Ramadan Baskets

Fellow blogger at All Of Us at 119 shares a lovely idea of Ramadan Baskets as part of my series of posts on making ramadan fun for children. 

Life with three little ones is hectic to say the least. They keep me busy and I try to keep them busy, happy and healthy. But with Ramadan fast approaching I am aware that I will need a little more time to myself than usual, in order to make the most of this auspicious month.

When Z was a baby I had a go at my first Ramadan basket for B in an attempt to get him excited forthe special month and keep him occupied. There is always so much they encounter during the festivities of other events living in England and after a quick search on the internet a Ramadan Basket is something I thought would be relevant and stimulating to mark the start of Ramadan. The idea worked well but it was a very last minute job, so this year I have planned early and created baskets for both B and Z consisting of Islamic and non-Islamic items to create a special place for this holy month in their childhoods.

Islamic items

Books

We love reading books and I plan to display these Ramadan books around the house to read together and discuss.

Ramadan Moon Naimah B Robert – this is one from a few years ago and a favourite

Ramadan the month of fasting – this is a new buy for B and is a non-fiction book. I have flicked through it and it looks really good. There is lots if information about Ramadan and it explains that it is much more than just fasting. Best thing, it was only a few pounds from EBay.

Under the Ramadan Moon Sylvia Whitman – This is from last year and is a short book explaining what Muslims do during the month.

Welcome Ramadan Lila Assiff-Tarabain – a story about a brother and sister discussing Ramadan.

Games

For B – A Quran game, I found this game on EBay and it serves to test children’s Quranic knowledge.This particular game is in Arabic, which I ordered by mistake. Although B is currently learning Arabic I will probably be exchanging it for the English version.

For Z – Arabic Alphabet flashcards. These were found on EBay too and are really well made. They will familiarise children with the Arabic language and on the reverse have an Arabic word with the letter.

Clothing

For B – A taqiyah. This will be B’s first taqiyah which I’m sure he’ll look forward to wearing.

For Z – A hijab. Z sees me wear the hijab and loves trying it on so what better than her very own hijab. She’s going to be so happy.

Non-Islamic items

Crafts

I gathered some crafty pieces to keep the children entertained during prayer times and Iftar preparations

For B – A lantern making kit which can be used to make lovely creations to decorate our home for Ramadan. It comes with battery operated lights which make it extra special. He also has a Ramadan activity book to work on.

For Z – Sqwooshie. Z is obsessed with this and loves playing with her cousin’s, so I’ve got her some of her own. It’s less messy than Play-Doh so keeps mummy’s happy. There is also a frozen activity book with crayons to keep her happy.

I have a selection of crafty items for B and Z to make some Eid cards for friends and family. That should keep them busy for some time.

Tableware

I got the children some new tableware to keep them happy during their dinner time.

I hope this blessed month is a time of reflection for all of us and alongside all these things I aim to learn with the children how to be a better person. Inshallah, we will be sharing food with the neighbours and the children will be encouraged to give toys to charity too.

What will you and your family be doing this Ramadan?

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About the Author

I am a Muslim mother of three. B, a car obsessed 7 year old son, Z, a chatty 2 year old princess and S, a gorgeous 6 month old son. Whilst currently on maternity leave, my day job is a primary school teacher and I absolutely love all things creative.

https://www.instagram.com/allofusat119/

http://allofusat119.blogspot.co.uk/

 

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