ALIMKids Playgroup Will Be In Melaka SOON!

Salam,
Good news for orang MELAKA! Insya Allah, ALIMKids Playgroup will be at Ayer Keroh, Melaka soon.

Please contact sis Noor Azurah at 019-655.1980 if you are interested to join or email her at noor.azurah@gmail.com."

yes, i am azurah.

So dear friends, i am going to start the ALIMKids Playgroup in Melaka after raya, insya Allah. Most probably will be in MITC area (or nearby) since weekend mudah sikit pergi Ayer Keroh, lepas bawa anak join playgroup boleh shopping-shopping di Mydin, then pergi lunch and then pergi mandi-manda kat melaka wetworld and etc. (Updated: Playgroup session will be held in Qiraati Nurul Hidayah, Kompleks Niaga Bukit Katil)

:)

What is ALIMKids Playgroup?

A "play and learn" playgroup program for children ages 2 to 4 years old, with carefully designed set of lesson plans to develop healthy, physically fit, intelligent and competent Muslim chlidren.

What is a playgroup?

• Gives children an opportunity to have fun, make new friends and develop new skills through informal play.
• Provides parents and carers with an opportunity to meet other parents and carers, make friends, and share ideas and experiences.
• Allows parents and carers to spend quality time with their children, encouraging, helping or simply playing with their children.

Why Alimkids Playgroup?

• Provide an integrated complete playground curriculum for children ages 2 to 4 years old. - 1 hour only on every weekends.
• Carefully designed set of lesson plans to develop healthy, physically fit, intellectual and competent Muslim children.
• the program comprises of both whole language (thematic approach) and phonics (early literacy) using resources relating to Islam
• Instilling in the children Oneness of God in early concept of Tauhid.
• Cleanliness in Fiqh
• Stories from the Quran in Sirah.
• Simple Daily Du'a.

Initially, i've been looking for kids playgroup since Umar was smaller, but most programmes are in KL. And after a while i think, why don't i start operating it in Melaka so that my other friends will benefit from such programme too.

And what's more interesting? It is not any ordinary playgroup, it is an islamic content playgroup, conducted in english.


So here we are.

Well, keep watching this space, i'll keep you updated.

And don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested.

Why parents should be along with the kids during playgroup session?

 Pictures taken from http://littlemelor.com, 

a mother who sends her daughter to AlimKids Playgroup @ MLO, Seri Kembangan

Most of us are working thus leaving us with lesser time to really know our children. Even if a mother is a stay at home mom, how much time do you really spend INDIVIDUALLY with your child?

Maybe if we have only one child, we would still be able to devote our quality time during weekend with him/her. But what if a parent has more than a child?

Often times i find it's hard to understand my children individually. Thus, we tend to treat them equally. But the fact is that, each of them should be approached differently.

 Pictures taken from http://littlemelor.com, 

a mother who sends her daughter to AlimKids Playgroup @ MLO, Seri Kembangan

 
We are not only allowing parents (preferably mom) to join the session. In fact, we really encourage parents to get involved in all aspects of the class. A child's parent is their first and most important teacher. If a child sees that the parent does not seem to be enjoying the session, then most likely the child will not enjoy it either.

Parents will get to see the other side of your child and get to bond with them, individually, where you do not have the chance to do so at home when other siblings are around. You too will be able to observe and learn about your child's development and developmental needs. Beside that, you'll learn first hand how other children are similar or different than your own child -- in temperament and development.



Insya Allah, playgroups are as much fun for the parents as they are for the children. Parents learn the importance of interacting with their child and many times the children get to experiment with things they may not have at home.

That's why, i believe that parents should be with their kids during the playgroup session. So, will i be seeing you there?

Why is ALIMKids playgroup session short?

I have been asked the same question over and over again on the same matter,

"1-hour per session only? Why is the session so short?"

Well, these are why ALIMKids playgroup is a 1-hour session.

1.Toddlers have extremely short attention spans and often get restless, cranky and display disruptive behaviors if they have to spend too much time in the same place.

2. Toddlers normally have no concept of time. Toddlers' typically short attention spans can be explained by the countless fascinating distractions they encounter in a single hour. There is too much to do and not enough time to do it, but your toddler does not know that. Unlike us, he/she has no concept of time. The few minutes that he/she spends on any one activity are always just enough.

2. Playing is tiring, and it's better to stop while everyone is still fresh than to wait until energy, and patience, are in shorter supply.

3. There is little to be gained by sticking it out. It’s more important that the toddler have a good time while they are there. This is better than trying to make the experience last. When he/she is ready, he’ll/she'll be able to stay longer.

You might be surprise to find out that you struggle to keep your child to stay focus and sit still during the entire "short 1-hour session".

However, don't worry— toddlers' attention spans will get longer as they grow up.

Raising Our Future Generations: A Solid Foundation

I found an article on how to raise the future  generations age by age. And this one is on raising kids ages Two to Five years old. 


