Teaching Arabic in a homeschool setting is a beautiful way to strengthen your child’s connection to the Quran, Salah, and the Islamic faith. Here are ten tips and resources to help you teach Arabic effectively in your homeschool.
- Start with the Right Intention
Like all things, teaching Arabic should begin with pure intentions. Teach your child that learning Arabic is one way to better understand the Quran. Allah says, “Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran that you might understand” (Quran 12:2). You can write your intentions onto a large piece of paper, like a mind map, and place this in a central place in your home so you can return to it often and renew your intentions. - Incorporate Arabic in Daily Life
Make Arabic part of your everyday conversations. Use common phrases like “Assalamu Alaikum,” “Alhamdulillah,” and “Bismillah” to familiarize yourself with the language. Memorize the daily duas for eating, travelling in the car, leaving home, and waking up. Having dua books, flashcards, and posters makes this task easier and more enjoyable. - Focus on the Alphabet First
Start with mastering the Arabic alphabet, both in recognition and pronunciation. Use colourful alphabet charts, flashcards, puzzles, and board games. Don’t underestimate a simple “repeat after me” method of teaching the letters. - Teach Through Play
Make learning Arabic fun by incorporating games like Arabic Bingo, puzzles, or Matching Letter Cards to help children recognize letters and vocabulary words without feeling pressured. - Use Quran Arabic as a Foundation
Since the main goal is to understand the Quran, focus on Quranic Arabic. For younger kids, use resources like Gateway to Arabic, Madinah Arabic, and the Iqra Foundation books. For older children, try teachers, tutors, and daily online classes. - Use Arabic Apps
Supplement some lessons with Arabic apps. This can help with pronunciation, listening, and understanding basic conversational Arabic. Try to limit your technological use and do this when all other methods are unavailable. - Practice Reading and Writing
Once your child is comfortable with letters, move on to reading and writing. Books like Madinah Arabic Reader or Easy Steps in Quran Reading are some resources to consider. - Be Consistent and Patient
Consistency is key when learning any language. Dedicate a set amount of time each day to learning Arabic, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes. Some families have “Arabic only dinners” when they can only speak Arabic at this specific meal-time as a reminder. - Join an Arabic Class or Co-Op
If possible, enroll your children in an Arabic co-op with other Muslim homeschoolers and only speak Arabic during that time. Hire an Arabic teacher who can lead children in a simple nature walk where all children only talk and listen to Arabic. Learning with peers can provide motivation and social interaction.
Teaching Arabic in your homeschool doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach and resources, you can foster a love for the language that will stay with your children throughout their lives, in shaa Allah.
