense of touch. It's amazing when you see these kids interact with their own personality styles. They observe things and people, and they learn to know familiar faces. When I see these things, it makes me realize how much of their senses become our responsibilities as parents to make sure that they are learning the Islamic way of thinking, the Islamic way of seeing, hearing, touching, etc. Kids are able to memorize and repeat any action of what people around them did. They learn anything they hear, from Qur'an to speeches. That is why kids can learn more languages than adults because they're quick to memorize and repeat things. I always remind myself that my son is learning more than what I think he is. I have to watch what I say, even my face expressions (kids can mimic their parents' expressions, too), so that he can learn only good expressions and good actions (insha Allah).

Living in the big city, it's difficult to control what your kids see and hear. Learning about Islam starting in their early years is key, I think, so that they can protect themselves from bad influences throughout their lives and they can have a solid foundation in learning Islam. Insha Allah FKAD Usrah can become a community for parents who want their children(and themselves) to learn Islam in a fun and supportive environment. Learning Islam with other kids teaches them that these are common values that other kids have to learn. The values that they learn won't be as 'unique' or 'strange' anymore because they see other families follow the same rules and values. Insha Allah they will see, for example, that praying five times a day is not just an obligation, but also a basic need such as eating or drinking. There's a proverb that says "it takes a village to raise a child". Well, perhaps it is time to start our own "village" to raise our children, the future generation. Also, perhaps it is time to learn to be parents in an Islamic way, to give each other words of encouragements, "Insha Allah you're doing a great job. Keep it up!"

Last week during the storytelling, I heard the children say, "Allah (subhanallahu wata'ala)" after being asked, "Who gave you your eyes?" Subhanallah, it was a humbling experience.

Big Sale!

2009-08-28T17:50:00.000-04:00

Assalamualaikum FKAD moms:

Whenever I see a sign that says "Big Sale!", especially at stores that I like, I am always curious of what's actually on sale and perhaps it would be something I might need (okay, want). Well, sometimes the sale is real, meaning I know what the regular price was and that the sale is a really good deal. Sometimes it's not a big difference between the regular price and the sale price. The point is that the sale sign catches my attention as a potential customer to go into the store, and makes me think twice of buying something I may not need.

Well, when I think of Ramadhan, I'm thinking of the same "Big Sale!" sign in terms of our good deeds will be rewarded twice, triple and x times the size of other months. The big difference is, these rewards are as real as it can be, and these rewards are the things that I need in the future, the after life. I have to "buy" these rewards with tons of good knowledge and patience. The big sale sign means instant gratification, meaning you will be happy for only a short amount of time before you seek another one; the ramadhan sale means delayed gratification, which means you may not enjoy the rewards yet, but they will be there when you really need them. When you think about it, which one would you prefer?

I know I have to make a lot of efforts if I want to take advantage of the month of the best deals ever. My goal for this Ramadhan is to memorize Al-Mulk (for those who want to learn Al-Mulk, visit here and click knowledge unleashed), and to learn to have more patience as a mom.

Moms, what's your Ramadhan's goal?

Storytelling this Saturday, August 22, 2009!

2009-08-20T13:36:00.001-04:00

Assalamualaikum FKAD Moms:

I can't wait to meet everyone this Saturday! I get to see the kids again and see them have fun with other kids. We anticipate more people will show up and insha Allah we're going to held the event at the Noor Lecture Hall instead of the classroom. Since this Saturday could be the first day of Ramadhan, the FKAD Cafe will be closed. However, kids who are not fasting are welcome to enjoy their food after the event. Ramadhan! Can you believe it? I feel so blessed to get to experience another Ramadhan, especially now when we have our Saturday routine to prepare for the storytelling. Not only it gives my family an opportunity to do an activity which we can do together as a family, but also do something "good" and very rewarding. I always try to find a fun activity where we can enjoy in an Islamic environment. Alhamdulillah we have found one. Insha Allah I want all moms and dads to feel the same way when they go to the Foundation. The Usrah program which we just created will be focused on just that, family-friendly program in a Islamic and family-friendly environment. There are so many unIslamic things out there that our kids are exposed to, maybe now we finally can have something to balance it out by learning Islamic values in a fun and safe environment. If kids can learn Islam while having fun, why not make one?

Hey moms (and dads, of course), let's hear your thoughts! Help us create a program that will suit you and your kids. What kind of family-friendly program would you like to see?

Muslim Storytelling for Kids at the Foundation

2009-08-17T02:13:00.000-04:00

Assalamualaikum FKAD Moms,

Last Saturday was the first Muslim Storytelling for kids that was held at the Foundation for Knowledge and Development in Astoria. They were about 20 kids that attended the event and they were very enthusiastic in learning about their hearings and all kinds of sounds. The storyteller, Sr. Maryam, did a very good job in drawing the kids' attention that they were engaged in the story in no time. Alhamdulillah it was a sucess, the parents enjoyed it and insha Allah they will tell their friends to come to the storytelling next Saturday.

Stay tune to hear about our next week theme!

Wassalamualaikum,

umm rashad