Start with bismillah.

Ask: "How do you think the earth began?"

Watch the Da Vinci Kids video How Planet Earth was Formed.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "Who created the earth?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "What does a day mean for Allah?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah Fussilat is surah 41. Find ayah 9. The key word yawmayn means two days. Scholars explain that these days are stages or periods known to Allah, not our usual 24 hours. The earth, with its layers, oceans and air, was made with great care. Scientists study how the earth formed, and believers see it as a sign to ponder of the Lord of all the worlds.

Fact: About how old do scientists estimate the earth to be?

Ages 5–8: Earth layers. Make a ball of play dough in three colours to show the core, mantle and crust.

Ages 9–12: Stages chart. Draw a chart of the stages of the earth's creation mentioned in ayat 9 to 12.

Finish with: "I found that scientists estimate the earth is about ___ years old."

Talk together:

• What amazes you most about the earth?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• Why is it wrong to set up equals to Allah?
• How can we look after the earth?
• What would you like to ask about this ayah?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will do one thing to care for the earth, like saving water."

• Care for the earth.
• Make dough layers.
• Share your stages chart.
• Next time: the next ayah (41:10) tells of mountains and blessings in the earth. Explore it together!

Action: Do one thing to care for the earth, like saving water.