INDEPENDENT LEARNERS

'O Allah increase me in knowledge,
amin.'


Thursday 31 July 2008

Our week in pictures!

Assalamu alaykum,


Fishing in the lake!
the view from where I am laying, so relaxing!
baby's playing


my Gujarati friend came over and helped me make chappatis!
Egyptian lentils soup and freshly made chappati
more from the lake
our little picnic
monkey's playing

cooked peaches with fresh custard cream, vanilla ice cream

and fresh mixed berries all made by dh.
A spoon craft
S finger painting
Lots to make and do!

Wa alaykum assalam

Wednesday 30 July 2008

From my sister that is leaving, some words of advice!

Assalamu alayku,
this email was in my inbox today and I couldn't stop reading it, it touched me so deeply and felt so strong to post it here for all to benefit, insh'Allah.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assalam-u-laikum Wahrahmtallahi Wabrakatuhu
Alhumdulillahi Rabbiaalimeen and we ask Allah subhanawatala to send His blessings upon our Beloved Prophet sallaah alayi wasaalaam.

I just wanted to say a big jazakallahu khairun for yesterday mashallaah for making time in between your hectic lives, for being so organised and coming together with your children too in an ideal setting for sisters and kids, ordering the food especially the cake subhanallaah and last but not least the tasteful and very special gifts mashallaah. It was very thoughtful, humbling and moving and my tears were out of fear that you sisters may see something in me which is not true and I sincerely ask Allah tala to forgive me if the people misjudge me. The gifts are wonderful and I have used the ipod all day subhanallah- a whole new world has opened up for me- Great way of switching off and not allowing shaytaan to attack you when you are most vulnerable tired etc. and giving you the calm you need to manage the next spat between the kids- joys of summer holidays...Alhumdulillahi Rabbilaaalimeen
Words can't truly express my gratitude but I ask you to forgive my errors and you are all in my duas.

For now, some nasiyyah which is pressing on my heart- please don't press sisters on their personal affairs. Do not take it personally if you don't know everything about a sisters life. Subhanallaah- make excuses for each other and be pleased for each other but don't allow shaytaan to come between you and a sister if she does not share every last detail of her life with you. There may be just cause for a sister being cautious in what she shares with you and you must not make her feel uncomfortable and embarassed by enquiring about her affairs. This is alluded to in Surah Hujeraat and in An- Nawaawi hadith. Furthermore, this is such an important matter of good etiquette which I feel is being neglected and we need to revive amongst ourselves inshallaah. Even when you visit someone and they don't answer the door and don't let you in, make excuses for them. You may have arrived at an incovenient time and this can make the person feel more awkward if they feel forced to open the door. They may feel too shy to turn you away but at the same time have a valid reason for not inviting you in. So, show this respect to one another by arranging a time to visit in advance or even calling just before you arrive inshallaah.
I find that there is a culture of people wanting to know about others lives but not sharing things about themselves. If someone shares something with you in secret, you must guard this secret. It is not appropriate to disclose it if they spoke to you in private subhanallaah. Please, can we show this respect to each other and not pry any further as this is not necessary. From the etiquettes of the Muslim woman, please find below the extract from the well -known text on The Ideal Muslimah by Muhammad Ali- Al Hashmi:
She does not interfere in that which does not concern her.
The true Muslim woman is wise and discerning; she does not interfere in that which does not concern her, nor does she concern herself with the private lives of the women around her. She does not stick her nose into their affairs or force herself on them in any way, because this could result in sin or blame on her part. By seeking to avoid interfering in that which does not concern her, she protects herself from vain and idle talk, as she is adhering to a sound Islamic principle that raises the Muslim above such foolishness, furnishes him with the best of attitudes, and guides him towards the best way of dealing with others:
"A sign of a person's being a good Muslim is that he should leave alone that which does not concern him."39
Abu Hurayrah (RAA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Allah (SWT) likes three things for you and dislikes three things. He likes for you to worship Him, not to associate anything with Him, and to hold fast, all together, by the Rope which He (stretches out for you), and not to be divided among yourselves [cf. Al `Imran 3:103]. And He dislikes for you to pass on stories and gossip, to ask too many questions, and to waste money."40
The divinely-guided society which has been formed by Islam has no room for passing on stories and gossip, asking too many questions, or interfering in the private affairs of others, because the members of such a society are too busy with something much more important, which is the establishing of the word of Allah (SWT) on earth, taking the banner of Islam to the four corners of the earth, and spreading its values among mankind. Those who are engaged in such great missions do not have the time to indulge in such sins.
May Allah subhanawatala reward you all for your kindness and friendship to me and I ask Allah tala to keep us united for His sake and for us to strive to benefit one another in matters of deen inshallaah.
all my duas

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Monday 28 July 2008

Sending you off...

