March 2024 Wisdom Academy

In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Primary Class News

As we await the arrival of warmer weather and the blossoming of spring, our children are experiencing their own growth and learning journey. Spring provides a perfect opportunity to explore patterns and cycles, from the changing seasons to the life cycle of creatures like the monarch butterfly. Understanding patterns is essential in various subjects, including math, science, and Islamic studies and allows our children to connect with the rhythms of nature and the world around them.

Primary 2 Class News

In our classroom we see the emergence of the will when the child makes a deliberate act. What are these acts of will that we see in the child? Each time the child chooses from a number of objects, those that he prefers to work with that is an act of the will. It has been observed that young children are happiest when they are engaged in real-life, ordinary activities.

Quran Studies News

Level One: (4 years old and beginners of 5 years old children) Children practiced Surah Al Kafiroon الكَافِرون and they reviewed all previous Surahs.
Level Two: (5 years old children) Children practiced Surah Al Teen التِّين, Surah Al Humaza الهُمَزة, and they reviewed all previous Surahs. They also practice Dua prophet Ibrahim (as).

Elementary Class News

Shahr Ramadhan and its aftermath of implemented practices that keep us on the right path are much like the lessons and the extensions in the Elementary classroom. There is the lesson and then the student goes off on their own to show what they have learned, implementing and expressing their newfound knowledge. In the environment these are called extensions or follow-ups. The child brings their own abilities to the understanding of the concept at hand.

7th and 9th Grade News

In Mathematics, grade 7 students continued studying volumes and surface areas of solids, where they practiced converting between different units of measurements of length, area, and volume. In Geometry, grade 9 students examined several aspects of coordinate geometry and generalized their thinking about figures on the coordinate plane.

In Science, Grade 7 students learned more about index fossils and the law of fossil succession. In Biology, our Grade 9 student explored how molecular biologists use restriction enzymes, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing technologies to study the human genome.

In social studies, the 7th graders are studying Civilizations of the Americas, including the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations. In the 9th grade world history course, we have begun Unit 5 of the textbook, which is entitled “A World in Crisis,” which covers the 20th century up until World War II. In English, both classes are completing their novel units.

March 2024 Upper School News

By Mrs. Batool Kamar, Math Teacher:

In Mathematics, grade 7 students continued studying volumes and surface areas of solids, where they practiced converting between different units of measurements of length, area, and volume. Later students studied scale drawings and maps to evaluate actual lengths and areas using a given scale, and they used this understanding to generate a floor plan for their own classroom after identifying the most reasonable scale to use. Students were also introduced to direct and indirect proportion, and recognized these relations from tables, graphs, equations and verbal descriptions of proportional relationships as they solved problems.

In Geometry, grade 9 students examined several aspects of coordinate geometry and generalized their thinking about figures on the coordinate plane. They placed different types of figures on the coordinate plane to prove properties of that type of figure. They also explored circles and parabolas in the coordinate plane, where they applied coordinate geometry to establish their equations, and used them to solve problems

*Grade 7 students measuring the dimensions of their classroom*
*to develop an accurate floor plan drawn to scale.*

By Mrs. Malak Charara, Science and Electives Teacher:

In Science, Grade 7 students learned more about index fossils and the law of fossil succession. They also explored the geologic time scale and how paleontologists use radioactive decay for absolute dating of records. Throughout our lessons, we discussed the type of information we can gain from organizing such data. After that, we moved on to investigate the formation of another class of rocks known as “Igneous rocks” and how their minerals form different sizes, shapes, and colors of magnificent crystals.

In Elective Nutrition, Grade 7 students resumed learning about the third category of energy-yielding nutrients – Proteins. We discussed the dietary recommendations based on various factors, complete and incomplete protein sources based on their content of essential amino acids – which are the building blocks of proteins, and some concerns regarding their excessive consumption and deficiency. We also touched on the types of vegetarianism, pros, and cons and whether this diet approach aligns with our Islamic teachings related to animal-derived food consumption.

