Many of the challenges we face in Islamic Weekend Schools are similar for all age groups but how we manage them may be different based on the developmental needs of the children. There are also specific challenges for each age groups because there are variant challenges at different stages of life.
Islamic Weekend Schools face the challenge of serving students from different backgrounds with different Islamic knowledge foundations. Some students having had previous training are very knowledgeable in Ibadah, seerah and have memorized large portions of Quran etc. There are many students who have had some training, are versed in the basics of Ibadah, seerah and memorized some surahs usually from Juz ‘Amma. You may have as well a few students who have very limited to no previous training. They often feel overwhelmed and out of place and require extra care. As teachers we have to remind ourselves of the final goal. We are giving dawah to our community and the children who are placed in our care become an Amanah (trust) in our hands. Each child needs to be taught at their level in order to succeed.
Primary classroom management can be very challenging but so rewarding as students are so affectionate and show great enthusiam when involved. The challenge is to direct their high energy into goal oriented tasks.