The question
My son is two and a half. He has memorised Surat al-Ikhlas; sometimes he recites it in full, and sometimes I read a verse and he replies with the next.
How should I work with him, and should I begin a different surah, or not?
Our answer
Masha Allah, tabarak Allah. May Allah preserve him and make him a treasure for his parents, his religion, and his ummah.
Yes, begin with another easy surah, and do not neglect to repeat the surah he has already memorised so that he does not forget it. Whenever he finishes reciting what he has memorised, give him an enthusiastic response and show your admiration and praise.
Tie every good thing in his day to the Qur'an, especially in his earliest years. If you bring him a sweet, for example, tell him: "This is for the hero who memorises the Qur'an" — and so on.
You can also play al-Hussary's teaching mushaf at home regularly and audibly, without forcing the little one to listen. You will find that he has memorised many surahs without any effort or coercion on your part.
May Allah bless him for you and make him a delight for the eyes of his parents in both abodes.
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