Exam topic, again!
Yesterday PS had mention, her teacher told her that she can take only Biology and Physic which the exam call Tier 1, if I am not wrong as I am yet to find the info and read through. Her teacher had send her a link of edexcel website about the paper and the syllabus she need to go through which not cover in Interhigh.
Honestly in some way I do find out that I had paid £185 a months which for one whole year is £2220. But, at the end PS will only attend Maths, English Language, Biology and Physic class. Interhigh offer many of other subject. But, as we are not going to take the exam for that particular subject, of course we do not want to be burden with the class and homework, therefore we will be taken out from the class schedule. As for now, she will look like not going to take Double award science exam, mean she will have only 4 class to attend and also GCSE study group.
Interhigh was good. Especially in term of organise and giving kids extra class without any extra pay and etc. But, if the kids had join late as PS, than it can be a bit of a waste in some way. They had other subject that interesting such as Business studies, Psychology, Child Development but PS was too late as this class got limited student. I had ask PS if she wanted to take Child Development, but I didn't put pressure on her at all. Although I know it's one of her strength in nature. Than this year, she was talking about she might had interest in it. I was like, there you go...Teenager with their confusion moment! I do not want to push them on what the need to take in, because it's not worth taking something that not in their interest unless Islamic Studies.
As in Malaysia, this is what happen. Kids been putting into Science class or Commerce class or art class because of their strength on particular subject, not upon their interest. if the kids seems clever, the will of course been put in Science class. They will definitely need to take at least 13 - 14 subject. Me my self took 9 subject in my O level. Which is also a final exam in Secondary school. As GCSE. Only the level is higher than GCSE.
Therefore, I do not want to push kids something not on their interest, but in some way of course as a mother who with them 24/7, I know from my observation what kids are good at and what they should pursue further. Unfortunately, PS being someone who more independent had make me think she can have her own choice with little guidance. This is when I go wrong. When they age 12, 13, 14, they are so independent, they are so much matured, with some mishap from their hormone and teenager confusion, they should had slow down. But, dear me, the last part of it is the one that very difficult. I don't find it more difficult before than now. We argue a lots before. I was stress with her more before than now but in different way.
We are more close than before, but a gap and distance had actually build up while I am busy with others and think she are more independent and more mature now, she should be alright, but this is when it is not! Surprise, surprise!! Don't think the hardest part had gone when they reach 14-15 and you think they are more matured, more independent and more understandable around the house...ouch...kids are clever in hiding things! Believe me, even if someone who are very open like PS. This can easily go un-notice because we are busy with the other that we think need more attention.
As when she moved to Interhigh, suddenly she will have mock exam in two weeks time. She freak out as PS always nervous when it come to the word exam. I remember when she got to do her SAT's in year 6, she was worried for months and weeks before. Until I had to go and see the teacher as she think she not learn enough, she was behind and etc. But, her teacher told me everything was fine with her. So do with this mock exam. After she receive some result, she notice that not just she wasn't that bad, but lots of other student that was already with Interhigh for quiet sometimes, also behind and got poor result than her! Hermm...surprise again to me. Which make me think that private school is not actually worth spending in some way. Especially for me, who had been through lots of exam throughout my younger life. Like I mention before, studying for knowledge is different than studying for exam. And as exam level bene put lower now to get many kids to achieve than not, I understand why many people had said that exam standard had going down, the level of kids going to uni also is poor, because the standard is poor and the education standard in UK , overall had go down as well. I mean, 75 % got A? In my time, (because it was poor standard as well in Malaysia now), it should be 92-95 to get A. The lowest might be 88%. That's all. But, usually it's 90% and above. Also kids will be told to take exam according to what they can. Not the best they can. Many school kids we know which are clever, been told to take foundation paper instead of higher tier. I mean, according to PS mock exam, she might just take Maths for foundation level. So she will get top mark in the level which is C. But, when I heard 75% is A for some subject, not all, I freak out. I told her she not prepare at all for this mock exam. She haven't study lots of topic yet, therefore in this four months, she should be able to get on her feet for higher tier.
I was arguing with her. You know at this time of the age, they think they know better and they think they will do better than what we do and they think they are correct. yes, at the time of 15-16. Sadly kids here finish school at the age of 16 which will be change very soon in 2-3 years time. 2013? Sometimes to not let the argument go further which as my mum who do not like to argue, she will than keep quiet. Yes, we will feel give up at some point as we as a mother got so many things to think. Especially we living in same roof, in some way argument might not serve good. But, me and hub use to argue a lots and in an hour time, we can sit happily joking. We believe that we argue for the sake of our beloved one. We argue because we love each other. We argue to make us understand better, and we did, Alhamdulillah...and after years of argument, me and hub seem trying to find something to argue about, but we can't. We seems to understand each other that we always agree to disagree and giving away more than taking in.
Of course when we argue a lots, sometime we feel like giving up and stressful. But, I think because my marriage relationship with hub had go through thousand of argument in the past 15 years I think, that I learn that giving up will not serve any good at all. Also the stressful of argument in not in my book anymore. I argue for the sake of making things better. I never feel stressful anymore to argue and although sometimes it was like, pheww...just listen, but of course they had to argue to understand things better. To understand themselves better. To understand what we want better. They will have to. In the argument lots of things will come out, but if we love people for the sake of Allah, Insya Allah the argument will serve better. As long as we argue because we want better for Allah and deen. If not, than we will have trouble. We do not want to argue for the sake of duniya. No barakah in argument. We are not argue, for the sake of argument. We do not want to critise for the sake of critise. We argue and critique for the sake of Allah and His deen.
So, I will not give up. Alhamdulillah when I think how Allah swt had turn everything and know what around the corner. I used to argue a lots with hub. Like I said. For the first 13 years of our marriage especially. Suddenly everything cool down rapidly until last two years, I did mention to him that I think he had change, and he think he's not. He think I had change which I think I am not. This is because we had less or no argument at all most of the time. It come back one over a period of time, of course, we are human and I am woman with full emotion and hormone change. We are not living in la la land! Now, it seems that the argument had been pass to the kids and the same one had to confront is me of course!
But, as me and hub marriage relationship ad gone stronger than ever and we can just understand each other like a flip of the eyes, the argument that come up between me and kids are not a stressful even for me at all. it was for me part of life of having kids and it will no fun without it. It's also part of their growing up process and they need to argue to see through things. Without argue, than it will be less talking and it will be plain explanation from my side. Because of the argument, than it will be many many explanation and sharing experience from me. This is when the biggest part of life learning process happen. And I love it. It help to give kids much better view of reality of life.
Of course at some point, they need to win if they had good point. Sometimes they win because we want them to try to explore different view and scenario than what we think. But, is it good? We have tot try to balance this before we made decision. But, sometimes it's a good way to teach the kids.
