Exploring Dhul Hijjah: Our Montessori Journey Through the Years
1. Exploration (Early Years)
The exploration stage is all about introducing Hajj and Dhul Hijjah through stories, sensory play and simple hands-on activities. During these early years, my boys learned best through play and hands-on experiences that sparked their curiosity.
When Yaseen was around 4 years old, I wanted to introduce him to Hajj in a way he would really enjoy. We began by talking about Dhul Hijjah as one of the four sacred months and explained that Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam - a special journey to the Ka'bah in Makkah.
At that time, storybooks about Hajj were limited, so I got creative. We told stories throughout the day, and I also had these wonderful Little Explorers magazines on hand, which we read together.
For Yusuf, we made a threading activity using straws, something small he could manipulate with his little hands. If I were to make it again, I would use cardboard and thread for more durability. Keen to make this? View the details here.
The boys also made simple 2D Ka'bah crafts using paper and leaves.
To keep both boys engaged, I also made story stones. Each stone had a Hajj-related image, and they loved retelling stories and playing matching games while learning new vocabulary. Over the years, we used these story stones in several ways. Find out how to make and use them HERE.
The following year, I made Yaseen a cardboard puzzle that showed the steps of Hajj in order, which helped him understand the sequence of the pilgrimage. We also used this to practice phonics. Read the DIY blog post to find out more.
2. Hands-On Learning (Growing Years)
During the growing years, our learning became more interactive and intentional through crafts, role play, language activities and creative projects. At this stage, the boys began connecting the rituals of Hajj to their meanings in a more meaningful way.
We then moved into deeper hands-on learning to explore Hajj in greater depth, combining creativity and practical activities to bring the pilgrimage to life.
One of our favourite projects was creating a video about the basic Hajj rituals. The boys helped craft little nature props as I explained the meaning behind each ritual. Yaseen would eagerly take the lead narrating, while his brother followed along. You can watch it here on YouTube.
Yusuf had the opportunity to work with Montessori grammar materials. Usually, we start with the Grammar Farm, but I adapted it to fit in with the Hajj theme. You can watch and read about it in our reel HERE.
We also used timeline and information cards to explore the Hajj rituals from the 8th of Dhul Hijjah through to the end of Hajj, including the key events each day. This helped the boys understand the sequence of the pilgrimage as a journey that unfolds step by step, rather than separate actions.
We did more word building exercises and phonics match ups and games, which helped them recognise letters, sounds, and vocabulary while connecting them to the Hajj rituals.
Which ritual is shown? Yusuf had to identify the correct phonic.
3. Reflection & Understanding (Later Years)
During the later years, our learning moved into deeper reflection, discussion, and projects that helped the boys connect the stories and lessons of Hajj to values in their own lives.
We created another video, a story called “Our Hajj Journey and the Missing Gift.” It helped the boys think more deeply about the values behind Hajj, beyond just the rituals, bringing in themes of intention, gratitude and a fun hunt to find the missing gift. You can watch it here on YouTube.
We also created a Hajj lapbook and information pack, which allowed them to gather everything they had learned in one place. These became a hands-on, visual way for them to revisit the journey of Hajj and connect the different parts of their learning. Purchase this here.
To explore the Ka'bah more closely, we studied its features and then recreated it using playdough. This simple activity helped them observe and reflect on its structure in a playful and creative way.
We recently put together a Prophet Ibrahim lapbook pack, which we are yet to use. This will open the door to deeper reflection about his life, his faith, and the lessons we can take from his story in our own lives. Purchase this here.
We also introduced creative story prompts to encourage the boys to craft their own Hajj stories. This allowed them to practice storytelling, imagination, and connecting lessons from Hajj to everyday life. Get them here.
Finally, this year we introduced “My Sacrifice”, a simple yet powerful reflection on the habits that may be taking us away from Allah’s love. We asked: “What will I give up for my Rabb?” This led to meaningful reflections and conversations, helping the boys think about a habit they could let go of and replace with a good one, one that brings them closer to Allah.
Over the years, we also created plenty of Eid activities to make keep the kids entertained. Ameenah and Ibraheem’s Hajj Hunt has been one of our favourites. It takes the kids on a treasure hunt as they search for the missing gifts while answering clues and journeying through some of the Hajj rituals along the way. Read how to put it together here.
And of course, an all-time favourite in our home has been Pin the Tail on the Sheep, a simple activity that always brings lots of laughter and excitement during Eid. Read how to set it up here.
In sha Allah, this is just the beginning. We still have many more Dhul Hijjah learning journeys ahead as we continue nurturing our children at home. Stay tuned for the coming years, bi idhnillah.
Resources used:
Letter Formation Cards
I’d love to see how you engage your children with our resources. Please tag us if you choose to share your work in your social media posts. You’ll find us on Instagram (@brb_raisingkids) and Facebook (@brbraisingkids).