Assalamu alaykum,
remember this post?
today it has been a very intense day. Intense as emotions have ran very high.
For more than a week sisters around me were organizing a very special picnic for a very special person.
We organized every single details...mash'Allah. Pressies, food, chose the right park, even a very big cream cake was delivered in the park!
The day arrived! Today.
Kids were happy to go and have some free time with their friends...friends that most probably will not see anymore!
I had lots of mixed feelings inside me.
We were all at the park, lots of us, more than 20 sisters, imagine how many kids, mash'Allah.
We waited patiently as the time was near and there she comes.
Mash'Allah! She couldn't believe herself! She was so shocked and as she started to bring out her emotions we all hold each other and hug her strongly!
The time has arrived, my dear ukhti is leaving me and us all. She has done so much for the community, for the kids, the sisters, the media and for her own family. She is going in less than 2 weeks and I am sad but happy for her. My kids are devasted and at their age they cannot understand why their best friends are leaving for another country. May Allah make it easy for my dearest ukhti and her family all.Amin.
I love this sister so dearly and I will truly miss her.

Life's trial!

As Salaamu Alaikum
Smooth roads never make good drivers, smooth seas never make good sailors, clear skies never make good pilots, problem & hassle free life never make a strong person. Be strong enough to accept the challenges of life. Don't ask life "why me?", instead say "try me"!
"Happiness is the key to the foundation of satisfaction, contentment and acceptance"
wa alaykum assalam

Thursday 24 July 2008

29,28,27,26....

Assalamu alaykum,


again, it has happened again! One whole week gone, so quickly!!!


Subhan'allah!


So what have we been up to?


Saturday was swimming. Boys had their certificates and badges as they both passed all of the required tasks. But only one of them passed the level! Hamdulillah. I am happy with them both anyway as swimming in my home, it is THE SPORT.


Saturday afternoon we spent the day in the park.

Sunday- very busy for us all. I went swimming early and back home to look after my baby while the boys went out to enjoy their very new found sport. (will tell you soon about it)


At around lunch time I left with a sister and her son to go to a charity event. A great fun day for the whole family. Dh and kids were waiting there, for me to arrive. We had a really pleasant day and some quality time together in years! Kids enjoyed their fun rides with dh while I went to see the latest Islamic resources for my kids.


Monday - we restarted the week with Calvert Academy for A and UK National Curriculum for S.
Monday afternoon - park! We took a map of the local parks and guess what? There are 29 parks only in my borough! Can you believe it? 29 parks!!!


We decided to visit them all!
We spent the whole of Monday afternoon in a very lovely park, didn't even know it existed! A really great, clean and well looked after green area. So -28!

Tuesday - dentist for the boys and a lesson about keeping their teeth clean and our heart healthy!
Tuesday afternoon -27! Another park... checked! Kids enjoyed this new park and his wildlife garden. Also the ornamental garden was excellent! I have experienced those green areas so well-looked after, only in the Royal park! 10+ for this park!

Wednesday - Calvert for A and some revision for S. I am teaching him to read. Insh'Allah just a start, slow start as S is not too keen for the moment to start reading. And who would want to learn how to read when you can have your 8 years old brother doing it for you, eh?


Thursday - spent all day with our homeschooling Group mash'Allah. We visited the Science Museum again but this time our visit was more beneficial. In fact the kids attended a show in the Launchpad , about explosion. They also enjoyed fully the Launchpad and a talk about different materials.
Thursday afternoon -Picnic with sisters and then carried on our day outside in Hyde Park. We went to Lady Diana Memorial Playground again. This time around, the playground was so full but we managed to squeeze in and have a hour of fun with our kids. Mash'Allah.
Altogether another good opportunity for my kids to socialize with their homeschooling friends and for me a good day out with homeschooling sisters.

Friday today - a good cleaning around the house, kids helped ;). Jumuah and then out for some food shopping. No park on our list. But we have just been invited to a picnic on 2nd August in one of the 29 parks we want to visit! Sounds good!!!

