INTRODUCTION TO ISLAMIC SOCIAL STUDIES Horizon Academy Institute. 1

Transcription

1 INTRODUCTION TO ISLAMIC SOCIAL STUDIES Horizon Academy Institute 1

2 1 Introduction 1.1 I Love Islam Islamic Social Studies at Horizon Academy gradually introduces the Muslim student to the essentials of his/her faith, and brings light to the historic and cultural aspects on Islam. Level Pre- KG and KG provide basic knowledge and skills in a fun interactive teaching environment. The I Love Islam series covers levels one through five, each includes a student textbook and workbook. The curriculum was adapted from the I love Islam series and modified to suit the needs of the Horizon Academy Institute. The curriculum is integrated throughout levels and within each level to provide a richer learning experience that will encourage deeper learning and application. These series aim to present Islam to primary grades Muslim students in an exciting and creative manner. The program is designed to introduce Islam to young Muslims through authentic and state of the art educational and Islamic upbringing methodology. The framework for this curriculum is called Islam for Life. This framework aims to provide the basis of effective learning of Islam in the classroom. Islam for Life reflects the following philosophical beliefs: 1- Islam is a way of life, not only a religion. 2- Islam provides a better meaning for life. 3- Islam provides its followers a content and happy life in this world and the hereafter. 4- Islam is a life time commitment. Level 6 utilizes the It s ALL About Islam series. It s ALL About Islam approaches Islamic Studies and the Holy Qur an with new insights that are relevant to today s world. The textbook contains enriching age - appropriate discussions about Islamic beliefs, history, culture, geography, law and Muslim achievements. Each discussion is explored within the realm of the current Muslim experience in the West. 2

3 2 Islam for Life Model The Islam for Life model compromises three interrelated stages through which learners are encouraged to: Learn Islam Love Islam Live Islam Live Islam Learn Islam Love Islam 2.1 Stage 1: Learn Islam The teachers` responsibility does not end at simply instructing students on Islamic concepts. Rather, this responsibility extends until the students actually learn, understand, internalize the concepts, and become motivated to implement and live them in daily life. The focus of the educational learning will be on: knowledge, comprehension, and application. Attention will be given to approach students with various learning processes. Each student has a highly individualized style of processing and organizing information. The four basic learning styles are: Kinesthetic and Tactual: Child works best when able to move and do things with large and/or small motor muscles. Visual: Child works best when able to see, watch, read, and view. Auditory: Child works best when able to hear, speak, discuss, and think out loud. Read and Write: Child works best when able to read and write information for his/herself. 3

4 2.2 Stage 2: Live Islam Islam is a character building subject where students need to develop an emotional link with every aspect of Islam. This Islamic studies curriculum aims to instill love in the heart of learners towards Islamic principles in general. This heartily link would function as a motivational factor and encourage learners to implement various Islamic principles and practices. The strategies that will be implemented to create such an emotional link include: Heart capturing teacher. Instructional techniques that encourage strong emotional connection between the learner and Allah SWT, Prophet Muhammad PBUH, Sahabah, and Quran. Strong interaction with nature and the universe. Strong connection with the wonders of the Muslim world. Light but beneficial class work and homework. Attractive and user friendly learning materials. 2.3 Stage 3: Love Islam This involves preparing learners to practice and live Islam through: 1. Role model teachers and parents. 2. Emphasizing the wisdom and the spirit of Islamic principles and practices. 3. Action oriented instruction. 4. Islamic habits formation. 5. Creating an environment conducive to practicing Islam. 6. Rehearsal and practice. 4

5 3 Islamic Social Studies Terminal Objectives By the end of level Pre- KG the children will be able to: 1. Recognize the first two pillars of Islam. 2. Recite short Surahs from the Holy Quran. 3. Practice Islamic manners related to daily life. 4. Learn some Duaa. By the end of level KG the students will be able to: 1. Recognize that Allah SWT is The Creator. 2. Learn the five pillars of Islam. 3. Know the steps of performing Wudoo. 4. Recite short Surahs from the Holy Quran. 5. Practice Islamic manners related to daily life. 6. Learn some Duaa. By the end of level 1 the students will be able to: 1. Recognize that Allah SWT is the Only God and Creator of everything. 2. Realize that Allah SWT is worthy of Worship, Praise, and Thanks. 3. Understand the Pillars of Iman. 4. Know the childhood, work, family and friends of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. 5. Understand the five Pillars of Islam. 6. Recognize that they are a part of a large Ummah. 7. Practice Islamic manners related to family and sharing. By the end of level 2 the students will be able to: 1. Recognize the Allah (SWT) sees and hears them. 2. Understand the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) before Islam. 3. Learn the importance of azaan, prayers, and thikr. 4. Understand the value of Eid Ul- Fitr to the Muslim world. 5. Practice some valuable Islamic manners. 5

6 By the end of level 3 the students will be able to: 1. Understand the Pillars of Iman. 2. Learn how strong faith in Allah SWT transforms into actions. 3. Practice Wudoo and prayers. 4. Know the importance of Friday prayer and praying in the Masjid. 5. Understand how Islam grew in the early years. 6. Practice valuable Islamic manners related to oneself, others, and the community. By the end of level 4 the students will be able to: 1. Recognize the families of the Prophets that lived a life full of faith. 2. Understand the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) before & after Hijrah to Madina. 3. Learn some important lessons from the battles of Muslims. 4. Know about Ramadan and fasting. 5. Understand the value of Eid Ul- Fitr. 6. Practice the essentials of Islamic hygiene. 7. Realize the proper eating and sleeping etiquettes. By the end of level 5 the students will be able to: At the end of level five the students will be able to: 1. Understand Tawheed, Kufr, and Shirk. 2. Study types of Tawheed and Shirk. 3. Recognize that many Prophets existed in the Past. 4. Realize that all Prophets called upon One God. 5. Recognize that Islam is the religion of all mankind. 6. Understand some important events in Muslim history. 7. Learn the importance of khushoo in worship. 8. Practice voluntary prayers. 9. Understand the value of Allah`s gift. 10. Realize the values and special characters of a Muslim. 6

7 By the end of level 6 the students will be able to: 1. Understand what Islam means, what belief is, and why it is important. 2. Understand some important events and eras in Islamic history. 3. Learn about different Muslims from different countries. 4. Realize the importance of Salah, and perform it properly. 5. Learn about the prophets, and recognize the greatness of their mission. 6. Learn about Prophet Mohammad`s (PBUH) birth, early adulthood, & prophethood. 7. Understand and realize how Islam views art, writing, poem, and songs. 4 Quran Memorization Level Surah االسورر Pre- KG Al- Fatihah / An Nas / Al- Falaq / Al- Ikhlas االا خلاصص االفلقق االفاتحة االناسس KG Al- Masad / An Nasr / Al- Kafirun / Al- Kawthar االكووثرر االكافرروونن االنصرر االمسدد One Al- Ma un / Quraysh قرريیشش االماعوونن Two Al- Fil / Al- Humazah االهھمززةة االفيیلل Three Al- Asr / Al- Takathur / Al- Qar iah االقاررعة االتكاثرر االعصرر Four Al- Adiyat / Al- Zalzalah االززلززلة االعادديیاتت Five Al- Bayyinah / Al- Qadr االقددرر االبيینة Six Al- Alaq At Tin االتيینن االعلقق NOTE: For parents/guardians interested in a more advanced Quran memorization program for their young ones please refer to the Horizon Academy Quran Program HAQP. 7