What Your Child is Learning in Unit 2: "The Growth of Islam"

In this unit your child will study the origins and growth of Islam, one of the world's major religions. Your child will explore the effects of geography on the desert communities where Islam began, discover Islam's close ties to Judaism and Christianity, and learn that Islam also follows the teachings of the prophet Muhammad.

Activities You Can Do at Home to Support Your Child's Learning

Chapter 3 The Roots of Islam

• Help your child see that geography still determines many of our activities. Living near a lake or river, mountains, farms, a desert, or a forest affects what we do. Together, make a list of common leisure activities done in your region, such as fishing, skiing, farming, do-it-yourself fruit picking, or sledding. Then make another list of activities you can't do because of the geography of where you live.

• The ancient city of Jerusalem is sacred to three different religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. With your child, look for a book, a video, or set of articles in the library that explains the history of the city and why it is so important.

Chapter 4 The Empire of Islam

• Your child will be learning about the great size and importance of the city of Baghdad around the year 1000. Discuss what made Baghdad important (it was a center for government, commerce, art and learning.) Together, identify two or three cities in the United States today which are important in the same way.

• Your child will be discussing tradition as a part of the Muslim culture. Help your child list different traditions - family, religious, and ethnic - used in your family. Talk about the ways you make sure these traditions continue.