Start with bismillah.

Ask: "What is the strangest animal you know?"

Watch the Nat Geo Kids video Awesome 8 Animals. You can play just the first few minutes.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "What did Allah spread through the skies and earth?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "How many kinds of creatures are there?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah Ash-Shura is surah 42. Find ayah 29. The key word dabbah means a living, moving creature. Allah spread creatures everywhere: deep in the sea, high in the mountains, in hot deserts and icy lands. Each one is a sign to ponder. And just as Allah spread them out, He can gather them all together whenever He wishes.

Fact: About how many kinds of animals have scientists named so far?

Ages 5–8: Habitat sort. Sort animal pictures or toys into sea, land, sky and desert.

Ages 9–12: Creature card. Research one unusual creature and make a card with three surprising facts.

Finish with: "I found that scientists have named about ___ kinds of animals."

Talk together:

• Which creature amazes you most?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• Why did Allah make so many kinds of creatures?
• How can we care for animals?
• What would you like to ask about this ayah?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will notice one new creature and say subhanAllah."

• Notice a new creature.
• Sort animal habitats.
• Share your creature card.
• Next time: the next ayah (42:30) asks where our troubles come from. Explore it together!

Action: Notice one new creature and say subhanAllah.