For example, when PS mention to me she want to take Child development course with Interhigh, I told her, she was too late now. I mention to her before and she ignore it, and I know it's her strength, I know she will love the course. Although she can always take it later, still she miss it because she don't listen to me before. Than she want to take Spanish exam, Art and Design, Photography and keep begging me to get her into the course and find the info. I told her that it's important for her to concentrate in her Maths, Science and ENglish first and see how it goes. As she never enter into big exam yet. I had experience it all, I know how it is. Study for exam is not easy and not that difficult but this subject is important one to concentrate. Although in UK, still they can pursue some courses in college without proper GCSE.
When she freak out with her mock exam and on the exam week, she was stress out and nervous and etc. She suddenly think she was behind and there are so many thing she need to catch up. This is when I come back to what I told her not to think about other interest and hobby subject for her. She argue with me before that she can cope and etc. Now, I throw it back to her face! And I know that this is a golden time for me to smash her down and told her, and tell her off. Let say that when they getting bigger, it's not easy to tell them off any more.Well, not that it's not easy. But, for me I want to give them a chance and try to treat tham like a grow up to. But, they not. This is when the confusion is not just on them , but on us as well, as a mother. We think they already adult, they should think like an adult. But, they not fully adult yet. They still in confusing time. They think they know, but they don't, not yet. So, it's important for us mum, to not being confuse and let their confusion enter into our mind. It's important that the more they seems mature, the more we need to put our feet down. It's a challenging time. But, no, they are not mature and independent yet as we think.
So, I had smash PS many times now until she realise, she no nothing and although she got her school to help her, I should know better. Not, as her decision, she should only concentrate on Maths, English and Science. Back to square one, just like I keep telling her since two years ago. So I had to use my winning award to let her know that she is mature, she is independent but she cannot make any decision herself just yet. She just can't. She not reach that time yet. She will need more guidance than ever. They all do when they growing. Won't we still? Growing up is not an easy process. Especially at this time of the day.
As for everything, my conclusion is private school although online and the benefit is we can monitor the kids and is good in some point, still quiet low standard in my point of view. May be as someone who use with exam throughout my younger life, I found that they teaching for exam, I can easily do. But, I will not take out PS from there as I need a helper on my side to at least monitor her work , so I can concentrate on the other three. But, to fully depends on them is not a good choice for me. Of course in any education, parents guidance is needed. Parents got to be there for their child even they had been send to the best school or any institution place ever. They still need it. Desperately. Especially at the age of 15,16 17. This is when the peak of confusion in their life is climbing and reaching.
I am willing to put my feet down, to argue, to push, to stress them out and at the same time, giving them a chance to develop, to put their voice, their idea, their way of thinking and to let them fall and help them tog et up again. It's a part of growing up process that I need to let them explore but with the option of dragging me a long it. Of course with the hassle of me, walking with them, running with them, jumping with them in whatever condition, wet, dry, cold and warm. I will be there to share my experience, giving my guidance until they know that life is real and is not easy, but I will always be there for them, until they I feel that now it's time for them to go...With Allah guidance and plan, Insya Allah.
Friday, 25 November 2011
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Barber and exam
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| AS first time at the barber! |
Yesterday was a busy day as well despite we were busy the day before on Tuesday. Tuesday I had run errand to see my business supplier, tagging MS, S and AS along while PS on class. Than taking the opportunity while we are in Sunderland to grab some heat thermal socks, winter boats for AS and couple pf jumper for the kids. Stop to send some boxes for shipping to some student house and take the opportunity to pray there. It was quiet hard to run errand at this time of the year as time for praying is close to each other.
Yesterday I was thinking to go out as early as 9 am. But, of course it's not happening. Therefore I decided to just wait until zohr, pray than go. MS hair is like a jungle! It's about time to give a barber a visit. Hub can easily cut his hair, but being a grown up now, you know what it's like! A bit consent about how his hair is. Especially even among muslim kids in the masjeed can easily make fun of others. Astagfir'Allah. The situation of the muslim at this fitnah time.
It's MS second time visit to the barber. I was being his barber for the last 13 and half years! I am also decided that AS can also get his first time cut at the barber. He was a bit surprise as he thought he not going to get the cut at the barber. I had been his barber since the first day he was born. Yes, I am the one who shave his hair on the 3rd day he was born. Same for S. And since than I was his barber until yesterday.
Hub think that they should have their hair cut with hair clipper, easy and short! He think it's expensive paying £6 each to the barber! Oh..hub! I just ignore. He love to say something anyway, but will he actually take the action and do it? Anyway when he was young, he got hair cut not too short as now and just like MS hair now. When we remind him about how we seen his hair in the picture looks like, he got no other reason to give! Oh, it's actually my husband, he love argument for the sake of argument even though some of his argument is actually correct. But, for me action is louder than words.
So yesterday we went out after Zohr. I left S with PS this time. Of curse PS is on her class. S got quiet a lots of Maths to do as she got long number for division and one page got 16 question and she got 4 pages to do. She did moan, but I just ignore. She just has to get on with it! This is the only 'easy' way to train kids on arithmetic and times table memorisation without having them to memorise it. Which is by exercise it a lots! I mean, really a lots. Solve the problem. We just had to hear their moaning sometimes.
I got MS to do his Maths as well before we went. I am not got him on Algebra revision worksheet from ed helper. I print same worksheet for PS as well and got her to do that every day same as MS. PS just need to do lots of revision on Algebra. This way I can monitor her on exercising her Maths on top of her own school Conquer Maths and Edexcel workbook that we had to buy recommended by Interhigh. I think this revision also will help MS as Conquer Maths is actually will not help to improve at all if only depends on it. As each sub topic only have one set of question. Kids need plenty of exercise. Although to get C is very easy. But, I want them to take higher paper and put A as target. Although when I heard that 75 % and above is A, suddenly I am happy and said to PS , than A is easy, she should target for A +.
Surprisingly PS will not take Geography on her exam, but she got C on her mock exam. Where she declare she got no clue on geography! Well, I wonder if she actually study it properly. I bet her knowledge when she answer question is more from unschooling. So do her science. Only now that She hate chemistry, but Interhigh only offer double awards, which mean she had to take Biology, Physic and Chemistry. All three. Unless she has to decided to take only two of them Bio and Physic but it will be different exam paper and the syllabus also will be a bit different than double award and she had to study herself on top of that! Therefore I have to make decision quickly now as we had to register wit exam centre. I think I should be able to work with her and get her to take Double Science. She will go through with Interhigh wit revision and we will top up out site class. It was a bit funny how there are many of different type of it and they will also cover by different syllabus. Which is why it's important to look at it from year 8 I say at least especially when we homeschool to start decide which exam board and award we wanted to go through. Although I say it can be easily pass or even to get C especially the level for pass now is very low. But, we need to know which one to go, so we can easily choose the correct on and not wasting time and struggling when the time come. But, if the kids are a quick learner and highly self motivated as PS, than although we are on last minutes exam prepare mode, Insya Allah she should be OK. But, I don't think this can be same case if it's MS. Although through some method, like his Maths, although he was behind but we now catching up and I am determine that he should be able to take IGCSE Maths for higher tier November next year, Insya Allah. Well, if I am not that busy and lazy, I can actually pushing him for this may exam, but that is like two year ahead than where he should be. So, I hold on first. It's not going to do any good, because we will than have to push a bit more on maths and might loose some precious time for other subject.
