Children's Arabic Program
Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center's Scholarship Arabic Program for Children is committed to the task of building an appreciation of Arabic language and culture. Students are encouraged to become confident speakers at an early age. Lessons are conducted in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in an immersive environment that focuses on all four language learning skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Program Overview
This program is available to children who:
- reside in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland
- are ages 6-15 at time of enrollment
NOTE: No prior knowledge of Arabic is required for students to participate in the program. However, students with some Arabic proficiency will be given an assessment test to determine their level before attending class. Students will be grouped in different classes based on language ability and age. Heritage speakers and non-native speakers of Arabic follow the same course of study in our program.
Parents MUST email [email protected] to receive the application form. Parent's email must include:
- Full Name of Child
- Age and Date of Birth
- Current Address
- DETAILED explanation of child's knowledge and exposure to Arabic (if available)
Acceptance is determined by a number of factors including available seats, class level, and age range.
Fall Session 2023
Dates: Sept 9 - Dec 16
Day: Saturdays at SQCC
Time: 9:30 am to 1:00 pm (Snack/Lunch 11:00 am)
Our courses are divided into two levels for each age group category: Level 1 for beginners and level 2 for intermediate.
Level 1 (Ages 6-11 years)
In this course, students will learn the Arabic alphabet and long and short vowels. The course is designed to enable students to read three and four-letter words. They will also develop basic writing skills by joining letters. Students will learn to express themselves in simple sentences, learn numbers, and basic conversation skills. The course curriculum incorporates the use of educational games, stories and songs.
Level 2 (Ages 6-11 years)
In this course, students will be introduced to basic Arabic grammar – singular pronouns and possessive pronouns. Students will engage in conversation about personal data, school life, family members etc. In addition to the required textbook, this course will utilize educational posters and handouts which will help students to verbally express themselves with simple sentences. Students will have spelling tests to assert their proficiency of letters and vowel sound recognition. The course places a greater emphasis on reading and listening comprehension.
Level 1 (Ages 12-15 years)***
In this course, students will learn the Arabic alphabet, and long and short vowels. Students will master recognition of Arabic script and dictation. While students are learning basic grammatical patterns, they will learn Arabic greetings, know how to introduce themselves, tell time, days of the week, and numbers. In addition, they will engage in educational games, stories and songs appropriate to their age.
Level 2 (Ages 12-15 years)
Level two students will master reading sentences and small paragraphs. They will learn essential grammatical structures, verb and noun conjugations, adjectives, and adverbs. Students will be introduced to the ten measure chart. Emphasis will be placed on writing short paragraphs. The course will also hone students’ verbal communication skills through role playing and guided conversations to advance their proficiency and fluency in Arabic
*** This level in this age group is only open based on demand and may not be available
Students will not pay tuition or fees but will be required to purchase their own textbooks for the course.
Contact
For assistance or questions email [email protected]
UPDATE 10/25/23
Seats available for Level 2 (intermediate) ages 11-15. Email [email protected] today!