Introducing an online video-chat-based book club for Muslim students based on Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time.
Meets once a week for 55 minutes for 5 weeks.
Cost: $65 USD per student
Ages: 8-12 year old boys and girls
Available Sections:
- Tuesdays, July 10-August 7 at 6 pm US Eastern Time (EDT)
- Wednesdays, July 11-August 8 at 10 am US Eastern Time (EDT) (4 pm UK, 7 pm Islamabad)
- Thursdays, July 12-August 9 at 2 pm US Eastern Time (EDT)
Additional sections may be available on request as long as a minimum of 5 students register.
- Teen Girls’ Section: Sundays, July 15-August 12 at 5 pm US Eastern Time (EDT)
The Teen Girls Section is a new offering for this course. A Wrinkle in Time has a great deal of deep ideas and thought-provoking themes that are perfect for this age group. In the teen class, I will be getting into some of the deeper discussions that the 8-12 year old group would not yet be ready for.
Note: Based on past semesters, sections all fill up rapidly. Please submit registrations quickly in order to secure spot in class. Each student needs a separate registration form.
Course Description
A Wrinkle in Time is a classic novel that has been a favorite for over 50 years, winning the Newbery Medal in 1963. Through its masterful language and plot, it explores issues of belonging, family, good vs. evil, and love.
Sample slide from the class. Our goal is to constantly make Islamic connections with what we are reading.
This is a class for young readers and thinkers to explore a novel together from an Islamic and literary perspective through engaging discussion guided by the teacher’s thoughtful questioning. This is the first book in L’Engle’s “Time Travel Quintet” and we will immerse ourselves in her world as we discover the characters, themes, motifs, language, and philosophy of her world, all while interpreting them within the Islamic worldview.
Together, we will pay close attention to the themes and messages of the novel and how they relate to our own Islamic perspective. Each week, students will bring an ayah or hadith to share with the class that relates to the week’s discussion. In this way, we will be active readers, critically examining and reflecting on the text using our Islamic lenses. We will learn more about Madeleine L’Engle’s personal beliefs and how that shaped the novel as we critically examine those beliefs in relation to our own.
I ask students, “How are we as Muslims called to stake our lives for the truth?”
I will share my excitement about the eloquent language of the novel as we examine passages and learn how to imitate the author’s vivid writing style. Optional assignments will guide students to craft their own sentences in the style of L’Engle.
This is a discussion-based class, so students should be ready to share their thoughts and ideas in an environment where their ideas are valued, and healthy disagreements are welcomed.
Students should have their own physical copy of the book that they can annotate by highlighting and making notes in the margins. This practice of creating “marginalia” is an excellent way to be a critical, involved reader, and students will learn how to use this technique to reflect on the book as they read.
Special Needs: Please inform me of any special needs at the time of registration. I would love to be able to accommodate your student.
Technical Requirements: Parents will be emailed a link to join the online classroom, where I will post class documents and links to the live sessions, which will be conducted through Zoom. Students will need a computer that has a webcam and mic.
Listening to the audiobook is encouraged, especially for those who may be more reluctant readers, but it is not required.
Islamic Perspective: Please note that this class is taught from an orthodox Sunni perspective. If there are specific questions or concerns regarding how Islamic teachings will be integrated in the class, please feel free to email me to discuss before registering.
The Muslim Educator 