Dear Families,

In our ongoing series of articles about our adopted standards, this week we are highlighting the ACTFL standard that we use for our Arabic classes. At ACS, we believe that learning a foreign language is essential for developing global competence and critical thinking skills. Our Arabic language program is designed to provide students with a foundation in the Arabic language, aligning with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Standards.

It's important to note that our Arabic program is designed as a foreign language program, not a bilingual program. While we aim to develop students' proficiency in Arabic, we do not expect them to become fully bilingual. Instead, our goal is to equip students with the skills to communicate in Arabic and appreciate Jordanian culture.

How We Use the ACTFL Standards to Guide Instruction

The ACTFL Standards provide a framework for teaching and learning languages. We use these standards to:

• Develop Communicative Competence: Our lessons focus on practical language skills, such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

• Foster Cultural Understanding: We incorporate cultural activities and discussions to help students appreciate the diversity of the Arab world.

A Literacy Workshop Model for Arabic Language Learning

To create engaging and effective learning experiences, we utilize a literacy workshop model in our Arabic language classes. This model is similar to the one used in homeroom classes, with a focus on:

• Mini-Lessons: Teachers introduce new skills and concepts through concise, focused lessons.

• Independent and Partner Work: Students practice skills independently and with partners, with teacher support as needed.

• Shared Reading: Teachers and students read texts together.

• Writing Workshop: Students engage in various writing activities.

How You Can Support Your Child's Arabic Learning at Home

• Practice Speaking: Encourage your child to practice speaking Arabic with family members or language exchange partners.

• Read Arabic Books and Stories: Explore children's books in Arabic to build vocabulary and comprehension skills. We have a great selection in the LC!

• Watch Arabic-Language Media: Expose your child to Arabic-language TV shows, movies, or YouTube videos.

Yours,

Michelle

If a single day snow closure is announced late at night or early in the morning, ACS invites everyone to enjoy the fresh snow! 

If the closure stretches beyond a single day or is announced in anticipation of a major storm, virtual schooling will be the norm. We understand that not all students will have access to technology or an adult to support them throughout the day so teachers will provide families with different options. In the Elementary School, you can expect the following - 

• Teachers will send an email to parents in the morning with a list of student learning activities. Some of these activities will be online and others will be things that students can do without access to technology. Most activities will be practice of concepts and skills that students have already been introduced to. 

• Grade 5 teachers will use Google Classroom for students to access their learning activities.

• Teachers will be available via email to answer any questions that parents or students have throughout the day. 

• If an extended period of school closure occurs, we will contact families with our plans. These plans will vary depending on if we can get students' devices to families or not.

Parents, please note that we will not have after school care available for students and all ES students must have an adult chaperone at this event. 

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