Arabic Classes for Children
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT WAIVED FOR FALL 2020
While students are traditionally required to become members of Alif before registering, we have waived this requirement due to COVID-19.
This being considered, we warmly invite you and your family to support Alif by becoming members. Click here to view our family memberships. Thank you for your generosity!
OPEN HOUSE – Fall 2020
Saturday, August 15
Ages 4 – 8: 12:00 pm–1:30 pm | Ages 9 – 14: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Though our Fall semester will be virtual, this event will be in-person under CDC-recommended protocols. The event will take place in our spacious event room (or outside, weather permitting) and the building capacity will be limited. All guests will be required to wear a mask while inside the building.
Thank you so much for your cooperation!9
FALL SEMESTER 2020
August 24 – December 13
To provide the best experience for your children, while ensuring their safety and the safety of our teachers and staff, we will begin the Fall 2020 semester online. In consultation with parents and experts, we will continue to monitor and reassess the situation for the first opportunity to return to in-person classes.
If you have questions or concerns, please email info@alifinstitute.org.
Thank you for doing your part to help keep Alif safe!
Children's Arabic Course
Ages 4-8 (Intro I, Intro II, and 101)
Times
– Saturdays from 11:00am – 11:40am
– Weekly 20 min. Reading Club (via Nahla wa Nahil)
Dates
– August 22 – December 12
– No Class on Sept. 6 or Nov. 29
Regular Price: $275
Early Bird Discount Price: $250*
*Sale ends August 15
Course package includes a semester-long subscription to the virtual reading program Nahla wa Nahil
Ages 9-14 (102, 103, 104)
Times
– Saturdays from 12:00pm – 1:30pm
– 20 min. Reading Club every Wednesday (via Nahla wa Nahil)
Dates
– August 22 – December 12
– No Class on Sept. 7 or Nov. 28
Regular Price: $475
Early Bird Discount Price: $450*
*Sale ends August 15
Course package includes a semester-long subscription to the virtual reading program Nahla wa Nahil
New! Arabic Reading Club
NEW! In addition to weekly classes, we are proud to offer an online reading club, Nahla wa Nahil. Students will be assigned a personal account with access to over 800 classic and new books in Arabic from the Arab world and beyond. Instructors will guide students to suggest books relevant to their ages, reading levels, and interests and meet online for 20 minutes per week to discuss.
If you would like to register ONLY for the Reading Club, please click here:
Listen to what parents are sharing about our new Arabic Reading Club:
Arabic classes, for toddlers and children, incorporate both classical and spoken language. Alif’s highly trained instructors create a unique learning experience with a culturally nurturing environment and the use of modern technology in the classroom.
In addition, a special program is presented by the students at the end of each semester. The Haflatuna, حفلتنا program features sketches, songs, dances, or poems performed in Arabic.
Parents may bring a snack and a drink for their children. Alternatively, they may bring some change to purchase snacks/drinks at the price of $0.50.
ALIF MEMBERSHIPS
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Alif relies upon donations and memberships to keep delivering our mission to educate about Arab cultures. All memberships and donations are fully tax-deductible.
Two membership options are available for students under 18:
Sustaining membership
Monthly donation of any amount of $10 or more
Family membership
$75 per year
See all membership options HERE.
TEXTBOOKS
Students will need to purchase textbooks and educational materials. Please contact our Arabic Language Program Coordinator, Kinda Hanano, for more information about instruction materials.
Arabic A: Introductory Arabic (3 - 4 years)
This class exposes your child to the Arabic language and culture through fun activities, songs, games, stories, and small crafts. No textbook is used in this class.
Arabic A: Introductory Arabic (3 - 4 years)
This class exposes your child to the Arabic language and culture through fun activities, songs, games, stories, and small crafts. No textbook is used in this class.
Please note that the children need to be toilet trained. We prefer that a parent accompanies a child during class.
Arabic B: Introductory Arabic (4 - 5 years)
Over two semesters, this class introduces the Arabic Alphabet and enables the student to identify and copy the Arabic letters in their independent forms.
Arabic B: Introductory Arabic
(4 - 5 years)
Over two semesters, this class introduces the Arabic Alphabet and enables the student to identify and copy the Arabic letters in their independent forms.
By the end of this class, students will be able to use basic greetings, say their names, count and say their age, talk about themselves and their families, use common expressions and comprehend basic classroom directions. In addition they learn some vocabulary related to various topics such as clothes, colors, sizes, body parts, fruits and vegetables, Arabic breakfast and drinks, classroom objects, animals, nature and means of transportation.
Course Materials
"A Bouquet of Letters & Numbers - K1", "( باقة حروف و أرقام : روضة أولى (الفصل الأول و الثاني " by a team of authors.
Arabic C: Introductory Arabic (5 - 6 years)
Over two semesters, it introduces the various shapes of the Arabic letters and enables the student to identify, sound and copy these letters in their initial, medial, and final positions.
Arabic C: Introductory Arabic (5 - 6 years)
This class is offered to Kindergarten students. Over two semesters, it introduces the various shapes of the Arabic letters and enables the student to identify, sound and copy these letters in their initial, medial, and final positions. Also they will be able to recognize and sound the short and long vowels.
By the end of this class, students will be able to use basic greetings, some courtesy words, say their names, count and say their age, express agreement and disagreement, use common expressions, comprehend basic classroom directions, and make simple requests. Students will also be able to provide simple responses based on familiar topics such as health, feelings, family, clothes, colors, sizes, body parts, fruits and vegetables, Arabic breakfast and drinks, dining utensils, classroom objects, animals, nature and means of transportation. The days of the week and seasons, and singular subjective pronouns will be introduced as well.
