"My First Book of Islamic Months" Book Review
Most likely you would have come across Zain Bhikha's 'Months of Islam' nasheed, and it's probably how you memorised the months as a child, I know I did! I was a little excited to get my hands on this book! 
As a homeschooling mother, I'm always on the look out for books that my children can grow with. My First Book of Islamic Months, written by Hajera Memon, is something quite unique! It's a fold-out, lift the flap book which can be used in so many ways! Together with my 2 and 4 year old, we count, we play I spy, we find shapes, we learn letter formation, practice writing the Islamic months and so much more! 
This book walks you through the Islamic Months in both English and Arabic and invites the child to count along too. The flaps contain basic information and facts about the months. I hoped there would be more information so I can extend my 4 year old's learning however it does make a great introductory book for children who are yet to learn the months. It's up to us parents to use this book as a guide to extend further learning for our older children and I've been doing just that.
This is how we have been using this book to date:
I created a Linear Calendar inspired by this book. A Linear Calendar is a concrete way of introducing the concept of days, months and year to children. You can read more about it HERE.
These puzzle sticks were used to teach Yaseen the Islamic Months and Arabic numbers. It made a great matching game too!
We created these season trees to teach Yaseen the seasons and how they relate to some of the Islamic Months. See more HERE.
Arabic and English months match up.
I'll be trying my best to create activities based around these months insha'Allah:
Muharram
We created a Sacred months match up. We read through this book to find the special months.
We read books about Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) and about the significance of the 10th of Muharram*. I taught a geography lesson on Egypt, then we located it on the map along with the Red Sea.
*10th of Muharram: When Allah split the Red Sea allowing Musa and his people to escape from Pharaoh.
For me, this day isn’t only about the great miracle that happened, but a reminder to trust in Allah and have full yaqeen (certainty) that He will help us overcome any difficulty we’re in. We just need to have full trust in him, just as Musa did when he was standing in front of the sea. 
Safar
Safar was labelled the month of misfortune by the Meccans during the Jahiliyyah period. As Muslims we believe everything that occurs is from Allah and ALL superstitious beliefs are against the teachings of Islam. I taught my 4.5 year old the difference between Tawheed (Oneness of God) & Shirk (associating partners with God) through a puzzle.
Rabi Al Awwal
This month we will inshallah be creating a timeline about the seerah over at @brb_raisingkids.
I'm really glad I purchased this! I'm looking forward to Hajera's next book insha'Allah!
