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I have moved this blog. You can go over to my new blog to continue reading my posts.

What are I’raab?

To read this article as a web story click here. Every one who is studying Arabic, even the very beginners, know that in Arabic nouns have I'raab (إعراب). In English we call it declension of nouns. But what is I'raab or declension? Many people have problem wrapping their minds around the concept of I'raab. They …

Six Resources to Learn Arabic Reading, Writing, and Comprehension for Young Kids

Below are some of the resources that I have used personally and recommend for learning Arabic reading, writing, and comprehension for kids and even beginner adults. Even if you yourself do not know Arabic you can use these resources and learn alongside your kids.

How my unschoolers transitioned into higher level studies

I received many messages by people who were interested to know how she learnt enough to start university level courses. And also how my kids went from unstructured learning (a.k.a. playing all day 😀) to academics in such a short time.

The ShiftClick Club

Introducing my new project, The ShiftClick Club. , It is a free online STEAMD (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths, and Design) club for kids and young at heart adults 😀

Fava beans and life

Today's lunch was fava beans, sautéed Swiss chard, and homemade flat bread. We mostly eat a vegetarian and simple lunch. Simple as in opposite of fancy, not simple as in quick and easy. Often when I am cooking a "simple" meal from scratch, I ponder over the irony that it can take a lot of …

Create your own life (and happiness)

“Creating a life that reflects your values and satisfies your soul is a rare achievement. In a culture that relentlessly promotes avarice and excess as the good life, a person happy doing his own work is usually considered an eccentric, if not a subversive. Ambition is only understood if it’s to rise to the top …

Diesel and Rocky

Meet our guard dogs. Diesel (the black one) is a Rottweiler, and around 9 years old. Rocky is an Anatolian Shepherd, a rescue. He is around 3, but likes to think he is still a puppy  Living in Johannesburg, guard dogs are a necessary deterrent to crime.  They live in the yard (as dogs …

🎉 Art with code

🎉 Introducing Art with Code, an online workshop to learn the fundamentals of HTML and CSS, by creating art through code.

Make with Umar

I am embarking on a new adventure! Meet 'Make with Umar'. 'Make with Umar' is a free, virtual makers camp I want to start for kids and adults who like to make things. We will experiment with electronics, coding, crafts, STEM and DIY toys, and maybe even cooking, baking and gardening projects. There are any …