Course Materials
"Rowad AlArabya: Level 2", "رواد العربية" by Ghada Musa.
Arabic 101: Elementary Arabic Level 1 (6 – 9 years old)
By the end of this level (two semesters) students will be able to recognize the Arabic letters, pronounce correctly all Arabic sounds, and be able to read simple words and short phrases.
Arabic 101: Elementary Arabic Level 1 (6 – 9 years old)
This class is offered to (6 years old) students who complete Arabic C at Alif Institute. It is also offered to (8 - 9 years old) students with no prior exposure to Arabic.
By the end of this level (two semesters), students will be able to recognize the Arabic letters, pronounce correctly all Arabic sounds, and be able to read and write simple words and short phrases. Besides learning all letters, 10 extra-alphabetical symbols are introduced.
In addition to developing the reading, writing, and vocabulary skills, students will learn more greetings, farewells, and some courtesy words. They will also learn the numbers and be able to tell their age, express agreement and disagreement, likes and dislikes and use common expressions. They will start sharing some information about self such as: my age, my family, my friends and my school. Students will start using question words, some demonstrative and subjective pronouns, and some simple verbs in the present tense. Also some new topics taught in context are introduced such as: my house, my garden, meals, feelings and emotions, and jobs and professions.
Course Materials
A complete set of educational materials developed by Alif Institute specifically for this level.
Arabic 102: Elementary Arabic Level 2 (8 – 11 years old)
By the end of the level (two semesters), students will have mastered the Arabic Alphabet and are able to recognize and pronounce correctly all Arabic letters.
Arabic 102: Elementary Arabic Level 2 (8 – 11 years old)
This class is offered to students who complete Arabic 101- Elementary Arabic or its equivalent.
By the end of the level (two semesters), students will have mastered the Arabic Alphabet and are able to recognize and pronounce correctly all Arabic letters. They will be able to read and write accurately short sentences using familiar vocabulary, speak in the present tense and begin using the past tense, learn about the gender of words, the definite article, adjectives derived from nouns, how to use various types of questions, subject and demonstrative pronouns, plurals, and nominal sentences. Students will be able to ask for basic information, answer simple questions about themselves, their friends and family, and be able to comprehend simple print and audio/video texts on familiar topics. Students will be able to engage in conversations in a variety of topics including: time, days of the week, months, wetaher and seasons. Also students will be able to participate in culturally-authentic simulations such as holidays celebration, shopping for food and clothese, sports activities and daily routine.
Course Materials
“The Exciting Reading: Level 2", "القراءة المُشوِّقة: الجزء الثاني " , by a team of authors.
Arabic 103: Elementary Arabic Level 3 (9 -13 years)
By the end of the level (two semesters) they will be able to write sentences using familiar vocabulary with emphasis on Arabic sentence structure and basic grammar.
Arabic 103: Elementary Arabic Level 3 (9 -13 years)
This class is offered to students who complete Arabic 102- Elementary Arabic or its equivalent.
By the end of the level (two semesters), they will be able to read and write sentences using familiar vocabulary with emphasis on the basic Arabic sentence structure, speak in the present tense and begin using the past and future tenses, how to use various types of questions, subject and demonstrative pronouns, plurals, and nominal sentences. THey will be are able to write simple sentences about familiar topics.
Also students will be able to carry a conversation including exchange of information about self and others. Students will be able to engage in conversations in a variety of topics including: food, clothes, house, furniture, daily routines, weather, shopping, school, nationalities, professions and some Arabic customs. Students are able to identify countries where target language is spoken
Course Materials
"Ya Hala! - for Middle School, Level One", "يا هلا! ", by Hachette Antoine
Arabic 104: Intermediate Arabic Level 1 (13+ years)
By the end of the level (two semesters), They will be able to read and write simple phrases and sentences about familiar topics and experiences by using the present, past and future tenses.
Arabic 104: Intermediate Arabic Level 1 (13+ years)
This class is offered to students who complete Arabic 103- Elementary Arabic or its equivalent.
By the end of the level (two semesters), They will be able to read and write simple phrases and sentences about familiar topics and experiences by using the present, past and future tenses. Students demonstrate some proficiency in listening and reading comprehension, use the singular, dual and plural nouns, and are able to write simple sentences about familiar topics.
Also students will be able to order a drink at a coffee shop and food at an Arabic restaurant, learn about Arabic food and pastries, accept an invitation, shop for clothes. Students are introduced to Arabic traditional costumes, currencies, movies and music instruments. They will be able to make phone calls, shop at the mall, go to the swimming pool. communicate with the doctor and pharmacist and use some basic correspondence. Students will be able to discover the Arab culture through stops in different Arab countries.
Course Materials
"Ya Hala! - for Middle School, Level One", "يا هلا! ", by Hachette Antoine
Summer Intensive Arabic (7 - 13 years)
By the end of the course ( two weeks) using interactive methods students age between (7- 9 years) will be able to recognize the first half of the Arabic letters in different shapes, pronounce correctly those letters with short and long vowels, and be able to read simple words and short phrases.In addition, students will practice conversation of basic daily scenarios. Students age between (10 – 13 years) will be able to write phrases or short sentences using familiar vocabulary with emphasis on Arabic sentence structure and basic grammar.In addition, practice conversation of basic daily scenarios using authentic materials.