In Biology, our Grade 9 student explored how molecular biologists use restriction enzymes, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing technologies to study the human genome. We have also explored the new methods of genetic engineering including identifying genes, amplifying DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), designing recombinant DNA and using it to produce transgenic organisms. We wrapped up our Genetics unit by discussing the applications of biotechnology in the form of transgenic or genetically modified crops and animals for food, genetic methods for combating disease and even detecting viral infections like the test that was used to detect COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic – the PCR test! Next, we moved on to explore a new unit of “Evolution”. We discussed the processes of natural and artificial selection, evidence of evolution that are concurred by our Islamic believes and how they serve as reminders of Allah’s (swt) divine creation.

*Grade 7 students revealing their hand made fossils!*

Grade 7 students preparing their DIY fossil dig

**Grade 7 students working on making their own colorful crystals in class!**

*Grade 7 students preparing some zaatar and cheese pies for a taste test!*

Mariam explaining some of the cons of a vegan diet.

Our Grade 9 student – Sakina – worked on building a 3D model for part of our own insulin coding gene to show the DNA’s double helix structure using sour patch and sour punch! Their order was aligned with a key to explain the sequence of the complementary base pairs coding for that segment of the gene.

Our upper school students enjoyed planting some seeds and herbs with their parents like carrot seeds, basil, and mint as we welcomed the spring equinox for the year 2024. We appreciate our parents’ participation in these simple, yet joyful and environmentally friendly activities!

By Br. Yusuf Ali, English and Social Studies Teacher:

In social studies, the 7th graders are studying Civilizations of the Americas, including the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations. Each student volunteered to study one of the topics in each unit and prepare lessons on their topics, which they will present to the rest of the class.

In the 9th grade world history course, we have begun Unit 5 of the textbook, which is entitled “A World in Crisis,” which covers the 20th century up until World War II. We have also continued working on a research project on how the modern-day Muslim world, particularly the Arab regions and Palestine have been shaped by the Western imperialist aspirations and conflicts that caused World War I and II.

In English, both classes are completing their novel units. The 7th graders have completed The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain, and have begun writing literary analysis papers with a focus on analyzing character, plot, and setting. The 9th grade class has completed A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, as well as a literary analysis paper focused on themes, motifs, and symbolism in the novel.

Category: March 2024, Upper School | LEAVE A COMMENT

March 2024 Elementary Class News

By Ms. Hind Sabir, Elementary Guide

Salaam Dear Parents,

As the Holy Month of Ramadhan wanes and we look to celebrate Eid al Fitr, we hope and pray that the practices put forth in this month become commonplace in our daily lives, ان شاء الله .

Extensions of Our Knowledge

In Islamic studies, for example, there is the work of the Wajibaat of Salaah. The child learns what are the 11 wajib acts of salaah and their breakdown of rukn (pillar) or ghayr rukn (non-pillar). Through the materials (see picture A), the students understand and manipulate the lesson. Later, through their own work (picture B), here in a representation of the lesson to their peers, creates in them a teacher that in turn manifests as the best method for internalizing information. As Imam Ali (as) reminds us that “to teach is to learn.” Another form of the follow-up is the ability to create out of a lesson a new work of one’s own understanding (picture C). Here, the student uses their own abilities or affinities to create an understanding of the lesson or concept. This is what is known in Montessori as “following the child.”

A: Wajibaat of Salaah – The Lesson & Manipulation of Materials

B: Wajibaat of Salaah – The Representation to Peers

C: Wajibaat of Salaah: The Invention of a Game

There is much good in this method of teaching. The work and the child become one and soon work becomes play because the students have been given the trust of the lesson and it is said to them, “here, now show me what you know.” They come back with compelling evidence, ما شاء الله , or even lack thereof, in which they need to reexamine their approach or need to be represented the lesson.

The same is true in other areas of study. In botany, the students expressed their understanding to experiments and dissections. With the ability to label the parts of the flower, the dissection became a great learning tool. While, the work of stems and their capillary action became an integral and exciting experiment of color combinations and movement.

D: Dissection of a Flower, Followed by Labeling

E: Setting Up the Experiment to Learn About the Job of Capillaries in Stems

While in geometry, the students began manipulating or handling the material to achieve a greater depth of exposure through time and error in practice. This ability allows the students to discover for themselves the concept through trial and error.