AS manage to do his work before we went out to the barber. I had jump some topic in his mindsprinting as the graph they put for him I think is quiet higher level. I just jump the worksheet to venn diagram, which he happily declare baby's work. From today he will than start multiplication topic from scratch. Mindprinting exercise for multiplication and division is one of the best, from my point of view. It's really excellent. Worth the money we pay. S do English. He's on mindsprinting worksheet yesterday for English and also we did some work for ICT. Alhamdulillah we get there slowly where we try to cover all the subject needed when we finish our weekly homeschool.
Islamic Studies is here and there at the moment. But, hub expend our taaklim time with muzakarah as well last night , so that help to cover it. Alhamdulillah. It was nice to see him trying to do that! I decided not to get kids to take Islamic studies for exam, as we don't studies according to the Islamic studies exam syllabus, and I don't want kids to learn Islamic studies according to syllabus and for exam. Kids been test from time to time with Islamic Studies anyway.
So, that is our day for the last two days. It will be busy time for me, with run errand business, but Alhamdulillah our homeschool still maintain quiet well. Although this morning I can feel that like I been hit hard and desperately need a holiday! I love to travel around, but oh dear me...we cannot stop by at some one house or disturb others even for only sleeping one night. Hub always concern about that. We don't want to give people trouble even though they accept us with open heart and mind, but still hub and me , we always concern about stopping by for a night , food or etc. Even people offer us, most of the time the answer will be no. We will stop for lunch or dinner if invited but in limited time to keep our respect towards our host. I felt like I cannot wait for end of the year holiday. But, still I heard people already make some plan to come over...ermmm...I do not want to go anywhere with only 5 of us, as it won't be fair for MS. MS will be in scholars scribe course for 2 weeks Insya Allah at that time.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Here and there
Another day Alhamdulillah. As I was busy last week, I determine that i need to stay home today to concentrate on kids homeschoo. Yesterday I had a good sleep sometimes after Magrib. I was quiet tired as I was starting with my business order. Hub and kids went to masjeed to meet local jamaat at South Sheild. I was thinking to cook something after my nap, but than PS knock on the lounge door, as I was having a nap in the lounge and ask me if I am awake. She said hub had call her and told her that he buying dinner.
I know that he was expecting me to be tired. But, I know that I don't want to ask him as he was going to South Sheild and to get to the chicken shop will took him another half and hour to Newcastle although he will take another route back home which will take another half an hour as well. But, he did. Alhamdulillah, it was a very good sleep as I was on my own. Oh yes, I do need sometimes alone. I think woman should have sometimes alone sometimes. This is when going a nisab or in tablighi jamaat, man are encourage to go and spend time for at least three days every months. It's a time that I think both husband and wife needed. For the husband to go and spend time in amal in the masjeed and at the same time to pull some weight on their responsibility towards community. Unfortunately our husband is not belong to us only. They will also be ask about their responsibility towards community. And this time of 3 days a months is good for us to spend time alone and reflect on our own and having our own time. Also this time will help us to be independent. One of the important part especially for woman who are always depends on husband. It can be a very good learning curve as relying too much on husband is not really good for our iman. We believe in Allah, but the feeling of lost without him is not actually a good sign of iman. Because our husband is only a mean and Allah can do anything without mean. We should not rely on our husband and according to research this three day a part every months help each husband and wife to understand more about each other roles. Not that wife only had to think about their husband or husband only had think about their wife. But, giving each of them to think about each other role more.
When I was still in limbo to wake up, hub and kids arrived. Hub came to me and with soft touch as usual, ask me to come and eat. Alhamdulillah for the food and blessing that Allah send. After a good nap and full, I start to clear up the kitchen. I know kids are tired as well as they also help me around with my business yesterday. It didn't took me long , just to clear some washing up and wipe around quickly. Than I went upstairs to sort out some clothes to fold and some little ironing of hub clothes.
Today, we don't start too early. Round about 10.30 when kids done their breakfast. I was busy as well sending email to Interhigh, talked to my sister on the phone, put laundry and hover around before kids came down. After breakfast they than start their homeschool.
MS Maths: Algebra. He did 2 set today without watching Conquer maths video but I was teaching him using hub method. Which has help him from stress out and also he manage to get over 90-95 % with one or two wrong answer which is good. I was now thinking of stopping him for Conquer Maths for a while and just concentrate on Algebra exercise only for the time being until he master. He was asking me to do that before, but I was ignoring him. The good things about MS is he notice his needs. So do in other subject even in Quran reading. He the one will usually told me either he can move to the next topic or page or not yet. I guess this is because I had teach him before to do things to the best ability we can with his multiplication and division years back.
With English today he did some work on non fiction writing. He still need to be teach slowly with reading and writing. I do not want to believe this, but I do felt since he small that he born with some sort of disability in that. he also function slow than the other. He cannot remember things easily at some point. But, good in drawing and creative. Some sort of condition that I had read before but hub did not believe me when I told him what I felt, so I'm always try not to believe it. Or it's simply nothing. But, my motherly feeling know that it's something slightly not as normal and he always need help and guidance. Hard to explain. But, I had read in one other mother blog that seems like MS is in the same situation with. But, this mother had now ask for help. I just think that he need help more than the other, nothing wrong with him. He just had to work harder than the other. The one that he lack since small is reading which in many ways effect his writing. It was a struggle to get him with reading and writing unlike the other three. Therefore , teaching writing story with him will demand lots of patient and back to basic. Sometimes I felt lost!
S is fine. Still with mindsprinting division. Her English is good. She on variety of workbook and building her writing skill in English. Today S and MS done Science with their CGP workbook 1 with topic about Cell. I still wasn't satisfied with the science lesson plan and think more need to be done.
AS Maths is on tally chart today. Like PS and S, AS also for me is normal kids who learn quickly and and remember things quickly as well. Which is why make me think of not so normal MS. But, probably because the other three is actually might be above normal slightly which make me think that he is slightly below normal level. But, he can now understand and do Algebra for Key stage 4. He can learn new things, understand but need his own pace. Actually he learn more Maths than PS although PS will learn what MS learn in five months for 4 weeks.
Today As on mindsprinting. He was on CGP workbook before for the whole last week. He was a bit lazy today, therefore his writing is a bit worst. Than I had read the story of Abdul Mutallib and the year of Elephant to him. he know the story and also surah Al Fil. But, I want him to remember quiet in detail. Therefore it's important with read aloud. Asking question in between my reading to see his understanding in detail. I suppose to get him to do ICT but didn't as I want to go outside to clear the garden leaves.
