Start with bismillah.

Ask: "What is the difference between a guess and an exact answer?"

Watch the Scratch Garden video Estimating!

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "What were the idols, according to this ayah?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "Why do people follow guesses when they could follow guidance?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah An-Najm is surah 53. Find ayah 23. The key words asma' and zann mean names and guesses. In maths, a guess can be a useful first step, but we check it against the real answer. The idols were just names invented by people, with no proof. Allah's guidance is the real answer we can rely on.

Fact: When is estimating useful in maths?

Ages 5–8: Guess and check. Guess how many sweets are in a jar, then count them.

Ages 9–12: Proof please. Write the difference between a guess, an opinion and a checked fact, with an example of each.

Finish with: "I found that estimating is useful when ___."

Talk together:

• Why is it risky to follow guesses about important things?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• Where do we find true guidance?
• How can we check what we hear?
• What would you like to ask about this ayah?

Make a small plan: "This week, I will check an answer instead of guessing."

• Check instead of guessing.
• Try guess and check.
• Share proof please.
• Next time: the next ayah (53:24) asks whether people get everything they wish for. Explore it together!

Action: Check an answer instead of guessing.