Al Madina’s curriculum for elementary education integrates CISNA (Council of Islamic Schools in North America) guided Islamic Studies and Qur’an into the VA S.O.L.. The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools establish minimum expectations for what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade or course in English, mathematics, science, history/social science and other subjects.
We use the SOL’s as a springboard towards higher learning as it allows for the flexibility for our teachers to facilitate students further beyond the S.O.L. Standards while keeping in tune with most of the Commonwealth.
Qur’an, Arabic, and Islamic Studies (QAIS)
Our CISNA accredited curriculum grant us 6 different levels for Qur’an and Arabic. Students will progress based on their levels in learning Arabic and reading the Qur’an. All students will learn the basics of Qur’anic reading, writing, recitation with tajweed, and memorization. Students will also learn the specific Arabic vocabulary of the Qur’an to enhance their understanding of the Qur’an.
During the school year, emphasis will be placed on helping the students develop their Islamic identity as believers (Mu’minun) and to learn basic concepts of Islamic practices and implementing it in their daily lives.
The students will be studying five main subjects:
Aqidah (Islamic Creed)
Fiqh Al-Ibadat (Jurisprudence of Worship)
Sunnah, Seerah and Islamic History
Tafseer of the Quran
Adab & Akhlaq (Islamic Morals and Manners)
The goal for our students in QAIS is for them to be able to read, recite, write, memorize, and interpret the Qur’an by themselves with the rich background of Islamic history and tradition so that they may practice and live with the Qur’an as their guide.
Mathematics
Mathematics courses are taught in Al Madina with the baseline methodology aligned with the VA S.O.L. Standard. Students in KG starts off with counting cardinal and ordinal numbers that would expand to the 4 operations using base ten, algebraic thinking, measurements, analyzing data, geometry etc. These skills will grow and follow them as they journey through their elementary years. Students will not only learn mathematical operations, but will be challenged to find solutions to real life situations in which mathematical concepts apply. This would include integrating Islamic studies into mathematics such as the counting of various ayat in a surah in the qur’an, the understanding of proportional zakah and sadaqah, and understanding the Islamic world’s contribution of algebra.
Art
Students at Al Madina would have the opportunity to learn and express various medium of art. Islamic culture have always been enriched with distingushed work of art such as the Dome of the Rock, Taj Mahal and the Calligraphy of Qur’anic verses. Al Madina will incorporate such fascinating examples in addition to other activities. These activities would include, but not limited to coloring, sketching, drawing, painting, singing of nasheed, craft making, and calligraphy.
Social Studies
Social studies class in elementary grades serves as an extension of the VA S.O.L. State Standard. The Common Core State Standard inherently have social studies materials under the ELA curriculum of reading, writing and critical thinking. Al Madina goes beyond the State Standards in social studies and gives our students specific historical and social context that not only align with Virginia’s history, but also Islamic history, U.S. history, philosophy and civics at the national and international level.
English / Language Arts
ELA – English/ Language Arts are taught in Al Madina with the baseline methodology aligned with the VA S.O.L. State Standard. Students in KG through Fifth grades would be immersed in different types of fiction and non-fiction literature. They would learn proper language, grammar usage, speaking and listening. This includes conducting presentations and writing in various forms of narration including informative texts and opinion pieces. Teachers have the flexibility to introduce a diverse literary content to their students for optimized learning. Teachers are also encouraged to integrate Islamic Studies in ELA and explore Islamic texts.
Health / Physical Education
Students at Al Madina have the opportunity to learn, according to the State Standards, customary skills in physical and health education that which will motivate them to move regularly and treat their bodies well. Students are guided through textbooks and supportive resources, as it is a trust given by Allah. Students will learn to stay fit through the play of physical games and develop sportsmanship and cooperation by the learning of the rules of the game and displaying fair play. In addition to physical education, there is a component of health education that is also covered by the VA SOLs. topics include how to maintain great dental health, physical health, how to prevent bullying and preserving great family and social relationships.
Science
Science classes in elementary grades serve as an extension of the VA S.O.L. State Standard. These standards inherently have science material under the ELA curriculum of reading, writing and critical thinking, as well as that in mathematical operations commonly used in scientific investigations. Al Madina goes beyond the VA S.O.L. State Standard in science and gives our students specific scientific investigation, lab activities and project based learning with an annual science fair. In addition, scientific facts from the Qur’an will be highlighted such as the atmosphere atoms and planets, the formation of the clouds and the hydro-logic cycle.
