Ramadan Mubark from the children at An-Nur Childcare Centre The excitement as Ramadan approaches this year has

been felt throughout the classrooms at AnNur as children anticipate the time for celebrations, family and gaining a deeper understanding of their faith. We started by introducing the children to the phases of the moon, as an Islamic and astronomy lesson. The children developed a feeling of our universe, past the clouds and blue sky which can be seen, and felt a sense of wonder at Allahs mighty creations. Their understanding of the moon phases was strengthened by gaining knowledge of where the moon is in relation to our planet Earth supported by a short clip offering a visual explanation. With an understanding of the moons significance and phases the children were able to use their telescopes in an attempt to sight the new born moon. Once the children sighted the new moon, signaling the commencement of Ramadan, they expressed their new knowledge through creating beautiful artworks depicting the night sky with a small moon. With the arrival of Ramadan our teachers started implementing special activities to capture the spirit of Ramadan, the importance of good morals, habits, and conducting oneself as a good Muslim even at their young age. The children learnt about the physical and mental discipline that accompanies the celebrations of Ramadan, starting with an understanding of fasting. The children understand that although they are still too young to begin fasting, they can practice and pretend as they are introduced to the idea. We discussed how fasting is prescribed, and as a pillar of Islam is our duty when we are mature enough. For the over two classroom the children would practice

fasting while learning the idea, through pretending they were fasting between morning tea and lunch although water was still available. They would pretend at morning tea they were eating Sohoor and the sun was setting at lunch time so they could eat Iftar. They have been introduced to the special Iftar supplication and have been practicing it daily. This Ramadan we had three of our children graduating to primary school. The children therefore had the opportunity to cook an Iftar to share with their graduating friends, as well as giving food away. This included the children in the van delivering a plate to an ill friend of the centre, and families taking sweets home for when the adults break their fast. The children enjoyed being able to perform one of their good deeds by cooking and sharing with others in their community. Each day the children had taken turns to pull out a good deed from the special box they needed to complete. This exercise introduced the children to a range of good deeds they can accomplish such as smiling at a friend helping their parents and tidying up.

Each day the children have had a special mat time in which they have been increasing their Islamic knowledge, and in the afternoons the children who have developed language recite Quran. In particular the special mat times have involved practicing praying Taraweeh and reciting the Quran, as well as performing Wodo. They have learnt about the five pillars of Islam with emphases on fasting, prayer and paying Zakah to help the poor and needy. The children greatly enjoyed practicing buying things to give to the poor and needy. Our mat times have been supported by viewing several related educational video clips and nasheeds, which were greeted with great excitement by the children.

Teachers Voice: Leena has developed her understanding of the routines and customs of Ramadan, connecting with what is going on at home with celebrations and preparation for Ramadan. Leena is very confident with many of the Islamic practices, and we wish to scaffold her knowledge further through new versus of Quran. Links between her family and the wider community have been affirmed and extended through practicing prayer, wadu and other customs she will be exposed to at the mosque. Our teachers are all committed to developing her spiritual self through supporting Islamic ideals familiar at home and within her wider community. We will continue to build on her interest of the five pillars by further exploring how she personally can perform them, as appropriate, or practice them. - Teacher Natasha