My goodness! How are we already in August, with Back to School upon us?! I go back next week and I just wanted to share with you a few observations from the fantastic Arabic class that I got to experience at CI Summit in Cincinnati this summer and my take ways as I’m thinking about heading back into (my new) classroom! I’m moving out of the portables and back into the main school… classroom tour to come, soon, I hope!

One of the most powerful professional learning opportunities for language teachers is acquiring an unfamiliar language. Remembering what our students feel like, their brains swimming in a brand new language, limited by what they can express, helps us become better teachers. I was so blessed to attend Emily Ibrahim’s Egyptian Arabic class, and besides picking up a bit of Arabic (which is so fun, by the way!), I noticed several things Emily did masterfully that I want to incorporate into my own practice.

Gentleness:

We know we’ve got to slow down…novice learners need a long time to process language for meaning. Emily did this but so much more! Not only did Emily speak slowly enough to allow our brains to comprehend the messages, she taught with an unmistakable air of unhurriedness. Instead of thinking (as I would!) “I’ve only got 255 minutes, spread over 3 days to pack their little brains full of Arabic” she taught as if she had all the time in the world. Nothing felt rushed. It didn’t feel like she was trying to squeeze in one more thing. It was so refreshingly calm and peaceful.

I want to be more like that this year: more concerned with the faces in front of me than the ticking clock on the wall. I want to slow down, not only the pace of my speech but the rhythm of my teaching as well. I want my class to feel safer and gentler. I want class to feel more like we’re exploring tidepools together and less like my Little Darlings are caught up in an avalanche of Spanish.

Engagement:

However, that is not to say that Emily teaches like a Zen master and we were lulled into sleepy compliance! Emily is wildly captivating! We hung onto her every word, gesture, and sound effect! I didn’t find my mind wandering because I didn’t want to miss a thing! As a class, we laughed, we drank tea, we connected and we moved as we acquired Arabic. It’s true, the brain craves novelty, and the entertainment factor kept me engaged.

I’m pretty good at holding my Little Darlings’ attention and noticing when their focus starts to fade. This isn’t something I’ll necessarily do differently but something I’d like to keep in mind. I so appreciated it as a learner and I want that for my Little Darlings as well.

Cultural connections:

Sometimes we fall for the lie that our Little Darlings need a lot of language before we can teach culture in the target language but Emily busted that myth! Our class felt so rich because in addition to acquiring language, we learned about real cultural products and practices in Egypt. We saw authentic Egyptian dishes and considered the ones we’d like to try. We took a closer look at traditional clothing. We added fresh mint to our tea. We learned a fable about a man sleeping in a tent in the desert and a cold camel’s plan to warm up. All of this was in slow and very comprehensible Arabic, in only three classes!

I was reminded that when we teach comprehensibly, we can teach them about anything! I’m feeling motivated to prioritize more culture, earlier on, sprinkled throughout class. Of course we want class to be about our Little Darlings and what they’re into…but we also owe it to them to expand their horizons and give them a glimpse of this big, beautiful world!

Want to experience CI Arabic for yourself?!

Are you thinking, gosh I wish I could experience Emily’s Egyptian Arabic class for myself. YOU CAN!! Emily is hoping to teach an online CI Arabic for beginners and I so hope you take her up on it! Not only is it sure to be a good time, you’ll glean so many strategies and techniques that will make you a better teacher, I promise! If you’re interested, complete this form that Emily will use to gauge interest and reach out with opportunities.

New reader you need for your library!

And…are you thinking to yourself, why does the name Emily Ibrahim sound so familiar? It’s probably because you’ve got her book Edi el elefante or Edi l’éléphant in your classroom library! Well, Emily has a new book out and it’s absolutely stunning with water-colored illustrations that she painted herself. Check out Edi el amigo (full color version) or the black and white version! It’s certain to be a favorite with your novice Little Darlings.

Next Summer’s CI Summit?!

One last thing…we’re scouting locations for next summer’s CI Summit! If you think your school would be a great place to host CI Summit (Near-ish to an airport, walkable to hotels and restaurants, spaces that hold large numbers) complete this form here to tell us all about it! Wouldn’t that be cool?!

If you’re soaking up the last moments of summer, soak it up! If you’re already back in the classroom, I wish you a fantastic school year! Wish me luck as I tackle the unpacking, purging, and setting up The Chase Place in my new room! I can’t wait to share it with you!

Much love,

AnneMarie