Made at night, before dawn (fajr)
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ فَرْضِ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ هٰذِهِ السَّنَةِ لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى
Nawaitu shauma ghadin 'an adaa-i fardhi syahri ramadhaana haadzihis-sanati lillaahi ta'aalaa
I intend to fast tomorrow to fulfil the obligation of the month of Ramadan this year, for Allah the Exalted.
At night before sleeping or at sahur — the intention for an obligatory Ramadan fast must be made before dawn.
For a child just learning to fast, say the intention together at sahur so it feels special and looked forward to.
Text follows the commonly taught wording (Shafi'i). Under teacher review.
