Turkish Language Classes for Children
The Turkish Program is now offering in-person language classes for kids in Cupertino, CA. This program is designed for heritage speakers - kids from Turkish-speaking families who have some knowledge of Turkish.
Class Schedule
Our Kids program is currently on a break. Please check back at a later time when to see if programming has resumed.
Don't see a class that fits your schedule/ level?
Fill out our class request form to let us know your scheduling availability, and your language learning goals and we will do our best to accomodate you next term!
Meet the Turkish Program Kids Instructors
Meet our dedicated team of Native Turkish speaking instructors for our kids program, each bringing a passion for teaching and years of experience working with children, as well as creative skills like acting, dancing, writing, and music. Get to know the friendly faces who make learning Turkish fun, engaging, and culturally enriching for young learners.
Hatice
Turkish Kids Instructor
Born in Sivas, Turkey, Hatice graduated Muğla University with a degree in Philosophy. She has several decades of experience in education, from teaching philosophy, to guidance counseling in private schools in Turkey and teaching toddlers in California, to her current role as Turkish Program Kids instructor. In addition to an impressive education background, Hatice is a published writer. She is currently completing her degree in Child Development at Foothill College.
Soner
Turkish Kids Instructor
Soner graduated from Muğla University with an undergraduate degree in sociology, and a master's degree in theater. He is one of the founding actors of Muğla Duvar Sahnesi (MDS) and Ankara Yol Atölye. He is an experienced actor, including performing in children's plays, storytelling, short films and documentaries, and worked as an acting instructor and director. In addition to acting, he is a published writer. He is currently completing a degree in Child Development at Foothill College.
Melike
Turkish Kids Instructor
Melike graduated from Trakya University with a degree in Chemistry and also studied Radio and Television Programming at Anadolu University. Later, Melike completed her Sociology degree remotely at Istanbul University. She worked at the Press Office of Ataşehir Municipality in Istanbul, where she was involved in various cultural and educational projects for children. After moving to the United States, she worked as a child caregiver. She is passionate about teaching Turkish kids and helping them learn about their culture. She is also a dancer, performing in cultural events and stage shows.
About the kids Turkish 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.