I had bought leaves blower after more than three years now in this house. The leaves outside is horrible. I was kept asking hub before, but he think it's not important. Well, I felt embarrassed with our non muslim neighbour and it's part of dakwa to them to show that we look after the environment. But, I was so horrible with garden to be honest. I had bought one from Argos last week and MS had started to clear some in the front garden. I bought for £59. And found another similar with wheels in car boot sale for £20. I was thinking to send back the one I bought from Argos as we one used one and it was a bit hard without wheels. But, than MS think it's better. Therefore today he was using the one I bought from Argos in the front garden and I was using the one with the wheel as I cannot still rely on my right hand that got burn last time. Although I still had to use the hand for quiet a while and ouch..it's really hurt.
So, Alhamdulillah, Homeschooling done quiet well. They all did their Quran reading after Magrib and we did some verbal Islamic studies after Insya prayer and taaklim reading.
I know that he was expecting me to be tired. But, I know that I don't want to ask him as he was going to South Sheild and to get to the chicken shop will took him another half and hour to Newcastle although he will take another route back home which will take another half an hour as well. But, he did. Alhamdulillah, it was a very good sleep as I was on my own. Oh yes, I do need sometimes alone. I think woman should have sometimes alone sometimes. This is when going a nisab or in tablighi jamaat, man are encourage to go and spend time for at least three days every months. It's a time that I think both husband and wife needed. For the husband to go and spend time in amal in the masjeed and at the same time to pull some weight on their responsibility towards community. Unfortunately our husband is not belong to us only. They will also be ask about their responsibility towards community. And this time of 3 days a months is good for us to spend time alone and reflect on our own and having our own time. Also this time will help us to be independent. One of the important part especially for woman who are always depends on husband. It can be a very good learning curve as relying too much on husband is not really good for our iman. We believe in Allah, but the feeling of lost without him is not actually a good sign of iman. Because our husband is only a mean and Allah can do anything without mean. We should not rely on our husband and according to research this three day a part every months help each husband and wife to understand more about each other roles. Not that wife only had to think about their husband or husband only had think about their wife. But, giving each of them to think about each other role more.
When I was still in limbo to wake up, hub and kids arrived. Hub came to me and with soft touch as usual, ask me to come and eat. Alhamdulillah for the food and blessing that Allah send. After a good nap and full, I start to clear up the kitchen. I know kids are tired as well as they also help me around with my business yesterday. It didn't took me long , just to clear some washing up and wipe around quickly. Than I went upstairs to sort out some clothes to fold and some little ironing of hub clothes.
Today, we don't start too early. Round about 10.30 when kids done their breakfast. I was busy as well sending email to Interhigh, talked to my sister on the phone, put laundry and hover around before kids came down. After breakfast they than start their homeschool.
MS Maths: Algebra. He did 2 set today without watching Conquer maths video but I was teaching him using hub method. Which has help him from stress out and also he manage to get over 90-95 % with one or two wrong answer which is good. I was now thinking of stopping him for Conquer Maths for a while and just concentrate on Algebra exercise only for the time being until he master. He was asking me to do that before, but I was ignoring him. The good things about MS is he notice his needs. So do in other subject even in Quran reading. He the one will usually told me either he can move to the next topic or page or not yet. I guess this is because I had teach him before to do things to the best ability we can with his multiplication and division years back.
With English today he did some work on non fiction writing. He still need to be teach slowly with reading and writing. I do not want to believe this, but I do felt since he small that he born with some sort of disability in that. he also function slow than the other. He cannot remember things easily at some point. But, good in drawing and creative. Some sort of condition that I had read before but hub did not believe me when I told him what I felt, so I'm always try not to believe it. Or it's simply nothing. But, my motherly feeling know that it's something slightly not as normal and he always need help and guidance. Hard to explain. But, I had read in one other mother blog that seems like MS is in the same situation with. But, this mother had now ask for help. I just think that he need help more than the other, nothing wrong with him. He just had to work harder than the other. The one that he lack since small is reading which in many ways effect his writing. It was a struggle to get him with reading and writing unlike the other three. Therefore , teaching writing story with him will demand lots of patient and back to basic. Sometimes I felt lost!
S is fine. Still with mindsprinting division. Her English is good. She on variety of workbook and building her writing skill in English. Today S and MS done Science with their CGP workbook 1 with topic about Cell. I still wasn't satisfied with the science lesson plan and think more need to be done.
AS Maths is on tally chart today. Like PS and S, AS also for me is normal kids who learn quickly and and remember things quickly as well. Which is why make me think of not so normal MS. But, probably because the other three is actually might be above normal slightly which make me think that he is slightly below normal level. But, he can now understand and do Algebra for Key stage 4. He can learn new things, understand but need his own pace. Actually he learn more Maths than PS although PS will learn what MS learn in five months for 4 weeks.
Today As on mindsprinting. He was on CGP workbook before for the whole last week. He was a bit lazy today, therefore his writing is a bit worst. Than I had read the story of Abdul Mutallib and the year of Elephant to him. he know the story and also surah Al Fil. But, I want him to remember quiet in detail. Therefore it's important with read aloud. Asking question in between my reading to see his understanding in detail. I suppose to get him to do ICT but didn't as I want to go outside to clear the garden leaves.
I had bought leaves blower after more than three years now in this house. The leaves outside is horrible. I was kept asking hub before, but he think it's not important. Well, I felt embarrassed with our non muslim neighbour and it's part of dakwa to them to show that we look after the environment. But, I was so horrible with garden to be honest. I had bought one from Argos last week and MS had started to clear some in the front garden. I bought for £59. And found another similar with wheels in car boot sale for £20. I was thinking to send back the one I bought from Argos as we one used one and it was a bit hard without wheels. But, than MS think it's better. Therefore today he was using the one I bought from Argos in the front garden and I was using the one with the wheel as I cannot still rely on my right hand that got burn last time. Although I still had to use the hand for quiet a while and ouch..it's really hurt.
So, Alhamdulillah, Homeschooling done quiet well. They all did their Quran reading after Magrib and we did some verbal Islamic studies after Insya prayer and taaklim reading.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Maths again, learning style and exam
At last I found out that Conquer Maths is annoying! ha..ha..! PS and MS than happily tell me off that they are right! Ok..ok..I agree, although part of it, not all if it. MS keep saying to me that I wasting my money paying Conquer Maths. Well, only if his dad can make time! Than why should I.
Anyway, Conquer Maths help me determine where kids are in maths and help me with lesson plan and teaching method although now I found that lots of teaching method is possibly not as good as what we used to. Well, me and hub. I love Maths. But, when I start doing my school from distance learning, it was hard. My dad was soo good in Maths, but he never had a time or we never discuss about me should needed help in Maths. Maths depends on revision book and video teaching is not as good as someone who had experience Maths. Hub was asking me what year the question I was doing and he was helping me, I said to him it's for GCSE. It's actually Key Stage 4 and for higher tier Maths paper. Hub said that was easy.