F: Finding the Commonality of a Decagon and a Rectangle

G: The Relationship Between Lines – The Lesson

H: The Relationship Between Lines – The Follow-Up – the Physical Implementation in the Real World

Brainstorming for the Decorated Door Completion

This year as part of Shahr Ramadhan, the whole school is involved in decorating their doors for a contest. The theme is “We Stand With Palestine.” The Elementary has been hard at work brainstorming to bring out their best ideas. Some of the students have partnered to take their hearts and minds to the Quran classroom, while others have collaborated with Primary to assist them in bringing their ideas to fruition.

I: Collaborating to Decorate the Quran Door

J: Collaborating with Primary

Wisdom Academy Annual Iftaar

The iftaar dinner this year was a symbol of strength and unity as we all gathered to break our fasts as one family. It was lovely seeing you all. I pray our Wisdom family grows in strength through taqwa and service to our children – the future Ummah. Thank you for WA events team for setting a beautiful sufrah and to all the volunteers who contributed through iftaar and other means. May Allah (swt) continue to bless our school, ان شاء الله .

K: Sheikh Mohammed Al-Saadi Addresses the Families at the WA Annual Iftaar

Category: Elementary, March 2024 | LEAVE A COMMENT

March 2024 Quran Studies News

By Mrs. Fadia Ali, Quran Studies Teacher

Alsalamu Alikum Dear Parents,
I wish you all and your families a blessed and peaceful Month of Ramadan Insha’Allah. May Allah (swt) accept your worship عِبَادات and good deeds, and multiply your reward in this holy month of mercy and forgiveness of Allah (swt) Insha’Allah.
This is a summary of your children’s Qur’an work during the month of March, 2024.

Primary:
Level One: (4 years old and beginners of 5 years old children) Children practiced Surah Al Kafiroon الكَافِرون and they reviewed all previous Surahs.
Level Two: (5 years old children) Children practiced Surah Al Teen التِّين, Surah Al Humaza الهُمَزة, and they reviewed all previous Surahs. They also practice Dua prophet Ibrahim (as).
We usually focus in these two primary levels on the correct pronunciation of the Arabic letters and words, and on the memorization of number of small Surahs and Duas the correct way. (All Duas are from the Noble Qur’an)
Elementary:
Our main focus for all Elementary levels in this month of Ramadan is on Quran Recitation, to gain both, fluency and reward from Allah (swt) Insha’Allah.
Group One (level two Qur’an): Students finished all reading grammars (the Qaida) Al hamduliallah, and started reading the 30th Juza of the Quran.
Group Two (level two Qur’an): Students started reading the last 2 Juza of the Quran Juza 29th for the month of Ramadan (reading without repetition). They also continued practicing Surah Al Qyamah القِيامة.
Group Three (level two Qur’an): Students started with Surah Al Baqharah البَقَرة for the month of Ramadan (reading without repetition). They also continued practicing Surah Al Qyamah القِيامة.
Our main focus at level two (groups two and three) is on improving student’s recitation of the Noble Quran’s. Groups Four and Five (level three Qur’an): Students started with Surah Al Baqharah البَقَرة for the month of Ramadan (reading without repetition), while they continued practicing Surah Al Mulk المُلك. Students also learned more Quran vocabulary (family members)Our focus at level 3 (groups four & five) is on reading, on Qur’an vocabulary memorization, and on writing; our goal is to help children learn the most efficient way of Arabic writing, and to help them develop a sense of direction of their Arabic writing (which is opposite of the direction of English writing), and develop a sense of the right size of the Arabic written words.
Upper School:
Our main focus for Middle and High school levels in this month of Ramadan is on Quran Recitation, to gain both, fluency and reward of Allah (swt) Insha’Allah.
7th grade: Students reviewed Tajweed rules in more details and applied them while reciting part 1 to 5 of Surah Al Kahf الكَهف (pages 1 to 10 of Surah AlKahf), in addition they learned 3 new Dua’as and their translation for the month of Ramadan. They also learned new Hadeeth of the Prophet and Ahlulbayt (as) (Hadeeth Al Sadaqah), and Quran Quest; (Surah Al Zalzalah الزلزلة سورة).
9th grade: Student reviewed Chapters 1 to 6 of the No nonsense Arabic book for the midterm exam. They also practiced reciting Quran starting with Surah Al Baqharah البَقرة. The goal is to finish reciting the whole Quran by end of Ramadan Insha’Allah and practice applying all learned Tajweed rules (recitation is done in both; school and home).

