ARAB

Invite students to share information
about their culture.
If your new students are comfortable doing so, invite
them to share information about their country, their
culture (food, music) or customs.
If possible, arrange a field trip to a mosque or local
bakery, or invite an Arab member of the community to
speak to the class.
See Community Resources (page 34) for suggestions.
Look for opportunities to infuse the
curriculum with information about
the Arab culture.
To help your new students feel at home and to
develop an appreciation for the contributions made by
Arabs, plan learning activities within various curricular
areas that achieve both ends:
• Social Studies—Conduct research on Arab
contributions.
• Music—Introduce students to Middle Eastern music
and instruments.
• Art—Examine and experience the symbolic
representation of Arabic script.
• Language Arts—Look at and listen to Arabic stories
and poetry.
• Math—Collect statistical data on Arab countries and
create charts.
During the holiday season in December, organize a
week-long Celebration of Celebrations activity in which
all the students and the families can share their heritage,
culture, customs and traditions. This can lead to an
understanding of everyone’s culture and community in
an authentic manner. In the younger grades, students
are exposed to and develop an appreciation for the
foods, clothing and special traditions amongst families.
In the older grades, the students can write a report on
the similarities and differences and do research on the
cultures and countries that interest them. This is a very
inclusive activity that allows even the most shy and
reluctant student to participate.
YUET CHAN
22 PROMOTING SUCCESS WITH ARAB IMMIGRANT STUDENTS—TEACHER RESOURCES