DecarloMatano Blog

  Summer is winding down, kids return to school, settling into new routines, new classrooms, adjusting to new teachers, and reconnecting with friends. It can be an exciting time, but also a big transition. For parents, this season brings an opportunity to keep Islamic learning present at home, through simple, meaningful activities that reinforce faith while supporting the language and literacy skills they are practising in class.  As for me, I've been in a creative flow! I completed the hanger covers for my grandchildren and I've been happily stuck on fruit-themed crocheted items. The Prophet Nuh (AS) resource is now available in the TPT shop for families to use at home during this busy back-to-school season and  I'm also putting the finishing touches on Prophet Adam (AS) colouring page for my grandchildren, which will be available in the shop soon. As mentioned earlier, my end-of-summer creativity led me to complete hanger covers for my granddaughter as future gifts....

  It's August, and summer is slowly winding down, making room for the next season. Before we settle into that new rhythm, I'd like to share some of my summer makes and projects that added joy and calmness to my days. From a handmade appreciation gift and cozy touches around the home, to participating in an Arabic calligraphy workshop hosted by my local masjid. Each moment reminded me how creativity can lift the spirits in simple ways. "The Happy Pill" This crocheted "happy pill" was made as a gift for a very thoughtful and helpful pharmacist. I felt good making it, knowing that she would most likely appreciate it. I added a keyring and a small note that read: " The Happy Pill  "-A little Dose of Joy". Side Effects: Unexpected smiles, warm fuzzies, improved mood.   It was my way to express my gratitude. Crocheted Hanger Cover During my visit to my local library, I found a crochet book filled with various projects. I was inspired to make a hange...

  Summer has arrived, and the kids are home. Summer breaks offer plenty of opportunities for children to learn, grow and continue to stay connected to their faith while having fun. If you're looking for meaningful ideas to keep your kids engaged, I have 6 Muslim-themed activities you can enjoy together during the summer months. 1. Library Trips & Reading Muslim Books -Plus a Mini Book Report  Weekly library visits give kids a steady routine to keep their minds active and build a love of reading. Encourage them to choose a mix of Islamic stories and fun summer reads.  To help them process what they read, introduce a simple mini book report.  The mini book report can include:   Title and author Main Characters Where did the story take place? (setting) A brief summary of the plot  Personal opinion or their favourite part of the book.  This activity reinforces reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing skills and speaking skills when they share ...

  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...