Category: March 2024, Quran | LEAVE A COMMENT

March 2024 Primary 2 Class News

By Mrs. Fizza Rizvi, Primary 2 Guide

First and foremost I want to congratulate you all for the blessed month of Ramadan and pray for everyone’s health and prosperity. May Allah bless the whole entire ummah with His endless blessings inshAllah.
What a happening month March was! Be it the Wiladat of our Present Imam (a.j), co-curricular activities, or the start of month of Ramadan — it definitely felt like everything happened in the month of March! Let’s check the details of the events.

Highlights:

Maulud -ul- Hujjah a.j
What an incredible event it was. I’d like to pay my gratitude to all of you for making this event a success. It was indeed one of the best school events, and it could not be this memorable and magnificent without your help and support. A huge and warm thanks to all the volunteers who helped us in any way. Our children worked so hard and showcased a beautiful performance for our audience. It wasn’t easy for our young friends to do this phenomenal performance, but again with all the support from our parents they did it.

Planting with Parents
The next event in line was Planting with Parents. Since the start of the day everyone was very excited to plant with their parents. I thank and appreciate you all for taking out time and managing to come and be with your children. As our plants are now growing, so too is the excitement of our children to see the fruits of their plants!

Storytime with Syed Razavi
Storytime is one of our children’s favorite parts of the week. We wait the entire week for this special activity. Storytime is not just an ordinary story but an indirect spiritual development. This month we were honored by Syed Razavi for our story time. He read us a beautiful story with a beautiful lesson behind it.

School Wide Iftar event
As we welcomed the holy and blessed month of Ramadan. There could not be anything better but to open our fast with our dearest Wisdom Family. It was very wonderfully organized — all thanks to our volunteers and families who attended and made it an exciting event. It was a pure joy to see the excitement for the Kahoot. Congratulations to all the winners.

Now let’s talk about our classroom:

Practical Life:
In our classroom we see the emergence of the will when the child makes a deliberate act. What are these acts of will that we see in the child? Each time the child chooses from a number of objects those that he prefers to work with that is an act of the will. It has been observed that young children are happiest when they are engaged in real-life, ordinary activities. They enjoy wiping down tables, sweeping floors or watering the plants or as simple as folding the clothes. We encourage our children to be the part of house chores at home so they have the opportunity and sense of being the important part of the community.

Language:
You might be familiar with the old English saying, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” It implies that if you have a steadfast belief to achieve something, you will surely find a way to make it happen. This implies that when we are wilful about doing something, we are impulsive and determined to put the best of our efforts into the respective task. But on the contrary, if we impose our will on children, we are trying to make them do things they don’t desire to do. And this might lead them to protest and refuse to cooperate. The trivial habit of choosing a material from the available options enhances their will power. Hence, their will strengthens with every use. Every movement encourages the control of the body through the exertion of the mind; the will is at work in the smallest and largest ways. So when the child picks up the lesson with their own will they take interest in it. It may be movable alphabets to vocabulary cards to metal inset. And we can we when they pick it up with will or when they just pick it because that’s the first work in sight.

Math:
The Montessori math materials provide years of hands-on learning for the Montessori child. It has a wonderful process of working with materials, from concrete forms to the more abstract. Using the Montessori Maths method, children are first encouraged to physically hold Number Rods. Children learn to organize numbers in their heads, understand how much space objects take up, and what numbers mean in “the real world” sense.

Conclusion:
Will is also developed through order in a child’s life. Order supplements a better understanding of the surroundings. The more unfailing the routines and the rules are, the more adaptable they become
for a child. In this way, they can easily and naturally be bequeathed in a child’s routine and further help to enhance their overall personality. Working in order will bring familiarity, ease, and comfort. And living within limits, according to guidelines and rules will bring self-discipline. Therefore, this way they can mold themselves into their better selves.

Post note:
It is strongly recommended to please avoid high sugar content in breakfast such as donuts, entire glasses of juice, chocolate sandwiches, etc. Breakfast is an area we focus on, because it can lead to the sugar rollercoaster. Too much sugar at breakfast time ends up putting kids on a energy-high-and-crash cycle that goes on all day. Just like adults, they need more stable sources of energy that will keep their blood glucose levels stabilized. This helps with learning, concentration, and mood.

