Fatemi Madrasa

Namaz ni surato (these should be the first targets for memorization):

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• 6-7 yrs:  Naas —> Inna A‘tayana

• 8-9 yrs: Ara’ayatalazzi —> Wal ‘Asr

• 10-11 yrs: Alhakomut-takasur —> Inna Anzalnaho

• 12-14 yrs: Watteen—>La Uqsemo

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Break down the learning and memorization process into memorable and retainable chunks. Instead of reciting a whole new ayat to the child when helping them memorize, it can be broken down and gradually learnt piece by piece.  As little as two or three words could represent a ‘chunk of language’.

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• For example when reading surat al-Fateha you could break up like:

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بسم الله الرّ

رحمان الرحيم

الحمد للهِ

ربّ العالمين

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• If you feel your child can deal with a longer chunk this is at your discretion.

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If the child cannot yet read the Arabi script of the Quran, you can:

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• Purely recite

• Gently take the child’s finger and glide it over the chosen chunks of language or parts they are memorizing/reading.

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If the child can read the Arabi script of the Quran, include reading as part of the memorization process. You can help by:

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• By asking them to follow with their own finger, by gliding it underneath the words.

• Recite and read the chunk of language to the child, or ‘read’ it with them as described.

• Ask the child to repeat/read the target language chunk after you. Help them as necessary until they perfect that chunk.

• Aim for memorization of chunks in about 5-7 repeats. If this is not occurring, perhaps the chunk you have chosen is too long.

• Choose the next chunk and repeat the process.

• Ask the child to recite the two chunks together.

• Move to the next chunk and repeat the process; you could ask the child to assimilate 2-3 consecutive chunks or try the whole.

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Other memorization tips:

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• Provide queues that may help the child remember. For example, you can point out that an aya ends with a particular letter and the the ayat after it starts with the same letter; or that both the ayats begin with the same letter; or that an ayat has a word which the child finds memorable / or sounds like a word which the child finds memorable, and so forth.Or pronounce the first syllable or tell them the letter it starts with.

• Your child should not be frustrated – if she/he is that means you should slow down.  Work with the child in presenting a challenge target that works for them as an individual. If the child becomes too tired, then reduce the goal for today. It’s okay.

• Choose a good time for the session, not when the child is tired or focussed on something else. Try and set a routine and stick to it.

• We suggest approximate 1 ayats per day if they are long or medium length or 2-3 if they are very short ayats.

• At each stage a reasonable amount of revision of previously learnt ayats is essential.

• Don’t move to the next ayat until and unless the child has been able to reproduce what was just memorized without mistakes.

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Other Surats

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• Start with Yaseen, then Fateh, then kahf and then Aale Imran.

• Ask the child to self read a few ayats of the surat from the text of the Quran. Break this down, (per ayat at this stage perhaps) and help the child to retain it by asking to repeat either by reading or by recollection.

• Ask the child to assimilate the memorized ayats.

• 5 ayats at one time.

• Once this is done you could try to help the child to memorize the whole of juz’ ‘amm, if you feel they might be able. Remember memorization of the Quran is within a balanced learning framework for deeni upbringing. It should not overwhelm a child and cause them to lag behind in other parts of learning.