So, whenever MS stuck, I will sit there to watch the video from Conquer Maths. Honestly, I don't bother much to go back more than 25 years ago to do Maths. I do felt that Maths should be so much fun than stress. MS had found it interesting at first and no he quiet stress out. When he stuck , sometimes I told him to wait for his dad. He always told me that hub teach better way and easy to understand than in Conquer Maths. Well, I know there should be easy way as I do learn easy way before, I know Maths can be so much fun to our brain.
Therefore, as MS had stuck on equation involving fraction, square roots and etc, I decided that I need to get first hand teaching from hub. Not MS. Although at first I told him that he need to get help from hub. But I am the one ended up sit there next to him while he was on his lap top. Ask him for help for first question and I start going through Conquer maths worksheet that I had already printed out a bundle of it for MS before. It was so fun for me that I manage to do 5 sheet of worksheet in one hour and it was 10.30 pm last night.
This morning , after fajr prayer and my morning yaseen, I start to pull out more worksheet of maths. Hub said that I shouldn't do maths now, leave it till evening. I said to him that my brain work better in the morning of course! Well, last night I had done 5 worksheet, won't I? Therefore I go through 3 more worksheet and stuck on the last one before topic test and felt that I need a rest.
Today, we had agree that although it's Saturday we will try to cover up things that we miss during weekday. I had twice spend time outside during weekday as I had started my business, and plus busy with PS exam. Yesterday we had manage to cover quiet some work. AS manage to do his maths which he's now on Graph topic and English CGP workbook and also CGP Geography. I start to used Geography key stage 2 with workbook 1 with AS.
Some other science book had arrived. before I had make some lesson plan for MS and S. But I realise it was a bit more up the level. Also the book I got for CGP is level 5-7 instead of 3-6. So, I had bought science book 1 and 2 instead of using separate topic of Material and Properties and etc. But, still I had to be there with them to read through and go through the workbook to ensure that they answer the question according to how exam question should be answer. I will than mix this book with other book of each separate topic and also experiment and our own exercise book to write down some important learning facts.
I think it's important that kids learn to answer in workbook with exam answering style. This is when I see that how workbook is quiet important even from Key Stage 2. Especially for Science. Maths will need variety of exercise we can find from workbook and worksheet. Plenty that kids will be familiar with tricky question. Science need a proper fact answer but with good full sentence, although in science , one fact answer is enough to gain mark. Unlike in History or geography, it might need more explanation on top of key words as mark or point will be gain from key word and understanding. With science, key word is important than full explanation unless the question ask you to explain. I just try to remember back of my exam time!
Insya Allah, I had more confident in working together with Maths now than ever after couple of explanation from hub. I think in some way, if challenge I can do Maths quicker than hub as I was quiet fast in mental arithmetic. I am also in need to work together with PS. As she was quiet weak in algebra due to improper teaching method. She understand but I think our learning method in east is better than in the west when it comes to Maths. But, mindsprinting is not go bad. I don't know how when it come to more difficult topic like Algebra. I think I will leave S with mindsprinting and see how it goes. I like the exercise in mindsprinting actually. Kids do not need extra worksheet or even workbook with mindsprinting maths accept on measurement. I possibly looking into putting MS back on mindsprinting from January onwards. Especially as for next year, IGCSE Edexcel Maths higher tier paper will have around 80-90% Algebra, so we been told by interhigh. I am not looking forward yet to put MS on the exam but big possibility for Nov exam 2012, Insya Allah. He should be ready by than. I was also hoping that if Darul Ulom in Newcastle can offer the same time course of alim as alimah which is from 9am -12pm. Therefore I can send them both together at the same time. Which is why I am looking forward to getting as much work done with MS for the time being.
I had plenty things need to get done today apart from catching up with kids study. Insya Allah may Allah make it easy for me and all of us.
Anyway, Conquer Maths help me determine where kids are in maths and help me with lesson plan and teaching method although now I found that lots of teaching method is possibly not as good as what we used to. Well, me and hub. I love Maths. But, when I start doing my school from distance learning, it was hard. My dad was soo good in Maths, but he never had a time or we never discuss about me should needed help in Maths. Maths depends on revision book and video teaching is not as good as someone who had experience Maths. Hub was asking me what year the question I was doing and he was helping me, I said to him it's for GCSE. It's actually Key Stage 4 and for higher tier Maths paper. Hub said that was easy.
So, whenever MS stuck, I will sit there to watch the video from Conquer Maths. Honestly, I don't bother much to go back more than 25 years ago to do Maths. I do felt that Maths should be so much fun than stress. MS had found it interesting at first and no he quiet stress out. When he stuck , sometimes I told him to wait for his dad. He always told me that hub teach better way and easy to understand than in Conquer Maths. Well, I know there should be easy way as I do learn easy way before, I know Maths can be so much fun to our brain.
Therefore, as MS had stuck on equation involving fraction, square roots and etc, I decided that I need to get first hand teaching from hub. Not MS. Although at first I told him that he need to get help from hub. But I am the one ended up sit there next to him while he was on his lap top. Ask him for help for first question and I start going through Conquer maths worksheet that I had already printed out a bundle of it for MS before. It was so fun for me that I manage to do 5 sheet of worksheet in one hour and it was 10.30 pm last night.
This morning , after fajr prayer and my morning yaseen, I start to pull out more worksheet of maths. Hub said that I shouldn't do maths now, leave it till evening. I said to him that my brain work better in the morning of course! Well, last night I had done 5 worksheet, won't I? Therefore I go through 3 more worksheet and stuck on the last one before topic test and felt that I need a rest.
Today, we had agree that although it's Saturday we will try to cover up things that we miss during weekday. I had twice spend time outside during weekday as I had started my business, and plus busy with PS exam. Yesterday we had manage to cover quiet some work. AS manage to do his maths which he's now on Graph topic and English CGP workbook and also CGP Geography. I start to used Geography key stage 2 with workbook 1 with AS.
Some other science book had arrived. before I had make some lesson plan for MS and S. But I realise it was a bit more up the level. Also the book I got for CGP is level 5-7 instead of 3-6. So, I had bought science book 1 and 2 instead of using separate topic of Material and Properties and etc. But, still I had to be there with them to read through and go through the workbook to ensure that they answer the question according to how exam question should be answer. I will than mix this book with other book of each separate topic and also experiment and our own exercise book to write down some important learning facts.
I think it's important that kids learn to answer in workbook with exam answering style. This is when I see that how workbook is quiet important even from Key Stage 2. Especially for Science. Maths will need variety of exercise we can find from workbook and worksheet. Plenty that kids will be familiar with tricky question. Science need a proper fact answer but with good full sentence, although in science , one fact answer is enough to gain mark. Unlike in History or geography, it might need more explanation on top of key words as mark or point will be gain from key word and understanding. With science, key word is important than full explanation unless the question ask you to explain. I just try to remember back of my exam time!
