What does religious education mean in this age group?
Religious education is the teaching of concepts, practices, rituals and traditions that are part of our religion and in particular our Tariqah, as Muslims Shia Imami Ismailis and is the daily practice of this faith.
The sessions will address both theoretical and practical aspects. Parents will review concepts in the more theoretical aspect and children will learn the concepts in a practical way, through experiences.
For example, the concept of Tawid (belief in the One God) will be worked with the parents in an explanatory way and with the children it will be worked through nature.
In these sessions we will also address the rites and rituals and how to apply them throughout the routines.
Does your baby / child have routines? Does he/she have the time for meals, play, school, bath and sleep?
In these sessions we will work with you on how to implement the practice of faith integrated into each of these routines.
But isn't he/she too small for such complex concepts?
The concepts to be worked on in these sessions will be adapted to this age group, we will work through practical experiences and using nature which is the most instinctive component for children, but also their senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell) and emotions (love, joy, friendship) through songs, words and sounds.
Who is this program aimed at?
This program is aimed to all families with babies and children aged 0 to 3 years old.
Where and when and how will the sessions take place?
2 sessions will be held for 2 of different age groups – Infants (from 0 to 2 years old) and Todlers (from 2 to 3 years old) at non-overlapping and sequential times. This proposed age division is not binding and can be changed depending on the child's level of development.
Sessions will be held on Saturday mornings at the Ismaili center or surrounding gardens and will last 1 hour for each group (the calendar with session dates and times will be shared soon).
The sessions will revolve around structured and guided games and activities between babies and caregivers as examples of how to teach our faith to the baby and will serve as preparation for entering dar-at-talim (3/4 years).
In all sessions, there will be a moment of sharing where parents will receive additional information from our trainers to apply in their daily routine.
But my spouse is not Ismaili, can he/she participate?
The whole family is welcome at these sessions regardless of religion.
The decision to perform bayah for their child is always up to the parents, both parents. Which is why this program is for the whole family. It is very important that from a young age the baby perceives in his parents the confidence of being Ismaili. And for parents it is important to learn in order to teach.
I have 2 children in these age groups, can I bring someone to support me?
In these sessions, each child must be accompanied by a caregiver and therefore, if we have more than 1 child, we recommend the support of an extra caregiver. Family members who can come and help are welcome (grandparents, uncles, godparents, etc.).
