DecarloMatano Blog

  This is a photo of my granddaughter circling the word, "boat" on a Prophet Yunus (AS) word search.  While watching her work through an Islamic activity, I was reminded of how much I've missed creating learning materials. For years,  lesson planning and designing learning activities were a major part of my role as an ESL teacher. Now that I'm retired and a grandmother of four, teaching has returned in a different way.  I began creating Islamic-themed worksheets for my grandchildren to give their mother tools to help instill Islamic knowledge at home. As a result, I recently opened a store on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) to offer printables for Islamic schools, homeschoolers, and Muslim families who are searching for engaging faith-centred activities for young learners. The first activity is a child-friendly word search designed for grades 1-3 (ages 6-8).  The Prophet Yunus (AS) word search   also has an answer key. It can be downloaded for free throug...

  "Paradise lies under the feet of Mothers" - Prophet Muhammad (SAW)   M other's Day has just passed, and with Eid Al-Adha approaching at the end of the month, this season invites us to pause, reflect, and honour the daily efforts of mothers. Eid al-Adha reminds us of Hajar (AS) a mother rewarded for her patience and faith and she continues to inspire us today. Every day should be a moment to pause and reflect on the blessings of motherhood.  Whether you are caring for a newborn, chasing a toddler guiding older children, or like me, watching your own daughter become a new mom, it's easy to forget that you can't pour from an empty cup.   T aking care of yourself isn't a selfish act; it is an act of Shukr (gratitude). Below are 6 tips to embrace self-care throughout the year.               R eclaim a little Morning ("Me Time")    E ven 10 mins of quiet before the   household wakes up can help you transition p...

  April is the month that invites renewal and growth. It's Earth Month so let's celebrate nature. Spring brings birdsong, budding trees and warmer days. It's a perfect time for little ones to observe the world around them with curiosity. Local walks become moments to admire and appreciate Allah's (swt) creations to care for and to be thankful for Allah's (swt) many gifts. It's a wonderful season to include a number of nature-focused activities to enjoy with your children. Simple activities like nature walks, planting seeds, reading seasonal books and creating crafts can help little ones connect with their surroundings and nurture gratitude in young hearts.  "And if you tried to count Allah's blessings, you would never be able to number them." Surah An-Nahl (16:18)   One fun activity is taking local walks in the neighbourhood. Even a simple stroll towards a nearby park gives children a perfect way to take in their surroundings and observe nature aro...

  Eid is such a joyful occasion for families.  The day often begins with morning prayers at the local masjid, children dressed in their new outfits and they are full of excitement.  Once everyone returns home, the rest of the day can unfold in simple, meaningful ways.  There are so many easy activities you can do with children. From making Eid cards or decorating small treat bags, to reading favourite Eid stories together.  Baking cookies together to share with neighbours, friends or family is a thoughtful way to share joy. Of course, Eid is the perfect time to encourage acts of kindness and gratitude, such as preparing donations or contributing to local food bins.  Not all of these activities need to happen on Eid day itself.  Many can be done in the days leading up to Eid, helping children build anticipation and to understand the spirit of giving. Kids of all ages enjoy arts and crafts and Eid is a special time to bring out their creativity.  Th...

  Ramadan will be here soon and it's a beautiful time of year to gently introduce your little ones to the spirit of this sacred month.  Even with babies and toddlers, creating a simple Ramadan atmosphere at home helps them feel included and allows them to become familiar with the blessings of this special time.  Small, low energy touches can make a meaningful difference from adding simple decor to a child's space to building a cozy routine around Ramadan-themed board books and quiet activities.  These gentle moments help lay the foundation for positive memories they'll carry with them as they grow.  Simple Ramadan Decor Ideas for Little Ones Choose a small area in your home.  A shelf, a corner of the playroom, or even a basket add a blanket and pillows to turn the area into a Ramadan-themed cozy reading spot for your little one.  You can include a few Ramadan board books, a plush crescent moon or star for quiet time activities, and simple wall art to ...

  A diaper bag is one of the most important pieces of baby gear.  It comes in many sizes and styles but no matter the bag, what truly matters is how it's packed. When organized well, a diaper bag can make outings such as: appointments, short trips, or visits with family and friends much easier and less stressful. A well packed diaper bag helps you stay organized and reduces the chance of forgetting essential items.  As a mother of two and now a grandmother of three, I've learned that having a reliable bag is important.  This checklist is not exhaustive as every family's needs are different and those needs change as your baby grows.  Here's the list. Diapers          The obvious essential. Pack enough for your outing plus one or two extras.        Diaper Wipes Perfect for diaper changes, sticky hands, and quick clean ups. Travel packs are great for saving space. (unscented wipes are good)  I made this crocheted ba...