Improving critical language skills of U.S. and international students

Mentor teacher Jacqueline Coe and TCLP Chinese teacher Zhao Yanzhen at Bow High School in Bow, NH implemented a project entitled: “Chinese Language: Practice, Outreach, and Sustainability”. The project contained three subcomponents aimed at enhancing and increasing critical language learning and outreach. A field trip to Boston’s Chinatown targeted a total of 40 current Chinese students and students in the Chinese Club that might be interested in enrolling in Chinese classes in the future.

Mentor teacher Claudine Clark at Madison East High School in Madison, WI organized an Arabic Language and Culture Fair with TCLP Arabic teacher Khaled Kenawi. The Fair, held during school hours, tried to recreate the atmosphere of a Middle Eastern marketplace. There were five areas with different interactive activities representing different aspects of Arabic culture: food, clothing, music and dance, culture and geography, and writing. Each area not only taught about culture, but also introduced some language and vocabulary.

TCLP Chinese teacher Sun Liang and Mentor teacher Claudia Miettunen at Ithaca High School in Ithaca, NY designed a Critical Languages Project grant for a field trip to Chinatown in New York City. Twelve students attended this field trip, including high school Chinese students and middle school students who will be enrolling at Ithaca High School in the coming year.

TCLP Arabic teacher Mohamed Mahmoud at Shawnee Mission West High School in Shawnee Mission, KS designed project which aimed at increasing the knowledge base of current Arabic I students while also exposing a large population of middle and high school students to Arabic language. His students created a long-lasting Arabic language instructional booklet in a magazine format and an instructional Arabic video. Both the magazine and the Arabic video were distributed to all Shawnee Mission elementary, middle, and high schools where up to 28,000 students may view these materials.

• TCLP Arabic teacher Ibrahim Elkadi will design a project titled “Around the Arabic Nation in Two Days” with support from teachers and students at Scott’s Branch High School in Summerton, South Carolina. This two-day celebration will expose 300 high school students, 100 middle school students, 70 primary students, 6 administrators and 40 teachers to the diversity of 22 Arabic-speaking countries. Local groups and neighboring schools will also be invited to attend this unique event.

TCLP Chinese teacher Cao Yanna will organize project at Indian River Charter School in Vero Beach, Florida with the support of the Indian River students and faculty. This Spring Festival Event includes multiple components aimed at providing students with an opportunity to practice their Chinese skills in real-life language situations and share what they have learned with their families, teachers, and classmates while also exposing other community members to Chinese culture and increasing interest in the Chinese program at Indian River Charter School.

TCLP Egyptian exchange teacher Abla Rasslan was approved for a 3-part Arabic cultural project. The first part consisted of current H.L. Harshman Middle School students teaching other feeder school students about Arabic language and culture. The second part was the creation of an “Encyclopedia Arabia” in which 15 schools contributed projects for inclusion on topics ranging from tourist attractions, to the economy and government of the Arab world. The final part was a culminating Arabic fair, which showcased student work in Arabic class and a fashion show.

TCLP Egyptian exchange teacher Ahmed Mohamed at Renaissance High School was awarded a grant to shed the light on many aspects of the Arab language and culture though an Arabic Night. Current Arabic students gave participants an in-depth look at the Arab world through performances, songs, fashion shows, and games. In the audience were current 8th grade students who will be attending RHS next fall, as well as community members, school district officials, and current RHS students.

At Plymouth High School, mentor teacher Laura Koebel and exchange teacher Ez Eldin Salem designed a project in which 30 Arabic students at Plymouth High School participated in an all day event centered around Arabic studies. First, the students attended 1st and 4th semester Arabic courses at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. Afterwards, the students discussed language learning at the college level and practiced their Arabic with the university Arabic students.

TCLP Chinese teacher Yao Xiaoning organized a three-part CLP for students at Correia Middle School. Part one was a visit to the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum to learn about Chinese history, appreciate some Chinese artwork and watch a calligraphy presentation. Part two was a May field trip to the Chinatown in Los Angeles, where students completed a scavenger hunt in a Chinese market, had lunch in a Chinese restaurant, and bought books in a bookstore using what they’ve learned from Chinese class. Part three was a Chinese Night activity.