A good article to be read written by Sheikh Younus Kathrada.

Click http://www.almadinahacademy.com to get more articles on the same issue.

By the time your child is two years of age, he/she is likely speaking or beginning to speak a great deal. In addition, they will begin understanding things much more than prior to this time. Obviously, the older they get, the better their understanding and the more their questions will be. It is important that parents communicate with their children; make sure to listen, talk to them and address their questions.

I cannot emphasize enough how one needs to lead/teach by example. So besides practicing what you preach, be sure to teach the child du’aas in the manner we previously discussed. However, you now need to step things up a notch. Start teaching them our ‘aqeedah (belief system) in a slightly more “formal” way. For example, when you see beautiful trees, ask your child, “Who made these?” The same with the sky, the mountains etc… When it snows or rains, ask the child who caused it to snow and rain and so forth. When eating, ask who provided us with the food and make them understand why we say bismillaah and alhamdulillaah when we begin eating and finish eating respectively. If you teach your child these matters from an early age, you are providing them with a solid foundation.

When you find that your child is learning to read, make it a priority to teach them the Arabic alphabet along with the alphabet of the language they use in their daily lives. Don’t think it is overburdening your child. Children are capable of quite a bit that we are not aware of. Just as you buy alphabet blocks and other educational materials for your child to learn English (for example), spend on materials through which they can learn to read Arabic. The primary goal behind this is of course to enable them to read Quraan. Imagine, by doing so you will receive similar rewards to what they earn every time they recite Quraan. In the event you are not able to teach your child Arabic (here I mean to read Arabic), then do your best to find them a teacher/tutor; it is one of the best investments you will ever make. In addition to teaching your child to read Quraan, do what you can to assist them in memorizing portions of it as well. Early on you can have them memorize simple soorahs; teach them al-Faatihah, al-Ikhlaas and the last few soorahs of the Quraan and slowly add to that. To help them, let them listen to these soorahs being recited on recordings; and perhaps if they hear them in childrens’ voices they will be encouraged to learn more. As a matter of fact, you may find video clips on the internet of young children reciting Quraan; expose your child to these so they can be further encouraged.

Children love stories. Before they learn to read, they love being read to and told stories. Alhamdulillaah, for us English speakers, there are now many kids’ books available in good and simple English that we can read to our kids and eventually have our kids read for themselves. Be keen to make these books available to your children either by purchasing them or borrowing them from your local Islaamic Library (at the Masjid, Islaamic Center or Muslim School). And here let me suggest that if these materials are not available at our mosques, centers and schools, then you as a concerned parent should make an effort to have these made available. Either you can purchase them and donate them to the institution or find people who will get together and do so. Don’t expect those running these institutions to think of everything. As well, television and DVDs are a part of everyday life and are close to impossible to avoid. Living with that reality, look for materials prepared by Muslims for Muslims through which your child can learn matters of their deen (religion). Let me also point out here that just because books and other materials are given “Islaamic” names, they aren’t necessarily appropriate nor good. Therefore, as you would do with any other book or DVD, screen it to make certain that it is acceptable for your child. In the case of Islaamic literature, look for materials which do not promote innovations and which rely on authentic sources for the subjects presented. Encourage your child to read and learn as much as they can about Islaam while instilling in them the importance of practicing what they learn.

Super heroes are a big thing for kids. They look for heroes and role models. As stated previously you, the Mom and Dad, are your child’s first role model and hero. But as they grow, they look for others as well. Before they get hooked on Superman and others, teach them about the Prophets, the Sahaabah and other great Muslim personalities. Tell them true stories of bravery and heroism from the lives of these genuine heroes so they aspire to be like them. Wouldn’t you rather that your child want to be like Khalid ibn al Waleed or Salahud-Din al Ayyoubi or Sumayyah or Khadijah bint Khuwaylid than Batman or a Power Ranger or Batwoman or Hanna Montana? Many of us neglect this aspect and it’s high time we pay attention to it.

Once again, I must emphasize the importance of finding (good) Muslim friends for our children. Besides what we mentioned from the hikmah (wisdom) behind this in our last article, it is also a practical means of teaching our children al Walaa wal Baraa (loyalty and disavowal) and al Hubb wal Bughdh fillaah (love and hate for the sake of Allaah). From early on our children need to be made aware of who is good and who is evil, but they also need to know why. Therefore, when seeking out friends, make mention of the fact that so and so is good because they are Muslim and they love Allaah and Allaah loves them. Point out how they also read Quraan and pray Salaah whereas so and so (a non-Muslim) does not do those things. This may seem “extreme” to some, but it is far from that. It is one of the most effective ways of protecting our children from bad influences, raising them to feel they are special and that they have ‘izzah (honour). They need to be taught not to associate too closely with non Muslims, but at the same time, if they are just running around with them at the park or playing ball with them, we should not prevent this unless there is a good reason for it. From this you understand then that if you are going to allow your child to play with a non Muslim child, then make certain it is under your supervision. The intelligent know very well why I say this.

