Persian Course 3 - 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 countries of Afghanistan and Tajikistan on New Year’s Day (according to the solar calendar). The history of Nowruz goes back three thousand years. Through interactive activities, learner will explore traditions and customs that are involved with the Nowruz celebration. They will learn when and for how long Nowruz is celebrated, as well as what families and societies do in order to welcome the start of spring on Nowruz.

The course will target learners in 4th and 5th grades (9-10 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 by completing charts, Venn diagram, and matching activities, while older learners will explore more online materials, create advertisements, completing graphic organizers and KWL (Know, Want to know, Learned), and make more detailed presentations on familiar topics.

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 program structures such as weekend schools, semester long programs, etc.

In the process of learning, students will interpret written authentic resources by reading newspapers, magazines, and/or articles; filling out worksheets/charts; and communicating via text messaging or social media with their classmates about Nowruz celebrations and customs. Learners will further work in pairs or small groups to identify and write about the similarities and/or differences of the New Year celebration in Iran and in the United State. They will read authentic texts and complete charts answering What, When, Where questions. By the end of the program, the learners will be able to read, write, and talk about favorite foods, games, activities, and important places that Persian usually visit during Nowruz. They will also be able to identify areas that are similar or different from those New Year celebrations in the United States. Learners will further be able to make short presentations and explains the steps that are involved in the celebration.