26...

Ops forgot some pics from our week. No parks pics yet as I am making an album. Will post soon, insh'Allah! Wa alaykum assalam


islamic funday

islamic funday

fun rides!

some easy baking, stuffed peppers with spicy mince beef , cheese and fresh herbs

and potatoes wedges.

Tuesday 22 July 2008

Feeling sorry, feeling worry!

Assalamu alaykum,

lately I have been having so many hard times with A. I guess he is growing and I, for once, don;t feel ready for him to grow...just yet! HELP!!!

He has been saying that he likes to get his bike and go out without me. WITHOUT ME!!!!???

I do know that he feels trap within the 4 walls, but what can I do? He is only 8 years old and I don;t think he is time yet to let him experience the world by his own.

Above all we do live in a non-Muslim society and I do fear that he may get bad influence. I guess I would be worry for him even when he will be 40, insh'Allah.

I do feel sorry for him, I know it's hard to live in such a city. No where to go, and don't get me wrong we do go out everyday. I make sure my kids get fresh air everyday and experience the outside. We do attend sisters gathering, sports, days out at the park, we visit friends and take part in many more educational activities.

I just feel my kids don't have the same freedom I have when I was little.

I was born and brought up in a very small village in the heart of Italy, not far from the capital. A very rustic village, one of them that you see in postcard.

In this tiny village we knew everyone and everyone know us. We have a small lake where I learnt to swim and some very lovely fields. A small torrent with fresh water and lots of green hills. I remember riding my bike fast down the hills...picking berries and chewing fresh liquirice! Yum, yum!

I enjoyed my days. My dad used to grow fruits and vegetables in our very big garden. We used eat our own chicken and rabbits. Our dear neighbour had a horse and we learnt how to ride it. We fully enjoyed the fresh air either in winter or summer. We were always out. We come from an extended family and although my family is small, I have 1 sister and 1 brother, we did spend most of our time with uncles, aunties, cousins, friends, my dear grandma and the rest of the village. It's not like in a big city where you don;t know no one! In my small village we say hello to everyone and exchange food and gifts often. I had a great time when little up to the age of 18. Hamdulillah.

But my kids, always under my eyes or my dh. No escape, just four of us, no extended family or adventure down the lake...I feel sorry and worry for them.

I know growing will be hard and I feel that I cannot give them the full freedom they want, at least not now. I need some suggestions and advice. What shall I do?

Here are some pics from my small village. 'I wish you were here...'




Sunday 20 July 2008

Quote of the day.


'If you do love for the sake of Allah, you make things easy for your brothers/sisters in Islam'

Sporty Sundays!!!


Assalamu alaykum,
Sundays have become our sporty day.
We all do sport on Sunday, some do more than one. Subhan'Allah! I have always been so active and love sports so much. I made sure I instilled the love of sports in my kids too as it is not only good for their health but also a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (sallahu alayhe wa sallam).
Also I do feel that sports can keep growing kids away from streets troubles and as we do live in a non-Muslim society I do pray that my kids would always prefer sports than any trouble out there. Amin
Few years ago there were very few places offering sports for Muslim women. Now everywhere you go around East London, you find a venue where Muslim women have organized themselves to work out, even if only once a week! Mash'Allah!
That make me so happy and feel that nothing is lost, we still continue to persevere for Allah's sake and insh'Allah one day we may be united again as one whole UMMAH!
wa alaykum assalam

Tuesday 15 July 2008

A little help'er' in the kitchen!

Assalamu alaykum,

now that I am not so talented in kitchen and that I am not so passionate about cooking is not a secret! In fact all the sisters that knows me would tell you. I know one dish or two hamdulillah but I am not too driven by the cooking side and so I prefer more cleaning!
But today I had a little help'er'!

I wanted to cook for a dear sister that hasn't been well for a while, may Allah make it easy for her,amin. Also a brother that he is at the hospital, my dh friend, may Allah help him with a speedy recovery, amin.
So after homeschooling the kids, I set off for the kitchen.
But I was not alone. Older one joined too. I was happy to have some time to spent with him in the kitchen as lately we have been ever so busy with exams and various other tests. So time is a pure blessing around here and it is something we don't have much.

