The World of 5 to 7-Year-Olds
Puddle Jumpers & Dream Chasers
Get ready for an incredible journey! The world of 5-7 year olds is a whirlwind of discovery, wonder, and endless questions about the creations of Allah (SWT). It's like watching your little one turn into a mini-explorer, eager to learn more about their place in Allah's (SWT) grand design. Sure, learning to ride a bike and growing taller are exciting, but it's even more amazing to see them blossom into curious, capable young believers eager to explore the ever-growing world around them.
Their minds are like sparkling fountains of knowledge, constantly brimming with new questions and a desire to understand Allah's (SWT) signs. "Why is the sky blue?" or "How do ants carry things so much bigger than themselves?" Every day brings a new adventure, and you get the best seat to witness the amazing show of their development in faith and knowledge.
Building Strong Relationships
They're also becoming much more social! Gone are the days of solo play. Now it's all about teamwork and having fun with friends, fostering the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam. You'll see them swap solo play for exciting games with groups, where everyone has a role to play. Friendships become a treasured part of their world, more meaningful and stable than ever before. These friends aren't just playmates; they're companions on their journey of faith and teachers who can remind each other of good manners and following the teachings of Islam.
Encouraging your child to join these group adventures is key to building their social skills according to Islamic principles.It's through these interactions that they learn to take turns, understand each other's feelings, and build friendships by supporting one another. Every shared toy and game is a step towards becoming the best Muslim friend they can be! It's a training ground for them to grow into amazing people who embody the qualities of Islam.
Understanding and Expressing Emotions
As your child's world gets bigger, so does their understanding of emotions! They're getting the hang of happy, mad, sad,and maybe even a little frustrated when their tower keeps toppling over, or surprised when their drawing suddenly comes to life with a splash of color. But trickier emotions like jealousy or worry can still be confusing. Here's where you come in as their guide on the path of understanding their emotions.
By talking about their emotions, naming them, and showing them healthy ways to cope according to Islamic teachings,you're helping them make sense of their feelings. A chat about why they might be feeling a certain way or how to find comfort in remembering Allah (SWT) can work wonders. It's like helping them solve a mystery and feeling understood and at peace.
Think of yourself as their guide through the garden of emotions. With your support and Islamic guidance, they'll become brave explorers, uncovering valuable lessons about their feelings and how to manage them in a way that pleases Allah (SWT).
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
Taking Charge: Following in the Footsteps of Faith!
At six years old, kids are ready to spread their wings! They love showing off their new skills, like getting dressed all by themselves or helping out with chores. This is a great opportunity to instill the importance of contributing to the household, a value emphasized in Islam (ahadith about helping with housework). Celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small, and offer gentle guidance when they need it. Don't focus on what they did wrong, but help them do better next time. This way, they'll grow up feeling confident and happy, knowing you're always there cheering them on in their little adventures, all while laying the foundation for a life following the Prophet's (PBUH) example of helpfulness.
Learning Adventures: Growing Minds for Allah (SWT)!
This is an exciting time for little learners! As your child grows, they can focus for longer periods and start learning cool things like numbers, telling time, and reading basics. Imagine them as little explorers diving into Islamic books, playing games that teach about the Prophets (PBUH), and doing fun activities that stretch their minds and strengthen their connection with Allah (SWT). Be there to support them on their learning journey and offer a helping hand when needed.
But remember, it's also important for them to try solving problems on their own. This builds their "brain muscles" and a can-do spirit that will stick with them forever.
Ready, Set, Go! Physical Adventures: Building a Strong Body for Worship!
Kids at this age are like little bundles of energy, always on the move! This constant activity shows their motor skills are developing quickly. Now they can zip up their jackets, tie their shoes, and use forks and spoons like a pro. But mastering the art of neatly cutting their food? That might take a bit more practice.
Giving them plenty of opportunities to practice these skills helps them become more independent and builds their confidence. Think of it as training wheels for becoming super handy, but also for one day performing their Islamic duties with ease, like making Wudu (ritual ablution) or praying!
Making Memories: Fun Adventures for You and Your Little One!
Crafty Capers & Game Time: Shake things up with puzzles and board games, or get active with team sports. It's like learning in disguise! They'll master skills like problem-solving and teamwork while having a blast.
Mastering Emotions: Become an emotion detective! Talk about the feelings of their favorite characters and connect them to their own ups and downs. It's like decoding secret messages together, helping them understand what they're feeling.
Home Learning Headquarters: Turn a corner of your house into a cool learning zone. Stock it with books, art supplies, or whatever sparks their curiosity. Being their learning buddy? That's awesome!
The Power of Routine: Create a comfy daily routine that feels safe and familiar, like incorporating Salah (prayer) at designated times or reading Islamic bedtime stories. Predictable schedules are like a warm hug for their day, keeping things calm and playful. This routine becomes the foundation of their faith, creating a sense of security and familiarity with Islamic practices.
Use these tips to make every day an exciting adventure filled with learning, laughter, and growth in faith. You never know when they'll surprise you with a brilliant idea or melt your heart with a big emotion. Each day is a brand new adventure, filled with opportunities to help them blossom into wonderful little Muslims with big personalities and a strong connection to Allah (SWT).
Congratulations!
You've taken a great first step in understanding 5-7 year olds. Let these principles be your guide as you explore the world with your curious little learner, all while raising them in the beautiful light of Islam!
American Islamic School's YouTube channel is your resource for Tarbiya (Islamic Parenting). We believe in nurturing the whole child – fueling their minds and strengthening their faith. Let's partner on this journey together! Check out our Tarbiya video on the blog topic you just read.
Psychology of 5-7 Year Old's: https://youtu.be/AqSPvYTltY8?si=J-x-UyhEVxdL4FpF