Teaching your children Arabic from Madinah Arabic Reader Series Lesson 1 (Video #2)

Madinah Book Reader PDF: FREE DOWNLOAD & PRINTABLE

Free Flash Cards: FREE DOWNLOAD & PRINTABLE

Our teaching method: 

• For the initial introduction: I talk to the children about how important it is to be able to ask questions in Arabic. I assure them that asking questions in Arabic is even easier than it is in English!! 
• I tell them we're going to start with the two shortest and easiest ways for now. (haal & Aaa)
• you can now read to the children the new page (p.4) or have the children read it if they are strong. 
• I prefer to start with reading each phrase or vocabulary term one by one after me. 
• When they are confident with the pronunciation of the words. I give them the new vocabulary cards for the unit which we will write today (Link p. 4 new vocab.)
• They will write the vocabulary words 10 times or 5 times each from Sunday through Thursday. Take special care that the children are saying the word out loud as they write. Using all of their senses will help them to speed up the memorization
• Touch (writing with their pencil in their notebook) 
• Sight (reading the vocabulary words with their eyes) 
• hearing (listening to the recitation of their own chanting) 
• smell and taste (lol okay, so we're just using 3 senses) 

• it is best to write these words while looking at the illustrated vocabulary cards. 
• My girls are reading at a beginner level, so the pictures are a translation tool for them. However, if your children can read, feel free to make basic flashcards that just include a very general and basic translation. 
• We do NOT return to the unit in the book until they have MEMORIZED ALL of the vocabulary. This is the MOST IMPORTANT STEP in my opinion.

WHY?...

Food for thought: If the children are trying to learn vocabulary and core concepts at the same time. This will make the book more difficult. This can even become difficult for an adult. To keep the language learning simple and enjoyable, assign one expectation at a time. Vocabulary memorization and then concept comprehension. Now the children have the ability to focus on the concept of the lesson or the use of the word without also struggling with remembering the vocabulary. Thus, for me, the number one concern is memorizing the unit vocabulary. It is also how I gauge whether or not we are ready to move on and focus on the new concept. This method also boosts their confidence and allows them to meet recognizable milestones.

PAGE 4-6 LESSON CONCEPT: 

Book P. 4-6:

• This page is demonstrates to the children how to ask a question in two forms.
• Introduces the "what" of the Arabic language.
• (maa- what)
• Introduces the "is" of the Arabic language
• (aa - is) 
• Introduces words of affirmation and negation
•  (na'am - yes) and (laa - no) 

Note to Mom or Dad:   

• Be sure to continue emphasizing the sound of tanween at the end of the words. 
• Read over this tiny dialogue and try to do some role play 
• take turns allowing the children to be the questioner or answerer
• Continue practicing this small skit with the existing vocabulary words of this unit.
• This is an opportunity to make use of the vocabulary you have started in a fun way.

Your Goal: 

1. memorization of the new vocabulary terms for - yes, no, is...? and, what...?
2. The children and you are actively using these question structures around the house.

HOMEWORK:

You can incorporate any means to help your children learn the vocabulary in a fun and easy way, but writing the vocabulary should and saying the words as they write should be a small portion of their day every day. 

1. write the words and terms 3-10X's each depending on their age and ability would be a reasonable expectation. 
2. Review vocabulary flashcards
3. Incorporate these words as a replacement in their mother language

Example: Mom: "Tom, aa hadtha....food? Child: "Na'am hadtha food mom"

Saying:
 "Aa 'hatha.... " in replacement of "Is this" 
"Maa hadtha?" in replacement of "What is this?"
"na'am" and "laa" in replacement of "yes" and "No" 
....will help your children to build a long term connection and clear understanding of these vocabulary words in their everyday routine.  

WE CAN DO IT!!

SO DO IT!!