Turkish Language Classes for Children
The Turkish Program is now offering in-person language classes for kids in Cupertino, sign-up while spots are available! This program is designed for heritage speakers - kids from Turkish-speaking families who have some knowledge of Turkish.
About the classes
Our Turkish language classes for young children in the U.S. focus on building foundational language skills in a fun and engaging way. We help solidify student's understanding of basic grammar and language concepts, such as asking questions, expressing feelings, and building essential vocabulary. Younger students work on practicing the Turkish alphabet through interactive exercises that help them read and write the letters. With more advanced children, we help them practice sentence structures, allowing them to form phrases and express themselves in Turkish. The goal is to create a solid language base that empowers children to communicate with ease and confidence.
Interactive activities are a central part of our classes, allowing kids to learn through play. We incorporate educational games that keep the children engaged and help reinforce language concepts. For example, we play 'Edible - Not Edible', a fun game where kids practice Turkish vocabulary by throwing and catching a ball while naming objects they see around them. Another favorite activity is making crafts related to the lessons. After reading The Hungry Caterpillar in Turkish, children construct caterpillars out of fruit and vegetables, reinforcing the vocabulary and concepts learned in the book. When studying the Turkish version of What's in My Bag?, children create their own bags from construction paper, a creative way to explore language and express themselves in Turkish.
In addition to language skills, our classes also introduce children to Turkish literature and culture. We expose them to popular Turkish children's books, fostering a love of reading while immersing them in the culture of Turkey. Through stories, songs, and discussions, kids gain a deeper understanding of Turkish traditions, values, and history. These lessons not only support language development but also provide a meaningful connection to their cultural heritage, creating a rich and well-rounded learning experience.