MARCH 2024 PRIMARY 2 PHOTO GALLERY

Category: March 2024, Primary 2 | LEAVE A COMMENT

March 2024 Primary Class News

By Tasneem Mamdani, Primary Guide

Dearest Primary Parents,
As Salaam Alaykum,
Warm greetings and Ramadan Mubarak to you and your loved ones! We’re truly grateful to Allah (swt) for blessing us with the opportunity to experience this sacred month together. May it be filled with blessings and growth for all of us, Inshallah!
As we await the arrival of warmer weather and the blossoming of spring, our children are experiencing their own growth and learning journey. Spring provides a perfect opportunity to explore patterns and cycles, from the changing seasons to the life cycle of creatures like the monarch butterfly. Understanding patterns is essential in various subjects, including math, science, and Islamic studies and allows our children to connect with the rhythms of nature and the world around them.
We’ve observed our younger children drawing inspiration from their older peers, particularly in their enthusiasm for learning and exploring new materials. This interaction not only fosters curiosity but also allows the older children to take on leadership roles, such as presenting works to their younger friends. These experiences not only build confidence but also promote mastery of materials and concepts.
While academic growth remains important, we place equal emphasis on kindness and respect through daily lessons on grace and courtesy. Our aim is to nurture not only academic excellence but also the development of compassionate and respectful individuals.
Throughout March, our exploration extended to various exciting topics, including Planets, Animal Classifications, the Life Cycle of Plants, Phases of the Moon, and the significance of Ramadan and Fasting.
Recently, our children have been immersed in the fascinating world of puzzle maps, a fun activity that helps them understand how continents and countries fit together. By tracing the shapes of each country, they’re not only improving their pencil skills but also preparing for handwriting practice. Alongside this, they’re learning about different cultures from around the world, exploring everything from traditional clothing and housing to currency and food. It’s amazing to see how naturally they absorb the diversity of our world at such a young age.
Elementary Class Visit for Kindergarten Students:
After spring break, our kindergartners had the exciting opportunity to spend a morning in the Elementary classroom. They were thrilled to explore this new environment, guided by their older friends who eagerly showed them around. The experience was truly inspiring, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among our youngest learners as they observed the welcoming and supportive atmosphere in the classroom.
Islamic Studies:
In our Islamic Studies, the blessed month of Ramadan provided invaluable opportunities for spiritual growth. We introduced the recitation of Surah Qadr along with Dua Marafah, during our morning group sessions. Additionally, we made a point to send salaams to our beloved 12th Imam, fostering a sense of connection and respect.
“The twelfth Imam is Mahdi,
We’re waiting for him eagerly!
He spends his life guiding to Islam,
Assalamu Alayka Ya Imam”!
Incorporating lessons from “THE GUIDING LIGHT Book 4” by Kisa Kids, these included the significance of greeting others with salaam, the importance of practicing proper etiquette in the masjid, and the value of extending invitations. As part of our learning, students decorated invitations for our annual Iftar, a cherished tradition that celebrates unity and togetherness with our families.
Throughout the month, our studies included:
Exploring the phases of the moon
Reflecting on the profound significance of Ramadan
Delving into the lives of esteemed figures like Imam Ali (A.S), Imam Hasan (A.S), and Hadrat Khadijah al Kubra (A)
Reflecting on the significance of Laylat-ul-Qadr
These lessons not only enriched our understanding of Islamic principles but also deepened our spiritual connection during this blessed month.