Although salaah, fasting, hijaab and such matters are not compulsory on children yet, it doesn’t mean we should not teach them these matters and encourage them. From an early age you will notice your child imitating you while you pray. Show them how pleased you are with that; this may be in the form of a huge hug, a gift, or a simple thumbs up. Acknowledge what they are doing and praise them for it. The same goes for your little daughter who wants to cover up (put on hijaab) to imitate her mother; encourage it and praise that type of behavior. And regarding little girls, by the time they reach five, you should start making certain that you dress them modestly. I’m not saying to put them in hijaab from this age, however, be selective of the clothing you dress them in. With regards to fasting, your child will want to fast with you in Ramadhaan. Don’t prevent them! I hear many parents saying they fear for their child's health and that’s why they discourage them from fasting. I recommend that if a child wants to do it, let them. Of course you are not going to be strict and insist that they abstain from food and drink all day; rather, when they feel hungry or thirsty and ask for something, give it to them. Likely the child will eat and say they want to fast again. Accept that and allow it as it makes the child feel good. Soon you’ll notice that your child even manages to fast an entire day. At that point you’ll make a big deal out of it and reward your child for the amazing achievement.

These early years are extremely important and as a parent you need to make certain that your child has a solid foundation to build upon. In our next article we’ll continue looking at the child until he/she reaches ten years of age Inshaa Allaah.

Bermain adalah fitrah anak-anak

Hari ini saya ada membaca satu hasil kajian yang sangat menarik berhubung dengan Perlaksanaan Aktiviti Belajar Melalui Bermain Di Tadika-Tadika Kawasan Melaka Tengah. Kajian ini dilaksanakan oleh Puan Saayah Bt. Abu daripada Jabatan Ilmu Pendidikan, Maktab Perguruan Islam.


Saya kira kajian beliau sangat relevan dan bagus sekali kerana aktiviti bermain adalah sangat penting kepada kanak-kanak, walau bagaimanapun seringkali dipandang sepi atau diabaikan oleh ibu bapa dan penjaga.

Berikut adalah pernyataan masalah bagi kajian tersebut.

Bagi kanak-kanak ‘main’ merupakan aktiviti di dalam kehidupan seharian mereka. Melalui aktiviti bermain kanak-kanak belajar berkenaan diri dan alam persekitarannya.
        

Malangnya ibu bapa dan orang-orang dewasa yang mempunyai sedikit atau tiada pengetahuan dan kefahaman tentang konsep ini menganggap ‘main’ tidak mendatangkan faedah dan hanya membuang masa dan tenaga sahaja. Guru-guru harus peka dan memahami pelbagai nilai main yang boleh menyumbang ke arah perkembangan kanak-kanak secara total dan menyeluruh dari aspek mental, fizikal, sosial dan emosi terutama bagi mereka yang berumur di antara 4 – 6 tahun.

Menurut Vygotsky, (1966), main merupakan satu cara kanak-kanak belajar apa yang tidak boleh diajar oleh orang lain. Mereka juga suka mencari dan mendapatkan maklumat dari diri mereka dan alam sekeliling. Mereka belajar dari tindakan mereka sendiri. Kanak-kanak juga suka mengikut contoh orang dewasa.

Satu daripada strategi yang sesuai dalam pembelajaran kanak-kanak ialah belajar melalui bermain .

Klik sini untuk membaca keseluruhan hasil kajian projek beliau.

Menyedari hakikat ini, ALIMKids Playgroup menyediakan satu platform bagi kanak-kanak untuk bermain secara berstruktur.

Dan yang paling menarik sekali, ibu (atau bapa) digalakkan untuk bersama dengan anak-anak semasa sesi playgroup ini bagi membantu dan mengenali personaliti anak tersebut secara individu.

Sertailah kami di ALIMKids Playgroup Melaka. Sesi pengenalan akan diadakan pada bulan Oktober.

Eid Mubarak

Salam all,

i hope it is not too late to wish you all eid mubarak.

i have been busy with the kids and visitors to our house. People said that, the more the merrier. I think the same way too.

By the way, have you seen our banner at the junction to Taman Tasik Utama? Our pre-registration for October intake is still open. Trial session will be held on the 9th of October 2010 in Qiraati Nurul Hidayah, Kompleks Niaga Bukit Katil.

Do come and and bring your 2-4 year-old to experience our playgroup session.

I will update more on the trial session once everything is confirmed and finalised.

Tabakallahu Minna Wa Minkum (May Allah accept it from us and you)!

Sing-A-Song Session

This is a video of the sing-a-song session held in ALIMKids Playgroup USJ Taipan handled by Teacher Rahmah.

My kids are loving it and they still sing the songs in the car, at home, basically everywhere.

I bet your kids will love the sing-a-song sessions too.

Please fill this pre-registration form, and we will come back to you