What is Your Mission?
Swords & Butterflies aims to provide an English curriculum that blends with Islamic studies for grades 1 to 6. Our goal is to build children’s mastery of both simultaneously, staring at the very basics.
By the time students complete the early grades, they will have a solid understanding of various Islamic subjects, enabling them to navigate and appreciate classic Islamic works as they grow older.
What is Your Educational Approach?
Inspired by classical educational models, both Western and Eastern, Swords & Butterflies intertwines strong morals and values with academic learning. Our lessons are designed to be gentle and progressive, similar to the Charlotte Mason approach, with short, engaging sessions.
Additionally, the curriculum draws inspiration from classical Islamic methodologies found in areas like Mauritania, where children are taught 10–15 minute lessons with an emphasis on mastering one particular aspect of a discipline before moving on to the next concept.
This however, doesn't mean your child has to be far removed from current standards.
Do You Follow Common Core?
While we do not adhere completely to standards such as Common Core, we take them into account to ensure as much overlap as possible, so that children learn every important concepts and skills needed for their grade. Our approach of short lessons that stress mastery aligns well with various other educational methodologies, including Montessori, Waldorf, PBL and standards-based teaching, ensuring it fits seamlessly into any homeschooling framework.
Why the Name?
The name "Swords & Butterflies” was inspired by his children during their first days of homeschooling. At one point his two eldest (aged 8 and 6) were asked to name their new school. The oldest child, a dashing and rugged boy, named it “Swords & Shields School” where as his second child, the more delicate and graceful of his girls, named it “Butterflies School.”
When it was time to put a name to the publishing house Besim remembered that early moment in the homeschooling and decided to combine them into “Swords & Butterflies” as it perfectly captured the spirit of children upon their fitra who are learning for the first time.
At a time when society seems hellbent to reject the natural differences Allah created in the pairing of male and female, this name perfectly embraced the natural differences often found between young boys and girls.
Do You Offer Anything Else Besides Your Books?
Swords & Butterflies aims to foster a sense of community among parents and educators worldwide.
Because the curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable, making it suitable for various teaching methodologies, we feel that this inclusivity helps build a supportive community where parents and teachers can share resources, experiences, and support.
We plan to launch online groups for parents and teachers of Islamic schools, aiming to create an active and collaborative community.
Join the Swords & Butterflies email list below to be notified first when we launch any new service or product to best experience a curriculum that nurtures both the mind and soul, providing a solid foundation for lifelong learning and faith.