So A and I decided to cook two dishes. Some would go to the brother and some to the dear sister.
A has been ever so helpful and this time, was in the kitchen till the end. He likes to cook and often asks to stay with me in the kitchen to help around. He would even stand on a chair to do the washing! Mash'Allah tabar'Allah. You see I don't have girls, only boys, but hey who needs girls when boys can do same jobs!!! ;)
A asked so many interesting questions such as why egg's shell is so full of calcium? Where cheese came from? And if the Hell fire (audhu billahi) is hotter than the new oven??? At this point I wanted to be serious but I had a grin in my face. But great questions and specially the last one.
Today is so hot in London, I just remind him about the hadith that says when it is hot in summer is because Hellfire breath out, audhu billahi.
We made 2 margherita pizzas and a fish pie with salmon and cod. While boil some potatoes, I cooked both fish in milk and a bay leaf. I then transfer the liquid in a measuring jug and put the fish in a plate to be cleaned from their bones and skins.
Then I made a white sauce with some butter, about a spoon, a spoon or more of flour and the left milk (remove the bay leaf before using the milk). When the white sauce is nice and tick (not too tick, thou!) I added the cleaned fish.
I then mashed the potatoes and added some milk.
I then put the sauce and fish in a ovenproof dish and I covered with the mashed. I cooked until brown on top, maybe about 15 min on oven 130 degree centigrade.
So here are some pics i took while we were cooking.

wa alaykum assalam






Saturday 12 July 2008

One more train cancelled and another outing!

Assalamu alaykum,

so I was busy on a Wednesday afternoon posting in the homeschooling Group I opened in 2003 when I expressed the interest to visit the Islam EXPO. Now who knows me, also know that I don't like to attend or visit any place without having the purpose for me and my kids to learn and benefit from it. So I started to look in their website and see what I could gain from visiting such an exposition and if my kids would enjoy too!

While at it, a dear sister called me and offer a free family ticket to go and see, guess what? The Islam EXPO!

So I guessed i had it. We set off on Friday morning. Weather was ok, no great but we didn't mind as the Islam EXPO is inside this big venue called Olympia.

We took the usual train from our area and went. My kids always enjy the train. My older one learnt the names of all the station from our home to central London. He also knows how many voltage are in the tracks. He is aware of the dangers and look out for his two smaller brothers. Mash'Allah!

We arrived in Earl's Court at perfect time as the sister was awaiting for us in Olympia and I don't like to let sisters wait.

While at the station we were approached by another sister who was extremely nervous and we were asked to help her out taking the train for her destination. So we got to talk and she said she was going to Olympia too! So there we were all 5 of us, me and my 3 kids and her waiting for the next train to Olympia. We wwaiting for about 10-15 minutes when we heard from the loud speakers that all the trains to Richmond and Olympia were cancelled!!! Again! Already when we went to the Battersea zoo we had such a problemw ith trains! Hamdulillah, qadr'Allah!

The poor nervous sister got even more worried. She told that she doesn't like to take trains and doesn't like to travel on her own but had because she was going to volunteer to raise money for Muslim Hands. Mash'Allah.

On our way out the station we saw another sister busy looking around and she was wearing one of them badge from the Islam EXPO clearly stating her name and her work at the place 'VOLUNTEER'. So I stopped her and explained her that no trains were leabing to go to Olympia as signalling problems.

We all 6 left to take the bus. Mash'Allah!

The day was starting to be fruitful for me and kids. I enjoy company and felt very happy to travel with two sisters, stragers, I never met, but SISTERS! Mash'Allah. Islam=UNITY!

We reached Olimpya very late (for me was 30 minutes for my meeting with the other sister) after a long walk and one bus!

So the dear sister that offer a free family ticket was waiting for me, I am sorry Umm S. Next time I will leave at 8am ok? (we left at 9am and still couldn't make it for 11am, subhan'Allah!)

When we enter inside this big building, Olympia, I could see immediately the warmest of welcome. The staff at the very entrance greeted us with Salam and gave few nice bags full of goodies, including resources for us and our kiddies. So off we were.

We wantting to see everything, all at the same time! The place was cleaned and made up in the best of way. There were workshops, stalls, a small theatre were islamic plays were on evry 1 hour or so, a large hall with bouncing castle and genrally games for the children, even a soft football pitch, 4/5 areas were food was been sold and lots more!

We decided first to eat as the children were hungry. I enjoyed asian cuisine and lovely smoothies prepared with fresh fruit on the spot.

At the right time, all the Muslims left to pray Jumuah together. the prayer was led by Sheik Jebale from Egypt, mash'Allah.

