A first lesson sets the tone for everything after it. A child who starts relaxed and curious tends to keep looking forward to class. A child whose first lesson began with a frozen screen, a hungry tummy and a stranger's face often needs a few weeks to warm up. A little preparation avoids most of that.
The day before
- Test the device. Open the meeting link, check the camera, microphone and speaker. A laptop or tablet on a stand works better than a phone held in a hand.
- Check the internet. If Wi-Fi is weak in the room you plan to use, move closer to the router or try a different room.
- Get the materials. The Noorani Qaida or mushaf the teacher will use, a pencil, and water.
- Talk about it. "Tomorrow you are going to meet your Quran teacher on the laptop. His name is Hafiz Anas. He will help you learn your letters." Showing them the teacher's photo from the teachers page helps.
Setting up the space
- A table in a shared room, such as the kitchen or living room, not a closed bedroom. See safeguarding tips.
- Light in front of your child, not behind, so the teacher can see their face and mouth.
- A quiet background: TV off, siblings elsewhere for the half hour.
- The book on a stand or cushion, placed so the camera can see the page if the teacher asks.
- Headphones can help if the house is noisy, but some young children find them uncomfortable.
Just before the lesson
- Wudu, if your child already knows how. It is a lovely way to signal that this time is special. See teaching wudu.
- A snack and a trip to the bathroom.
- Join three to five minutes early so there is no rush.
During the first lesson
- Stay nearby, especially for children under eight. Introduce yourself and your child to the teacher.
- Let the teacher lead. Resist the urge to answer for your child or correct them.
- Expect a short, gentle start. Teachers usually spend the first lesson getting to know the child, checking their level and doing a little reading or a short surah.
- Take notes on what the teacher suggests practising.
What the first lesson usually includes
| Part | What happens |
|---|---|
| Introductions | The teacher says hello, asks the child's name, age and what they know already |
| Assessment | A few letters, a short surah, or a page of reading, depending on level |
| First lesson | A small piece of new learning, such as the first letters of the Qaida |
| Plan | The teacher suggests a starting point and how many lessons a week |
Our article on what is included in a free trial class goes into more detail.
After the lesson
- Ask your child what they enjoyed. Keep it positive.
- Practise for five minutes the next day, using what the teacher showed.
- Put the next lesson on a calendar the child can see.
If it does not go perfectly
Some children are shy, silly or teary the first time. That is normal. Most settle within two or three lessons once they know the teacher. If your child is very reserved, our guide to helping a shy child may help. If after a few weeks they still do not get on with the teacher, it is fine to ask for a change; see what to do if your child does not connect.
Ready to try it? Book a free trial for our online Quran classes for kids and sit in with your child.
Questions parents and students ask us
What do I need for an online Quran class?
A laptop or tablet with a working camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, a quiet shared space, and the Qaida or mushaf the teacher uses.
Should I stay with my child during online Quran classes?
For the first lessons, yes, and for young children it is a good idea to stay nearby every time. Keep the lesson in a shared room.
What happens in the first Quran class?
The teacher introduces themselves, checks your child's level with some letters or a short surah, teaches a small first lesson, and suggests a plan.
What if my child is shy in the first class?
That is normal. Most children settle within two or three lessons. Stay nearby, keep it positive and let the teacher build rapport.
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