Some homeschool videos feel perfectly staged. This one doesn’t. In A Real, Unfiltered Homeschool Day With 5 Kids, The Hijrah Family takes you inside their learning space for a day-in-the-life look—complete with table clutter, rotating activities, and the kind of moments that actually happen when you homeschool children of different ages in the same home.
Based in Madinah (and comparing their experience with homeschooling in the United States), they share how they organise their homeschool days, which curriculum and resources they’re using, and how they keep education connected to their Islamic identity.
Homeschooling with five kids: what “real life” looks like
The day starts with a familiar homeschool reality: papers everywhere, books open, and learning happening in parallel. The family is working on a new unit study—a forensic science case where the children try to solve “who stole the lost emerald”. The older learners work through the writing and information components, while the younger ones do simpler tasks like colouring portions of the activity.
To keep everyone engaged, the family uses quick, child-friendly activities—such as paper-punching tasks—so the younger child can stay busy while the older children complete their core work. They mention finding some of these printable resources via Teachers Pay Teachers (they believe some were free downloads).
The “anchors of the day” and a loop schedule that reduces catch-up stress
Rather than treating every day like a strict, unbreakable timetable, the family describes using a loop schedule. The idea is simple: if a day gets disrupted, you don’t have to panic or “catch up” on everything. Instead, you move on to the next subject in the loop.
They also emphasise that some parts of the day are daily non-negotiables, even if everything else shifts. They describe doing essentials every day such as:
- Quran and memorisation
- Math
- Language arts (including grammar)
- An Islamic lesson taught by the husband (such as sad hadith or other topics mentioned in the video)
- Journalling
Beyond those anchors, the family rotates other subjects over set days—such as science, history, writing, arts and crafts, and typing—cycling them through three days a week.
Curriculum and resources they mention (and what they’re used for)
While the video is a day-in-the-life rather than a formal curriculum guide, several learning resources are clearly shared.
Fix It Grammar
For grammar, they recommend Fix It Grammar, describing it as easy to work through and not overwhelming.
Teacher-made binders and printables
The homeschool materials include binders of printable resources, such as letter tracing and other activities prepared to match different needs across ages.
Hands-on science and beautifully illustrated nature books
Their bookshelf is heavy on science and visually rich educational books. They particularly highlight DK-style nature resources and mention titles like The Wonders of Nature, including an “Earth” volume. They say these books have illustrations they love—and that they can build lesson plans around them.
Tools that keep learning screen-free (and moving)
One of the family’s favourite discoveries is Yodo (they say they became “big Yodo fans” after purchasing them while in the United States). They use different types of Yodo devices, including:
- Yodo minis—one for each child
- A main Yodo used as a Bluetooth speaker
They use Yodos for podcasts and story time during independent work. They also mention using the devices as a screen-free option and even adding Quran audio—placing content on “Yodo cards” and using it for revision. They also use Yodos for timers and cleanup timers.
A skylight chore calendar (with stars, rewards and routines)
To manage the daily rhythm, the family uses a skylight calendar system. They describe it as:
- Visually beautiful (they call it “a piece of art”)
- Customisable, with a changing wallpaper
- Organised by child—each child has their own section
Children check off morning routines (such as eating breakfast, changing pyjamas, and other daily tasks). When children complete tasks, they receive stars and can redeem them for rewards—including things like toys, headphones, tablets, and even treats they mention such as bubble tea. They also describe a system where stars can be taken away for misbehaviour.
The family notes they plan to take this calendar to Madinah “hopefully,” but they also say it’s heavy and big, so logistics may be a challenge.
US vs Madinah: what’s different about their homeschool setup?
They clearly differentiate between their setup in the United States and in Madinah, saying they have a different setup in Madinah. They don’t list exhaustive differences in the excerpt provided, but they do emphasise that their home environment and homeschool logistics change when they move countries.
They also mention that some items and systems (like the skylight calendar) may require adaptation when they travel and when they set up in a new place.
Islamic essentials: education beyond schoolwork
A consistent theme in the video is that education is more than completing tasks. As a Muslim homeschooling family, they want their children to learn, grow, and develop a love for knowledge while staying connected to their Islamic identity. Their daily routine reflects that emphasis through Quran, memorisation, an ongoing Islamic lesson, and reminder tools for their duas.
A reminder set for morning and evening adhkar
They also share a custom card set for adhkar and reminders (they made and share the digital file). They explain the set includes different coloured cards for morning and evening, along with transliteration and English translation, and a dua for protection. They’ve even used it beyond the home—taking it in the car so children can remember their reading during evening time when travelling.
FAQs inspired by the video
Is homeschooling structured or flexible?
In this family’s approach, it’s a blend. They have daily anchors (Quran, memorisation, math, language arts, Islamic lesson, journalling), but they use a loop schedule so if the day changes, they don’t have to “catch up” every skipped subject.
How do they keep younger kids engaged?
They use small, hands-on activities while older children work—like colouring parts of a unit study and simple printable tasks such as paper-punching activities.
Do they use educational audio without screens?
Yes. They describe using Yodo devices with podcasts and story time, including screen-free audio for learning and Quran revision.
What’s different about homeschooling in Madinah compared to the US?
The video highlights that their homeschool setup differs between the two places, and they plan to adapt systems (like their skylight calendar) to their new environment in Madinah.
Make your homeschool feel “messy and real” (in a good way)
The best part of this video is that it feels honest: learning doesn’t happen in a neat line, and children don’t always stay on plan. But with routines for essentials, a flexible loop schedule, and tools that support independent work, the family turns everyday moments—paper-punching, unit-study excitement, and even unexpected detours—into meaningful learning.
If you’re looking for homeschool inspiration that’s practical, faith-focused, and grounded in real home life, The Hijrah Family’s day-in-the-life offers plenty to borrow—whether you homeschool in the United States, in Madinah, or anywhere in between.