We then looked around the stalls. Our kids had their faces painted by an artist, not just a face painter but a real artist. Mash'Allah.

For me the best part was to spend another day with homeschooling mums, looking at new resources for me such as books and educational toys, and meeting so many new muslims all there for the same cause, spreading the message of al-Islam. I also enjoyed the Islamic plays. My kids went few times to watch more plays and they learnt about the Muslims from the past and the new Muslims. Very informative.

Also I was happy to go on a Friday as I heard that Saturday and Sunday there will be having Muslim rappers and music a go-go...That's a no, no for me and kids. In my home, and at my own time I like to listen to anasheeds but not getting crazy and dancing wild if you see what i mean.

So all together another nice day. I brought back home so many resources and all for free. In fact thinking carefully, all I paid was the food!

And now the pics.





Wednesday 9 July 2008

Wordless Wednesday...



Monday 7 July 2008

Letts books

Assalamu alaykum,
just finished homeschooled my two boys...for today of course! Tomorrow will be re-starting all over again. it looks like my day-cleaning of the house....everyday you re-start all over again! Hamdulillah. I must admit I am feeling a bit too tired, a tiny bit too anxious and generally RUN DOWN!! Sorry for shouting there.
We are just coming out a full month of doing NOTHING. In fact as I previously wrote, the month of June was our holidays period, away from Calvert programme and UK National Curriculum as my family was over.
But I am still feeling the wish to stop and re-start on September. It must be the good weather and the fact that we are in summer that makes me feel like that.
Anyway, we cannot stop. We will 'march' on till next year around April 2009, insh'Allah.
This morning i discovered a new jewel in my Calvert library. It is called the Computer Skills and Applications Manual. I know I should have started it back on April when all the course materials arrived but I was so eager to start that I have disregard of this book as it is not part of the assessments my son will have throughout the year. It's just a plus, a bonus. It's great fun. It teaches the child about Computing and applications. You just need to be registered online with Calvert school and you are sent an user name and password to be use with 'My Calvert'. The book tells you what to do daily and you just click on the icon that it says. The rest is all interactive, colorful and fun for the child. Mash'Allah.
With S we are repeating the ABC and counting from 0-20. Even thou he knows how to count up till 100, mash'Allah.
We started new set of books. We used to learn with Letts 4-5 years old including Numeracy and Literacy.
I bought this new set called Letts 'Fun Farmyard Learning' 4-5 years old. It includes Count to 20, Add-up and take-away, Letters and Words.

It's great fun as it is S favourite theme: animals, farm animals. There s so much to colour and lots of lovely activities in each page. Easy to use for me while I am teaching A as I can leave S working by himself.
So for now we are using curriculum books for both as I don't have time to make my ow lessons but I am already thinking ahead for next year as I miss my unschooling method and the benfits that comes with it, mash'Allah.

Saturday 5 July 2008

Charity with a smile...

...and more!

"Do not consider even the smallest good deed as insignificant; even meeting your brother with a cheerful face (is a good deed)." Reported by Abu Zarr and recorded by Imam Muslim. (#121)

Assalamu alaykum,
today we had a very busy day. We woke up early as my boys attend swimming on Saturdays at the local Leisure Centre, mash'Allah.
They had their test to see if they can be put in a upper level. Insh'Allah it looks like one of them have made it and for the other one will have to wait until next week when parents will receive a certificate and a badge per each child. I don't mind if the kids pass or not as the most important thing is that learning to swim is not just healthy and a great sport but a Sunnah. Insh'Allah my kids will be competent swimmers soon.
After swimming we went back home under a torrential rain! Hamdulillah I decided to drive to the Leisure Centre!
We had lunch, BBQ meat and veggies with some Lamachun pizza (Turkish pizza). My dh treats for us!
In the afternoon, I pushed myself to leave all the cleaning and cooking, even thou I have guests in the evening, to attend a charity event with the boys.
Hamdulillah the weather changed as the event was outdoor in a beautiful location.
We had a great day. The entrance was free, as it usually it is not and that's a good thing as it leaves you more money in the pocket to be spent inside. The kids had fun with their friends. There were so many kids activities and stalls.
The small park where the event was taking place, was very busy. Specially the food area. We had BBQ chicken, lamb biriani and chips.
Prices were very cheap, don;t know why as the inflation has hit charity events too. LOL!
I bough a really nice abaya, light grey and very fresh material for summer, very simple just as I like it, for £10!!! A bargain.
Also I love kurta for my kids, and I got two for £4 each!! Isn't it a bargain.
Now my kids asked me about charity and where the money goes. My older one was so surprise to find out that his burger and chips will feed another child somewhere far away! Insh'Allah.
All the money raised will go to Muslim Aid that was present today. Insh'Allah.
This evening the expected guests arrived and hamdulillah food was OK,no great but hamdulillah.
I could have made more specially because one of the guest didn't like the main course as he never ate it since little. But hamdulillah, I don't like to cook and waste, I prefer to make the right amount and not leave it for the day after when no one will eat it!
Now I am off to bed as tomorrow is another busy day!Insh'Allah.
wa alaykum assalam

