Growing with Language and Culture
Overview
This project aims to promote literacy and cultural preservation for children from immigrant or heritage communities living in the United States. Through engaging language classes, children strengthen their connection to their heritage language while developing essential reading and writing skills. At the same time, the project invites parents and caregivers to participate in social and community activities offered by Our House of the Way, fostering stronger family and community bonds.
How It Works
- Classes take place at Our House of the Way, located at 175 Territorial Rd, Benton Harbor.
- Each session lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, held once a week.
- While children attend classes, parents are welcome to join community activities offered at Our House — including discussion groups, practical workshops, or volunteering opportunities.
- Each program cycle can focus on a specific language and cultural group (such as Arabic, Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese, etc.), depending on community demand.
About the Project
“Growing with Language and Culture” is an educational program that values bilingualism and cultural identity. Through literacy classes and creative cultural activities, children reconnect with the language and traditions of their families, developing pride in their roots. The project also actively involves parents, creating a support network among families and strengthening the sense of community.
Registration Fee
Each child contributes a monthly fee, which helps cover:
- Educational materials;
- Educator’s fee;
- Snack for children;
- Space maintenance and utilities;
- Community programs that assist vulnerable families.
Fee Reference:
- Monthly: $100 per child.
- Semester (6 months): $550 per child.
Project Structure
- Ages: 5 to 14 years old (adjustable based on the community’s needs).
- Frequency: Once a week.
- Class Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Days: Based on demand (e.g., Mondays or Thursdays, 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM).
- Minimum Group Size: 10 children to start a new class.
Dynamic and Cultural Learning Methods
- Reading and Writing Skills: Literacy practice tailored to each language, combining reading aloud, creative writing, and basic grammar.
- Games and Activities: Fun games designed to expand vocabulary and build fluency.
- Music and Storytelling: Traditional songs and stories to teach language and cultural values.
- Creative Projects: Drawing, crafting, and theatrical presentations to encourage self-expression while learning the language.
- Cultural Immersion: Celebrating important cultural holidays and festivals to strengthen cultural ties (such as Ramadan celebrations for Arabic groups, Diwali for Hindi, or Carnival for Portuguese-speaking children).
Language Levels
- Beginner: For children with little or no exposure to the language.
- Intermediate: For children who understand the language but need help with reading and writing.
- Advanced: For children who are already fluent but want to improve grammar, formal writing, and advanced vocabulary.
(Levels will be offered based on demand in each language group.)
Project Sustainability
The registration fee supports:
- Teaching and creative materials;
- Snacks for the children;
- Educator compensation;
- Rent, internet, and utilities;
- Support for Our House’s social programs, helping vulnerable families in our community.
Timeline
- Ongoing Program: Each cycle lasts 6 months, with new classes opening regularly.
- New Class Formation: Each new class begins once at least 10 children are registered.
- Registration: Families can sign up online via the Our House website.
Next Steps for New Language Groups
- Community outreach to gauge interest in a new language group (e.g., Hindi/Spanish/Portuguese/Arabic-speaking families).
- Forming the first class.
- Recruiting a bilingual educator fluent in the community’s language and culture.
- Developing culturally relevant learning materials.
- Planning parallel activities for parents during class time.
- Hosting a welcoming event to launch the new class.
Example: Portuguese Language and Culture Class
- Language: Portuguese
- Cultural Focus: Stories, songs, and celebrations from the Arab world (e.g., Ramadan, Eid, Arabic calligraphy workshops).
- Educator: Native Arabic speaker with teaching experience.
- Activities for Parents: Conversation circles, parenting support, or volunteering at OUR HOUSE.
Do you want to learn more? Watch the video
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