As we approach the end of the school year, we encourage parents to ensure their children attend school regularly, as even a few minutes can make a difference in their learning journey. Your support and communication are invaluable in nurturing our children’s growth and development.
Thank you for being such wonderful partners in this journey of education and growth.
Warm regards,

Mrs. Mamdani AMI Primary Guide

March 2024 PHOTO GALLERY

Category: March 2024, Primary | LEAVE A COMMENT

February 2024 Wisdom Academy

In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Primary Class News

Exploring Practical Life – The Heart of Montessori Education:
In a Montessori classroom, Practical Life activities are at the core of a child’s development. These activities encompass caring for oneself and the environment through purposeful tasks such as pouring water or washing a table. The Practical Life aspects of Montessori Education not only improve fine motor skills but also nurture the child’s abilities of concentration and sense of responsibility within the community…

Primary 2 Class News

Practical Life: Repetition of work will allow the children to practice, master, and retain the material. Daily repetition will give much needed practice and reinforcement. Some children are naturally careful observers while other children need more repetition and hands-on practice before they master a particular concept. These practices reinforce to the child how the repetition of activities can help him or her in day to day activities. Practical life activities revolve around strengthening the Fine Motor Skills (pincer grip, pencil grip, and wrist movements) for young children. Most of the materials to conduct these activities are readily available at home. For example: loading and unloading of the dishwasher, folding clothes, dusting, and watering plants.

Elementary Class News

Quran Studies News

Students practiced part 1 of Surah Al Mulk المُلك, and practiced Surah Al Jummah to present on the 15th of Sha’bans celebration. They also reviewed old Surahs and learned (reading, writing, and memorized) some Qur’an vocabulary such as basic adjectives and directions … etc.

Our focus for Groups Four and Five is on reading and Qur’an vocabulary memorization, and also on writing; our goal is to help children learn the most efficient way of Arabic writing, and to help them develop a sense of direction of their Arabic writing (which is opposite of the direction of English writing), and develop a sense of the right size of the Arabic written words.

7th and 9th Grade News

In Biology, and after we had studied last month about our patterns of inheritance, Grade 9 was introduced to the research on DNA – our genetic information, its structure and function, from both a historical and scientific perspective.

In English, both classes are continuing our novel units. The 7th graders have nearly completed The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain, with a focus on analyzing character, plot, and setting. The 9th grade class has completed A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, with a focus on theme, motifs, and symbolism and is preparing to write a literary analysis paper over the novel.

February 2024 Upper School (7th and 9th Grade) News

By Mrs. Batool Kamar, Math Teacher:

In Mathematics, Grade 7 students built on their previous knowledge of inequalities to learn about the basics of solving inequalities in one variable, visualizing their solutions on the number line, and applying this process to solve inequality problems. They then moved on to Geometry, where they extended their understanding of areas and perimeters to include plane figures like quadrilaterals, circles, and even composite figures. They explored and derived the formulas by themselves through class activities. Students later studied 3D models of Geometric Solids where they calculated their volumes and identified their cross sections, and also practiced drawing their 2D net to provide them a better understanding of the total surface area.

Grade 7 students deriving the area of a circle using the area of the rectangle in an activity.

Grade 7 students solving a Geometry problem as a group.

Grade 7 students exploring the 2D net of a solid to understand its total surface area.

Grade 7 students trying to find the area of a parallelogram and taking measurements.

Grade 7 students calculating the slope of a wooden stick by measuring its rise and run.

Grade 7 students measuring the diameter of a round bubble table on their field trip to calculate its area.

In Geometry, Grade 9 students used properties of similar triangles and properties of parallel lines and transversals to learn and prove new theorems, and applied these theorems to find lengths in problems. Then they began applying properties of similar right triangles to understand the Pythagorean Theorem, relationships in special right triangles, and trigonometric ratios. Students then extended their understanding of trigonometric ratios to include the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines. Finally, students applied what they have learned to various contextual problems, and they also implemented a Trigonometry STEM Project to find the height of the Science Tech Discovery building on their field trip.

Grade 9 student creating her own Clinometer in a STEM project.

Grade 9 student measuring the distance between herself and the Science-Tech Discovery building.

Grade 9 student measuring the angle of elevation at her line of sight using the Clinometer that she created.

Grade 9 student presenting her project after calculating the height of the Science-Tech Discovery building using Trigonometry.

By Mrs. Malak Charara, Science and Electives Teacher:

In Biology, and after we had studied last month about our patterns of inheritance, our Grade 9 student was introduced to the research on DNA – our genetic information, its structure and function, from both a historical and scientific perspective. We’ve also studied how DNA is copied/replicated before cell division takes place in organisms. RNA, another mesmerizing molecule we need in our lives, was compared to DNA in terms of types, structure, and function. The central dogma of genetics was then investigated to learn how genes are expressed, or in simple words, how the flow of genetic information takes place from our DNA to RNA all the way to protein production. Types of errors happening along the way, the mutations they result in, and their significance were also part of our discussions.

