Sister Reminder blogs

The Quran teaches us that Allah has created everything in numbers, and nothing is left without His knowledge.  It states in Surah Jinn Ayah 28, “Allah has counted exact number of things…”  One of Allah’s attribute is “Al-Muhsey” or The Keeper of Counts.  It means “He who knows the number of things even if it’s infinite”  Subhan-Allah!

I was  always curious how to make 100 School Days with a twist of Islamic culture. Sometimes we get so caught up in the academic, we forget the perspective of the spiritual side to teaching. I came up with these 50 ideas…maybe you can send your ideas to jannahsteps@gmail.com and we can complete to 100!

1. I would give in charity, 100 dollars to….

Teach lesson on Zakah and Sadaqa. Discuss charity options, organizations, people in need, projects that need our help, etc.

2. 100 things from Allah’s nature (100 acorns, 100 popcorn seeds, 100 leaves, 100 small stones, etc.)

Go on a nature walk around your school campus or backyard/neighborhood. Discover and collect 100 things in nature. Talk about the different textures, shapes, sizes, smells and beauty of each article in nature.

3. 100 Good Deeds to Jannah

Discuss what it means to do a “good deed”. Place child’s hand in paint and make a hand print, when paint is dry, write their good deed inside it. Decorate the school corridor or classroom bulletin board and write “100 Good Deeds to Jannah….celebrating 100 Days of School”

4. 100 things to thank Allah for

List 100 things we should thank Allah for (although Allah’s favors are plenty and we can never thank Him enough) and create a bulletin board with the children’s illustration and ideas.

5. 100 Blessings you can’t deny

Allah provides us with countless blessings.  We often take them for granted. In this topic, reflect on the countless blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us and thank Him. Allah says in Surah Ibrahim, Ayah 34; “But if you count the favors of Allah, never will you be able to number them.” So we will only attempt to list 100 here.

6. 100 creatures Allah created

Great topic for the little ones. List these animals, collect pictures or little toys of them. Research some interesting facts about the favorite animals and learn to say SubhanAllah to the amazing way Allah has created them!

7. 100 words from the Quran

Learn some popular words used in the Quran including, opposites in the Quran, A-Z Quran words (words that begin with each letter of the alphabet- A is for Allah, B is for Bismillah….etc.), colors in the Quran, animals in the Quran, numbers in the Quran, and so on.

8. 99 names + Allah = 100 Names of Allah

Memorize the Asma al Husna. Learn and understand the meanings of each glorious name of Allah, you can extend this activity by also searching for these names in the Quran and see what Surah the children can find them in.

9. 100 footprints of the Prophet (pbuh)

Draw each child’s footprint on paper. Cut the shape out. In these 100 footprints, write 100 things the Prophet (pbuh) did that we should follow. Make a footprint track collage on the classroom walls or in the corridor and name it “Following in the footsteps of the Prophet (pbuh). Celebrating 100 Days of School”

10. Write 1- 100 in Arabic

Time to master those special numbers! Write them in Arabic and learn to say them in Arabic. Each child can write one number on square card stock, and decorate it. Place them on the school walls, different classrooms, the playground, principal’s office door…..and at recess, go on a hunt while counting them in order to see where they take you!

11. Make Dua for 100 seconds

Teach kids about the power of Dua. Teach them the etiquette of making Dua- when the best time is to make Dua, how to make it and what to say. Help them make Dua for 100 seconds.

12. List 100 things Allah created

Make a project out of Allah’s creation lesson. Collect pictures, draw or make a 100 page book on the various creations of Allah.

13. 100 mosaic tiles to make a Masjid

Use mosaic tiles from any craft supply store, and create a masjid picture on the floor of your classroom, and take a picture. You can create mosaic tile masajid with paper mosaic and glue each child’s creation on paper to display and take home.

14. 100 popsicle sticks to make a 3-D Masjid

Fun project to do with the older kids. Although time consuming, it can bring amazing results. Show off the creations in the school’s lobby and write “Celebrating 100 Days of School…Making a Masjid with 100 Popsicle sticks”. You can even announce a competition and allow this to be held on the day of the 100th Day of School.

15. 100 Kind Words and Gestures

Discuss the many ways kids can show kindness to Allah’s creation. Kindness to animals, kindness to classmates, kindness to parents, kindness to siblings, kindness to teachers and adults, kindness to the neighbor, kindness to the stranger, kindness to the environment, and so on. Discuss kind acts and the possibility that kind acts can bring you closer to Allah. Create a book of kindness- each page created by one student. The student will illustrate how he can show kindness to Allah’s creation, or Words/sentences he can say to make someone feel better.

16. Name 100 halal ingredients to put in a meal

List the various halal ingredients and discuss what ingredients cannot make it on the “halal list”. Make a project book with the various ingredients glued on the pages, or taken a picture of.

17. 100 Dishes from Muslim Countries

Have a cook off party and invite everyone! Discuss Muslim countries and their food. Look up recipes and make them at home. Bring them to school on the 100th Day of School and invite everyone to come taste the dishes. Decorate each classroom and display dishes from these countries. Even try dressing up in the traditional garb while serving!

18. There would not be 100 without the Muslim (Muslim invented Number 0)

Teach students the history of numbers and how the Arabs invented the number 0. Help students look up and research this information and give a small presentation on numbers! Also learn about the present day English numerals and how they came into being.

19. Name 100 things your parents do for you that you never thought about.

Time to reflect on the many things our parents do for us. Create a beautiful book illustrated by each student as a gift for their parents. The book can read “My mother cooks me a yummy meal every day” (and draw mother cooking a meal), “My father works so I can go to school” (draw father working)….and so on. Then the last page will read “Dear Mommy and Daddy, You never thought I noticed. But I want you to know that I love you and appreciate everything you do for me. Thank you Allah for giving me my parents! Love, Child’s Name”

20. Make 100 cookies to share and give out

You can bake different kinds of cookies and share, or you can have a Cookie Bake off! Sell 100 (large size) cookies at school recess for a $1 each. Decide as a class what you can do with that $100…see #1.

21. Mail 100 postcards/letters to people you know

Why not write a small note to all the child’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and relatives to let them know that they are fondly remembered..

22. Name 100 important events in Islamic History

Have fun tying in all the important historic events to make a list of 100. Think about why these events were important in our history. What can we take from these events and how can we apply them in our lives today.

23.  Make 100 Islamic Art Cards using Islamic Patterns

Display the art cards in the school hallway. Sell them to make money for charity if you like or just take them home and enjoy them in a frame.

24.  Name 100 Famous Muslim figures from World History

Use the 1001 Inventions website to find some famous Muslims in our history. Or add local Muslims who have dedicated their lives for a cause.

25. Name 100 Famous Muslim figures from Seerah History

Make a list of the top 100 Famous/Important Muslim figures and see who scores the top #1 position in your class (I can guess who…!!!)

To be continued…