Persian Course 1 - Reading/Writing

Theme: “Trip to Iran and participating in Nowruz festival.” Nowruz (new day), which marks the beginning of spring, is widely celebrated in Iran and the neighboring courtiers of Tajikistan and Afghanistan on New Year (solar calendar). The history of Nowruz goes back to three thousand years. Through interactive activities, learners will explore traditions and customs that are involved with Nowruz celebration. They will learn when Nowruz is celebrated, for how many days, and what do families and societies do in order to welcome the start of spring in Nowruz, etc.

The course will target learners at K-1 grades (5-6 years old); however, activities will be varied in order to differentiate instruction for older learners who are entering the program at the level. For instance, younger children will be exposed to and will practice the language using painting and drawing, while older-age learners will complete charts and Venn diagrams.

The curriculum is intended for intensive STARTALK programs (5 days a week, 6 hours per day, including 2 hours for homework and further practice), but can be easily adapted for different time frames such as weekend schools, semester long programs, etc.

In the process of learning, learners will read children story books, play related games, write words and short phrases related to self and Nowruz, and interact with each other as well as with their Persian friends and native speakers. Learners will also interpret photographs and simple pieces of literature (i.e., children songs, games, etc.). In addition, the learners will make an illustrated list of their favorite activities and foods during Nowruz. Learners will further work in pairs or small groups and list similarities and/or differences of New Year celebration in Iran and the United States. They will look at Nowruz related pictures and predict/brainstorm ideas that may be associated with Nowruz. They will read authentic children stories about Nowruz and complete charts answering What, When, Where, etc. By the end of the program, learners will be able to name favorite foods, games, activities, and important places that Persians’ usually visit during the Nowruz celebration in Iran. They will also be able to identify areas that are similar/ or different from those New Year celebrations in the Unites States. Learners will further be able to list the steps that are involved in the celebration.