Our Grade 9 student worked on extracting strawberry DNA! And observing it under the microscope. It was successful Alhamdulillah!

In Science, Grade 7 students explored the phenomena of sedimentary rock, shale, and limestone formation. We grasped the concept of uniformitarianism (present rock layers provide evidence of Earth’s landscapes from the past) and the concept of superposition (the oldest rock layers are at the bottom and the newest layers are at the top).
We started investigating fossils generally and will be learning more about them in the upcoming lessons.

In Elective Nutrition, Grade 7 students moved on to learn about the third category of energy-yielding nutrients – Proteins. We discussed the importance of proteins for growth and maintenance, production of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. Additionally, regulating many processes in our bodies such as transport of other nutrients, pH levels, fluids, and electrolytes.

Grade 7 students observing some soil samples they collected 3 different outdoor areas at our school.

Grade 7 students sharing their presentations on saturated fat and trans-fats’ excessive consumption and their relation to cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Grade 7 students presenting their research assignments on vegan diet and what type of protein do they consume vs. what they are missing on!

Grade 7 students preparing chocolate ice-cream! With the help of the ice-cream maker.

Our Upper school students enjoyed their field trip to the Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco where they explored hands-on learning opportunities which inspire discovery and innovation through the exploration of science, math, and technology. They were able to apply concepts they learned in class to real world settings:

By Br. Yusuf Ali, English and Social Studies Teacher:

In social studies, the 7th graders are studying Medieval Japan, beginning with the rise of the Fujiwara family and the Heian golden age of Japanese culture, and extending through the transition to the feudal military rule of the shogun, daimyos, and samurai. Each student volunteered to study one of the topics in each unit and prepare lessons on their topics, which they will present to the rest of the class.

In the 9th grade world history course, we are completing Unit 4 of the textbook, which is entitled “The Age of Revolutions,” with a detailed lesson on European imperialism during the late 19th century and early 20th century. We have also begun a research project on how the modern-day Muslim world, particularly the Arab regions and Palestine have been shaped by the Western imperialist aspirations and conflicts that caused World War I and II.

Category: February 2024, Upper School | LEAVE A COMMENT

February 2024 Quran Studies News

By Mrs. Fadia Ali, Quran Studies Teacher

Alsalamu Alikum Dear Parents,
We pray that you and your family are well and blessed in this month of Shaban Insha’Allah,
We wish our Imam (aj) and all the Maa’someen Imams whom are born in the month Sha’ban a blessed and a happy birthday Insha’Allah. This is a summary of your children’s Qur’an work during the month of February, 2024.

Primary:

In these two Primary levels, we usually focus on the correct pronunciation of the Arabic letters and words, and on the correct memorization of several small Surahs and Duas. All Duas are from the Noble Qur’an.

Level One (Beginner 4 and 5 year olds)

Children practiced Surah Al Qadr القَدر and Surah Al Falaqh الفَلَق, they also reviewed all previous Surahs

Level Two (5 year olds)

Children practiced Surah Al Maa’oon الماعُون and Surah Al Takathur التَكاثُر. They also practiced Nasheed Ya Hujjata Allah to present on the 15th of Sha’bans celebration.

Elementary:
Group One (Level 2 Quran)

Students practiced reading words with all the vowels which they previously learned. They also learned basic Tajweed rules.

Group Two (Level 2 Quran)

Students continued practicing reading of Surah Al Qyamah القِيامة and reviewed old Surahs (Ayah Al Kursi … etc).

Group Three (Level 2 Quran)

Students continued practicing reading of Surah Al Qyamah القِيامة and reviewed old Surahs. They also learned (reading and writing) some Qur’an vocabulary such as body parts 1 & 2.

Our main focus at Level 2 (Groups Two and Three) is on improving student’s recitation of the Noble Quran.
Groups Four and Five (Level 3 Qur’an):

Upper School:

7th grade: Students practiced part 1 & 2 of Surah Al Kahff الكَهف (pages 1 to 6), and they memorize and studied Surah Al Qadr القَدر & Surah Al Bayyinah البَيِّنة. They also learned new Hadeeths of the Prophet and Ahlulbayt (as) (Hadeeth; the Friend & Hadeeth the Charity). They also learned new Dua (Salawat Ash-Shabaniyyah).