Friday 4 July 2008

Puff-Puff


Assalamu alaykum,

I got this recipe from a dear Nigerian friend. They look like doughnuts but are not filled.


Makes 40-60 balls.

2 cups (or about ½ liter) flour

2 cups (or about ½ liter) water

½ cup (or about an eighth of a liter) sugar

2 teaspoons yeast

Some vegetable oil to fry.

Directions.
Mix the flour, sugar, water, and yeast together until the batter is smooth.
Wait until the dough has risen. About 2½ hours or so should do. (I've heard that if you use quick-rising yeast, you don't have to wait, but I have not tried it yet.)
Put vegetable oil into a pot, until it is at least 2 inches (or about 5 centimeters) high (too little will result in flatter balls), and place on low heat.
Test to make sure the oil is hot enough by putting a 'drop' of batter into the oil. If it is not hot enough, the batter will stay at the bottom of the pot rather than rising to the top.
When the oil is hot enough, use a spoon to dish up the batter, and another spoon or spatula to drop it in the oil, sort of in the shape of a ball.
Fry for a few minutes until the bottom side is golden brown.
Turn the ball over and fry for a few more minutes until the other side is golden brown.
Use a large spoon or something like that to take it out of the oil. I usually place them on napkins right away to soak up some of the excess oil.
If desired, you can roll the finished product in table sugar or powdered sugar to make it sweeter.


Thursday 3 July 2008

Makes you think!

By Diane Loomans, from Full Esteem Ahead :
"If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.
I'd do less correcting, and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less, and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging, and less tugging.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd teach less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love."

Our visit to Battersea Zoo

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Assalamu alaykum,

the day didn't start very well. There were some major problems with some of the underground lines. We were late and got soaked wet with rain. Hamdulillah.

But once there the kids and I relaxed a little, very short stay as we had it to come back to East London for the kids exams at madrassa. Today they have been tested in Arabic.

Anyway back to Battersea Zoo. The Park is great and I wish to go back to visit more. There is so much going on in there and even thou is a small park compare to others, it's still very well looked after and with plenty activities to do : tennis courts, lake with boats, river, picnic area and of course the zoo.

Here some pics. The zoo is very small, mainly with farm animals and some exotic such as squirrels monkeys, lemur, meerkats and parrots. They also have a very nice farm and an area for kids to play.








Some more information about the zoo
Address:
Battersea Park Battersea Greater London SW11 4NJ
Phone:
020 7924 5826
Open:
Every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.Open:10.00amClose: 5.30pm
Admission:
2007 prices:Adult £5.95Child £4.50Children under 2 admitted free

Back to 'normality'...

...if I can call it so!
Assalamu alaykum,
my family left and I am so sad. As for all the good things, there is always a price to be paid!
My one came in a form of boobs, yes Calvert programme!
So we back to full time homeschooling using Calvert with A and National Curriculum with S.
I am tired of following a programme specially because as I anticipated few months ago, I do like best unschooling. It does work best for us as a family and the kids enjoy the freedom of learning when and what. I miss the lapbooks and our trips to the library and to the farm. Now it's just 'proper' homeschooling. A is not complaining much. He just get on with it and happy everyday to start and to finish, yes specially the latter!
Also this week has been a very intensive one as my kids have been having their exams at madrassa. Tomorrow is the final exam ; Fiqh.
A sounds so optimistic, he is very pleased with his exams and told that he passed...already without even hearing his Muallim.
S is not so happy. In fact for all the week he has been crying and was so desperate with the story of the exams. I am sorry for him but 'exams never ends in this life' - as my mum used to tell us.