Start with bismillah.

A gentle note for parents: this ayah is a warning. Keep the focus on making good choices.

Put your hand on your forehead. Ask: "What do you think is just behind here?"

Watch the Smile and Learn video about the brain and how its parts work.

Now listen to the ayah together in the app, with the translation. Ask: "Which part of the head does this ayah mention?"

Each child keeps one wonder question, for example: "Why does the ayah mention the front of the head?" Younger children can draw theirs.

Find it in the mushaf: Surah Al-'Alaq is surah 96. Find ayah 15. The key word an-nasiyah means the forelock, the hair at the front of the head. Scientists tell us the front of the brain helps us make choices; this reminds us that our choices are what Allah will ask us about.

Fact: What does the frontal lobe of the brain do?

Ages 5–8: Stop and think. Play "Simon says". Notice how your brain has to stop you moving when Simon didn't say!

Ages 9–12: Choice map. Draw a choice you made this week as a branching map: what you could have done, and what happened.

Finish with: "I found that the front of my brain helps me ___."

Talk together:

• Why is it important to stop when we're doing something wrong?
• Which name of Allah does this remind you of?
• What helps you make a good choice when it's hard?
• Allah gives people chances to stop. Why is that a mercy?
• What would you like to ask an ustaz or ustazah about this warning?

Make a small plan: "This week, before I choose, I will stop, think and ask: would Allah love this?"

• Play "Simon says" with your family and explain the brain trick.
• Notice one good choice someone at home makes and tell them.
• Next time: the next ayah (96:16) describes that forelock. Explore it together!

Action: Practise "stop, think, choose" every day this week.