9th grade: Student learned Chapters 6 (The Anomalies) of the No nonsense Arabic book and practiced reciting many more Surahs of the 29th Juza’ (تَبارك جُزء) of the Noble Quran.

Father’s Day Celebration in the Quran Studies Room

Category: February 2024, Quran | LEAVE A COMMENT

February 2024 Elementary Class News

By Ms. Hind Sabir, Elementary Guide

Salaam Dear Parents,

I pray this month of celebrations of Sha’ban has been a blessing to you, ان شاء الله .

The year is moving at a great pace and soon the blessed month of taqwa, Shahr Ramadhan, will be upon us, ان شاء الله.

One of the greatest misconceptions in the Montessori environment is the need to move away from concrete materials. The presence of concrete materials in the classroom is most likely the initial observation one makes upon entering the environment. From beads to boxes and a myriad of materials in between, it seems unlikely in a world accustomed to abstract learning. But take the bead bars, a set of beads 1-10, color-coded and organized in order. Held in the hand of a child entering the elementary, they are not games but memories. The hand is the extension of the mind. The experience of holding a white, seven bar and adding it to a brown, eight bar creates not only the fact of 15 but a potential memorization of that fact, applied dutifully to the ever-learning mind. Take another example, the material of the Sun & Earth, here the ability to manipulate the positions of the earth in correspondence to the sun is so powerful and intuitive that it enables the child to simply understand not only the beauty and genius of Allah’s system but also the logic behind the science and the retention of knowledge.

The potential of concrete material is to create a foundation of learning that is visual before moving to the abstract, because a visual example is so strong that it remains lodged and supported in the mind great through proofs not only rote memorization. The child, not the adult, makes the decision to move on towards abstraction. The adult is the observer, the guide in creating pathways for this occurrence. However, at times, the movement back to concrete after the abstract does bring in another layer of support and is quite awesome. Take for example, the Wooden Hierarchical Material (pictured below). On the left side you see a child working on the material to gain an understanding of numeration of the base of 10. The joy in this work upon entering the elementary is immense. From the tiny unit cube that fits in the hand of a newborn to the immense million cube that can contain a first-year student, the logic is present and real. It would actually take one million unit cubes to make the million cube. The accuracy exists. The labeling is there for that new child just embarking on the idea of what a million really looks like.

Now, fast forward to the child that is near the end of their elementary years, working on numbers as they spin mental images in their mind. Now, pause – for that older child does return to the Wooden Hierarchical Material (see the image on the right side). He or she is coming back to visually see the representation of exponents of the base 10. Ten to the sixth power, they think to themselves, well now that’s a one with six zeros, that’s a million. Then they work their way down, ten to the second power, ten to the first power, and finally 10 to the zero power… They eventually realize it is the unit cube. They come away knowing that any number to the power of zero is a unit, one. And they see this visually and remember it long after the lesson is over – all through the manipulation of the concrete, all through their elementary years of 6 -12.

1 Concrete Materials: The Tiling Game Teaches Spatial Awarenss in Geometry

2 Concrete Materials: Adverbs Come Alive

3 Concrete Materials: Extracting the Area of Triangles

4 Concrete Materials: Working with Multiples Leading to the Memorization of Math Facts

5 Concrete Materials: The Cartesian Coordinates on a Life-Size Plane

6 Concrete Materials: The Creation of the Right-Angle Triangle Leading us to Pythagoras

Special Events

We would like to congratulate Faatemah, AliNaqi, and Sakeena on sharing their Celebrations of Life Timelines with the class.

7 Celebrating Faatemah

8 Celebrating Sakeena

Elementary also worked very hard on their presentations for Yawm Al Hujjah. They presented what is the holistic role of a Muslim as they await Imam Mahdi (ajtf). They looked at the self, their community, the environment, the wider community, and stewardship. A big shout-out to Ms. Kaneez, Ms. Malak, Ms. Fadia, and Sheikh Al-Saadi for their help in rehearsals.