Concentric Circles and Islamic Schooling

The Islamic Schools Association of Australia with the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education has run yet another of its informative and inspiring national conferences. The keynote speaker was Elma Ruth Harder from Sakinah Circle, and author of Concentric Circles.

Sis Elma articulated a pedagogical approach, articulated in Concentric Circles, which conveys the Quranic world view in learning and teaching. After teaching for many years, including homeschooling, the text "Concentric Circles" became the foundation for Sakinah Circle, an alternative program in Edmonton Public Schools.

This Islamic philosophy which underpins the themes, intentions and purposes of the teaching in this school in Edmonton Canada, includes over arching Quranic themes that could reasonably be included in every classroom in an Islamic school today. These themes include those listed below:

Historically Rooted

Students are encouraged to find their meaningful place in life through looking at the roots of their family, community and culture, along with the connections that they have in their social space. They find and learn about role models in Islamic history - of which there are many - and explore the many Islamic civilisations that have existed along with their unique traditions according to the culture and climate in which they existed.

Nature Focused

In Sakinah Circle, students recognise that the natural world is full of signs that point to our Creator. By recognisng the ayat of the natural world around us, students learn about the role of Khalifa in the care of the environment. (In my opinion, such an approach should be a priority over the seeking of high marks underpinned by the intention of acquiring wealth and privilege in our schools, and should be an essential part of every Islamic school curriculum.)

Service Oriented

Through service to others, the students with Sakinah Circle have the opportunity to learn compassion in action, intentionally giving from the heart, and are actively encouraged to be involved in caring for the community through service to the community .

Resources

Sis Elma Harder has made available free on the website some amazing resources that provide a window into the thematic learning being explored in Sakinah Circle. Viewers are encouraged by Sakinah Circle to access and use these resources in their own contexts and would encourage feedback on how they are being used, in what classes and what the results or outcomes were. At the link below you can download sample resources which includes posters, which if clicked on, lead to a variety of further resources which are examples of their work. Please visit at sakinahcircle.com to connect and share the journey.

https://www.sakinahcircle.com/thematic-learning