Insya Allah, I had more confident in working together with Maths now than ever after couple of explanation from hub. I think in some way, if challenge I can do Maths quicker than hub as I was quiet fast in mental arithmetic. I am also in need to work together with PS. As she was quiet weak in algebra due to improper teaching method. She understand but I think our learning method in east is better than in the west when it comes to Maths. But, mindsprinting is not go bad. I don't know how when it come to more difficult topic like Algebra. I think I will leave S with mindsprinting and see how it goes. I like the exercise in mindsprinting actually. Kids do not need extra worksheet or even workbook with mindsprinting maths accept on measurement. I possibly looking into putting MS back on mindsprinting from January onwards. Especially as for next year, IGCSE Edexcel Maths higher tier paper will have around 80-90% Algebra, so we been told by interhigh. I am not looking forward yet to put MS on the exam but big possibility for Nov exam 2012, Insya Allah. He should be ready by than. I was also hoping that if Darul Ulom in Newcastle can offer the same time course of alim as alimah which is from 9am -12pm. Therefore I can send them both together at the same time. Which is why I am looking forward to getting as much work done with MS for the time being.
I had plenty things need to get done today apart from catching up with kids study. Insya Allah may Allah make it easy for me and all of us.
Friday, 18 November 2011
Just another week...
It's just another week which we are not progressing and doing homeschool as we always. MS had suddenly experience nose bleeding every night with severe headache. I give it couple of days to see how it's going on. Alhamdulillah it's reduce. Possibly hub said I had heater on for too hot, although I put it on timer. Temperature is playing out and it was so hard to figure out the average temperature.
PS is on her mock exam week, therefore she as usual nervous. This had also give me some stress and to try to familiar or how to go through mock exam with online school. The exam paper will be able to upload on the morning of the exam on the day the lesson is. All paper is on high tier. Some of them she haven't got to learn yet. She's panicking. But, I told her, we still got couple of month to go through. This time I know she will have to listen to my strategy in learning.
I am also found out that while I don't like exam orientated learning style, which what I am trying to do in our homeschool, it can be slightly hard when suddenly coming to study for exam. Learning for knowledge and learning for exam is totally different. Especially over here in UK, there are several exam board. Not all exam paper is on same topic. Therefore the curriculum had to be teach depends on exam board. I know couple of homeschool in North East where they had took GCSE. But, not IGCSE. PS will take International GCSE as what it's call now. Which is same level as O level and also she will have to go for higher tier. Therefore the exam can be really tough. So, the learning style had to change from learning to study for knowledge to learning for exam. Especially International GCSE is fully theory exam without any coursework.
Therefore I had learn many things here. I had putting very less pressure on kid and possibly mix of unschooling method as well. But, I found out this are not really good when it comes to exam. Well, of course it depends on what exam board you take and what tier. I want my kids possibly except AS who will Insya Allah go to Darul Ulom, the other will take IGCSE. I would like them to take higher tier especially with maths. For other subject as well, from Key Stage 4, we had to target what exam board will be because many books out there is mainly for ACA, not Edexcel. Also depends on GCSE or IGCSE.
I am actually glad that I can see things clearly altough not fully clearly with PS case. I was relaxing before because with first college as well as I do expect she can take the exam when ever she ready. I don't in some way putting pressure for them on exam, because I do want to play with their head that we learn for exam. But, in some way, it is important. to help to see through how kids are doing. And how they going to put what they learn into paper. It's different. As what I found out, learning from video, documentary and etc, sort of unschooling method, is good for learning and knowledge and if the kids do not have to take exam especially as IGCSE exam. It's ok if we the parent aka teacher only have to grade out own kids. Not others. or if only college and uni only want to see portfolio. This can be the case in UK in many college. But, I do not like kids to actually attend college. Not girls. I possibly will send MS. But, not my girls. college is not a place unless a proper college for A level. I don't like the environment of college.
Therefore like MS , who is on key Stage 4 maths, when it comes to his revision soon, will need to used edexcel book start right from there on top of any other workbook and exercise book. I need to familiarise him with exam format paper as well. I think test is needed from now on , not just for MS but also for S. To actually go through together in lesson and workbook, experiment even presentation about what they learn will not be enough as their brain is not been through time test.
Back to this week, S had finish all her worksheet from midnprinting that I print out. I didn't realise that. I was busy yesterday to go out and haven't manage to print it yet as suddenly I cannot connect my notebook with printer. She likely have around 60 set of worksheet to go with division with mindsprinting. She currently doing 2 set a day, therefore she might be able to finish it by end of this year. From January, she will than start topic on measurement but not with mindsprinting, but with conquer Maths and various printed worksheet.
I am also working with MS and S for science. Every of this lesson now will be done with me. Which in some way make me busy than ever. I think independent learning is not really good in secondary in some way and at some point, unless when they do revision or homework. This is the time when they need guide more than ever. Also lots of time need to be put there on resource, teaching lesson and on lesson it self.
AS is fine. He didn't do much work this week as I was busy with PS and also as I had to start getting back on my business since couple of weeks back. But, this time Insya Allah it will not effect much on our schedule for homeschool as I had got many lesson plan prepare. For AS, we easily catch up. I don't have much plan set up for him on Friday, therefore we usually catch up what we cannot on Friday. He also happy with his karate class now. Alhamdulillah.
PS wanted some extra activities. I told her, I will let her and MS to go bicycle riding on the forest next to our house. It's where people go bike ride and walking. Hub always bring them through there but now he usually go with his friend. Therefore I though PS can go with MS together like half an hour which is the forest is only at the end of our street. I am so particular especially with girls going out on their own. It's safe Alhamdulillah where I live, but I don't want to build confident for her that it's ok to go out on her own unless if she willing to wear full nikab. Which we never discuss about nikab, and I don't mind if she did or not in this very soon, but might be later Insya Allah. When she will be with similar company.
Wasn't much going on, but still today I am going to catch up with what left behind.
PS is on her mock exam week, therefore she as usual nervous. This had also give me some stress and to try to familiar or how to go through mock exam with online school. The exam paper will be able to upload on the morning of the exam on the day the lesson is. All paper is on high tier. Some of them she haven't got to learn yet. She's panicking. But, I told her, we still got couple of month to go through. This time I know she will have to listen to my strategy in learning.
I am also found out that while I don't like exam orientated learning style, which what I am trying to do in our homeschool, it can be slightly hard when suddenly coming to study for exam. Learning for knowledge and learning for exam is totally different. Especially over here in UK, there are several exam board. Not all exam paper is on same topic. Therefore the curriculum had to be teach depends on exam board. I know couple of homeschool in North East where they had took GCSE. But, not IGCSE. PS will take International GCSE as what it's call now. Which is same level as O level and also she will have to go for higher tier. Therefore the exam can be really tough. So, the learning style had to change from learning to study for knowledge to learning for exam. Especially International GCSE is fully theory exam without any coursework.
Therefore I had learn many things here. I had putting very less pressure on kid and possibly mix of unschooling method as well. But, I found out this are not really good when it comes to exam. Well, of course it depends on what exam board you take and what tier. I want my kids possibly except AS who will Insya Allah go to Darul Ulom, the other will take IGCSE. I would like them to take higher tier especially with maths. For other subject as well, from Key Stage 4, we had to target what exam board will be because many books out there is mainly for ACA, not Edexcel. Also depends on GCSE or IGCSE.
I am actually glad that I can see things clearly altough not fully clearly with PS case. I was relaxing before because with first college as well as I do expect she can take the exam when ever she ready. I don't in some way putting pressure for them on exam, because I do want to play with their head that we learn for exam. But, in some way, it is important. to help to see through how kids are doing. And how they going to put what they learn into paper. It's different. As what I found out, learning from video, documentary and etc, sort of unschooling method, is good for learning and knowledge and if the kids do not have to take exam especially as IGCSE exam. It's ok if we the parent aka teacher only have to grade out own kids. Not others. or if only college and uni only want to see portfolio. This can be the case in UK in many college. But, I do not like kids to actually attend college. Not girls. I possibly will send MS. But, not my girls. college is not a place unless a proper college for A level. I don't like the environment of college.
Therefore like MS , who is on key Stage 4 maths, when it comes to his revision soon, will need to used edexcel book start right from there on top of any other workbook and exercise book. I need to familiarise him with exam format paper as well. I think test is needed from now on , not just for MS but also for S. To actually go through together in lesson and workbook, experiment even presentation about what they learn will not be enough as their brain is not been through time test.
Back to this week, S had finish all her worksheet from midnprinting that I print out. I didn't realise that. I was busy yesterday to go out and haven't manage to print it yet as suddenly I cannot connect my notebook with printer. She likely have around 60 set of worksheet to go with division with mindsprinting. She currently doing 2 set a day, therefore she might be able to finish it by end of this year. From January, she will than start topic on measurement but not with mindsprinting, but with conquer Maths and various printed worksheet.
I am also working with MS and S for science. Every of this lesson now will be done with me. Which in some way make me busy than ever. I think independent learning is not really good in secondary in some way and at some point, unless when they do revision or homework. This is the time when they need guide more than ever. Also lots of time need to be put there on resource, teaching lesson and on lesson it self.
AS is fine. He didn't do much work this week as I was busy with PS and also as I had to start getting back on my business since couple of weeks back. But, this time Insya Allah it will not effect much on our schedule for homeschool as I had got many lesson plan prepare. For AS, we easily catch up. I don't have much plan set up for him on Friday, therefore we usually catch up what we cannot on Friday. He also happy with his karate class now. Alhamdulillah.
PS wanted some extra activities. I told her, I will let her and MS to go bicycle riding on the forest next to our house. It's where people go bike ride and walking. Hub always bring them through there but now he usually go with his friend. Therefore I though PS can go with MS together like half an hour which is the forest is only at the end of our street. I am so particular especially with girls going out on their own. It's safe Alhamdulillah where I live, but I don't want to build confident for her that it's ok to go out on her own unless if she willing to wear full nikab. Which we never discuss about nikab, and I don't mind if she did or not in this very soon, but might be later Insya Allah. When she will be with similar company.
Wasn't much going on, but still today I am going to catch up with what left behind.
Friday, 11 November 2011
Today homeschool
Alhamdulillah another efficient homeschool day. Not every day is efficient actually. I don't force too much on efficiency. I think at some point it can lead to burn out. But, it's important in istiqamah.
What I mean is, efficient like today is before 12 pm, AS and MS take gusl as it's Friday as usual. Than breakfast. Than MS and S manage to do Maths and English. AS manage to do Maths and ICT. Both of AS subject needed me to sit with him. Today he learn about different type of triangles.
It's efficient for me as I manage to tidy up everything downstairs, hover and mop floor and sit with AS for both of his study lesson. Done laundry as well and prepare for lunch. Than send them to Friday prayer as the prayer start at 1pm from today, hub cannot come back to pick them up as he finish work at 12.30pm. Therefore I send them and drive back home and continue cooking.
By the time we finish our lunch, it's Magrib time. Today I made fried chicken with coleslow (PS made it), mash potato and chips. Than quran reading after Magrib and Islamic studies. Today Islamic studies is simple but important. Practical saying of ayat in the prayer. I do this sometimes for Islamic studies to keep them up with pronunciation and for the AS to memorise. Than AS did his English and I did History with MS and S. It was quiet easy as I am getting them to go through CGP history book and we also go through horrible history today for the topic which is still about roman. Today sub topic is about Queen Boudicca. We learn that there are statue of Boudicca in London. Also they might found her remain underneath King Cross station! Also we they did sub topic about Roman bath. We actually did a visit to a Museum in Manchester and see this roman bath in the museum. At the time what I remember was horrible history episode! Sometimes I do watch with kids. MS and S actually explain to me more and give me more info in our learning session in History. We didn't spend too long, but it always two way communication. Horrible history really help. And what I want for kids, is to bring their knowledge and info they got into writing. That's it. I am the one who actually learn, because they already know more than me! Only that I wanted to link the same time line with Islamic time line. I don't know how I am going to do this, but Insya Allah I will try.
So, to me it was an efficient day as we manage to finish everything without too much drama. Sometime AS is moody. Sometimes other subject taking too long because I had to spend half of the time also to answer question and listen to kids story. Yes, my kids is always like I said had two way communication. Always. I think this is because since they small, they always been allowed to talk about their feeling, opinion and ideas and ask. Although when they are below 9-10 years old, they know that all decision is mine, but they all allowed to ask and give their opinion and say what they think in their head and mind. I am always allowed question and always working around in my head to give the answer. Although when I didn't have the answer, I will than try to find it.
I had put aside our proper schedule. I don't think it will work well when I accessing the situation. Why? Because setting time on each subject and what to do, not a good way to do things for us. This is because as above reason, two way communication, subject like History, Geography, Science, Islamic studies especially will take too long. Only AS study lesson will pass by quickly, even with new lesson. But, not with MS and S. Sometimes our Islamic studies take nearly 2 hours. Other subject can be short at some point and can be long at some point. Depends. Maths usually take more than one hour for MS if he is on 3 lesson. Especially now Key Stage 4 is quiet hard topic.
What important for me is we manage to istiqamah what we need to do for each day. Maths, English, other subject, Quran reading and Islamic Studies. I will soon added project and experiment according to other subject they learn. One step at the time, Insya Allah, gradually increase, and istiqamah. In between kids also still doing their chores, hovering, tidying, washing up, clean toilet, laundry and I take over the task when I wasn't that busy like today when I do hovering, tidying and washing up. Most of the time kids the one who did this in between their learning as well. Although it is more efficient if I did most of the chores everyday, but chores to me is an important learning skill. Even PS is stress and busy with her study and revision, still everyday she need to do some tidy up after lunch and dinner, some washing up , laundry and clean toilet. Depends on what day she got less class. If she got too many lesson, than I will get her to help a little bit. But still get her to do something. Although if she told me she got too much and feel stress out, I told her, chores is a break to get away from study! Plus, this is life. I can be harsh, but she understand this , Alhamdulillah. Now everyday, I did a little chat with her, even only for five minutes. I stress her, but also let her know that I am here for her.
It is a big responsibility bringing up kids. Alhamdulillah I love what I a doing..
What I mean is, efficient like today is before 12 pm, AS and MS take gusl as it's Friday as usual. Than breakfast. Than MS and S manage to do Maths and English. AS manage to do Maths and ICT. Both of AS subject needed me to sit with him. Today he learn about different type of triangles.
It's efficient for me as I manage to tidy up everything downstairs, hover and mop floor and sit with AS for both of his study lesson. Done laundry as well and prepare for lunch. Than send them to Friday prayer as the prayer start at 1pm from today, hub cannot come back to pick them up as he finish work at 12.30pm. Therefore I send them and drive back home and continue cooking.
By the time we finish our lunch, it's Magrib time. Today I made fried chicken with coleslow (PS made it), mash potato and chips. Than quran reading after Magrib and Islamic studies. Today Islamic studies is simple but important. Practical saying of ayat in the prayer. I do this sometimes for Islamic studies to keep them up with pronunciation and for the AS to memorise. Than AS did his English and I did History with MS and S. It was quiet easy as I am getting them to go through CGP history book and we also go through horrible history today for the topic which is still about roman. Today sub topic is about Queen Boudicca. We learn that there are statue of Boudicca in London. Also they might found her remain underneath King Cross station! Also we they did sub topic about Roman bath. We actually did a visit to a Museum in Manchester and see this roman bath in the museum. At the time what I remember was horrible history episode! Sometimes I do watch with kids. MS and S actually explain to me more and give me more info in our learning session in History. We didn't spend too long, but it always two way communication. Horrible history really help. And what I want for kids, is to bring their knowledge and info they got into writing. That's it. I am the one who actually learn, because they already know more than me! Only that I wanted to link the same time line with Islamic time line. I don't know how I am going to do this, but Insya Allah I will try.
So, to me it was an efficient day as we manage to finish everything without too much drama. Sometime AS is moody. Sometimes other subject taking too long because I had to spend half of the time also to answer question and listen to kids story. Yes, my kids is always like I said had two way communication. Always. I think this is because since they small, they always been allowed to talk about their feeling, opinion and ideas and ask. Although when they are below 9-10 years old, they know that all decision is mine, but they all allowed to ask and give their opinion and say what they think in their head and mind. I am always allowed question and always working around in my head to give the answer. Although when I didn't have the answer, I will than try to find it.
I had put aside our proper schedule. I don't think it will work well when I accessing the situation. Why? Because setting time on each subject and what to do, not a good way to do things for us. This is because as above reason, two way communication, subject like History, Geography, Science, Islamic studies especially will take too long. Only AS study lesson will pass by quickly, even with new lesson. But, not with MS and S. Sometimes our Islamic studies take nearly 2 hours. Other subject can be short at some point and can be long at some point. Depends. Maths usually take more than one hour for MS if he is on 3 lesson. Especially now Key Stage 4 is quiet hard topic.
What important for me is we manage to istiqamah what we need to do for each day. Maths, English, other subject, Quran reading and Islamic Studies. I will soon added project and experiment according to other subject they learn. One step at the time, Insya Allah, gradually increase, and istiqamah. In between kids also still doing their chores, hovering, tidying, washing up, clean toilet, laundry and I take over the task when I wasn't that busy like today when I do hovering, tidying and washing up. Most of the time kids the one who did this in between their learning as well. Although it is more efficient if I did most of the chores everyday, but chores to me is an important learning skill. Even PS is stress and busy with her study and revision, still everyday she need to do some tidy up after lunch and dinner, some washing up , laundry and clean toilet. Depends on what day she got less class. If she got too many lesson, than I will get her to help a little bit. But still get her to do something. Although if she told me she got too much and feel stress out, I told her, chores is a break to get away from study! Plus, this is life. I can be harsh, but she understand this , Alhamdulillah. Now everyday, I did a little chat with her, even only for five minutes. I stress her, but also let her know that I am here for her.
It is a big responsibility bringing up kids. Alhamdulillah I love what I a doing..
Touching/ Reciting Quran in the state of impurity
Touching/Reciting the Quran in a State of Impurity (Needing Wudu or Ghusl)
source:
http://www.muftisays.com/blog/Seifeddine-M/1156_08-02-2011/touching_reciting-the-quran-in-a-state-of-impurity-(needing-wudu-or-ghusl).html
Summary
1) It is not permissible to physically touch the Qur'aan if the person is unclean and in need of Wudhu. However according to Imam Abu Haneefa (RA) it would be permissible to touch the Sleeve (or covering) which is not permanently attached to the Qur'aan but Imam Malik (RA) & Imam Shaf'ae (RA) don't permit this.
2) It is permissible to recite the Qur'aan from memory (without Wudhu).
2) It is not permissible to physically touch or recite the Qur'aan if the person is unclean and in need of Ghusl, whether the state of uncleanliness is due to sexual defilement (Janabah), Menustral bleeding or post-partum bleeding.
3) If the woman is a Hafidfha of the Qur'aan and there is a danger that she may forget the Qur'aan if she doesn't recite (during her menstrual periods) then Mufti Ibraheem Desai (DB) recommends the following two methods:
a) She may use a cloth to hold the Qur'an and look inside while reciting in the mind. She should not move her lips.
b) She can sit next to someone who is reciting and listen to that person.
4) It is also not permissible to touch the translation ONLY of the Qur'aan in the state of impurity. [Mufti Hussain/http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/ ].
From Qur'aan :
)إِنَّهُ ۥ لَقُرۡءَانٌ۬ كَرِيمٌ۬ (٧٧) فِى كِتَـٰبٍ۬ مَّكۡنُونٍ۬ (٧٨) لَّا يَمَسُّهُ ۥۤ إِلَّا ٱلۡمُطَهَّرُونَ (٧٩
It is surely the Noble Qur'an (recorded already) in a protected book [the Preserved Tablet] that is not touched except by the purified ones [the angels] .... 77-79)
From Sunnah:
عن حکیم بن حزام ان النبی لما بعثہ والیاً الی الیمن قال لا تمس القرآن الا وانت طاھر
(مستدرک حاکم)
Sayydina Hakim Ibn Hizam (RA) narrates that I was deputed as a Wali towards Yemen by the Prophet (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and he said, "Don't touch the Quraan unless you are Taahir (clean from impurity)." [Mustadrak]
http://www.muftisays.com/blog/Seifeddine-M/1156_08-02-2011/touching_reciting-the-quran-in-a-state-of-impurity-(needing-wudu-or-ghusl).html
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