Sharjah's programme in developing kid’s Arabic language skills

Teachers and educators have lauded the outcomes of the first phase of the Hurouf project, which was launched by Kalimat Publishing House at the beginning of 2011, under the direction Founder and CEO Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi. The implementation proceeded as planned in 32 schools, with 51 teachers attending training workshops ahead of time. The Hurouf programme was designed in consultation with educators and rooted in the experiences and opinions of teachers, based on their first-hand knowledge of children’s learning habits, needs, and interests. It aims to develop the Arabic curriculum and the teaching resources for teachers of Arabic in schools, in order to improve children’s Arabic language skills. Sheikha Bodour highlighted the programme’s importance, saying, “The Hurouf programme was launched in line with the UAE leaders’ focus on promoting the Arabic language as a key element of the national Arab identity, and is central to enhancing national identity and raising children who are proud of their Arab roots. Kalimat is currently working to implement several programmes that will strengthen children’s relationship with their rich language and culture.” A study conducted by a team of educators and specialists at the same time as the implementation showed the programme to be suitable for children with different abilities and needs, and easy for teachers to implement. The study also highlighted the importance of good teaching materials, and how they can help teachers to get ideas across and interact with children more easily. Mariam Abdul Rahman Al Hammadi from the Sharjah Educational Office said of the programme, “The Hurouf programme was designed to develop children’s Arabic language skills and to bridge the gap between the pre-school and primary stages, while the teachers’ guide, teaching materials, and tools facilitate the accurate teaching of the alphabet.” Teacher Khadija Abdullah said, “The preparation we received at the preliminary workshop helped nursery-level teachers get through the curriculum, and the quality of illustrations made the children more interested in learning activities.” According to Fatima Bu Taweel, instructor at the Sharjah Educational Zone, the excellent layout and production of the educational material made it easy to apply and use, and very attractive to children. “It is important to offer children a range of creative activities, and the teachers’ guidebook describes a number of methods and activities appropriate for children, including the group system, which helps children learn, understand, and interact with their counterparts within the group.” Earlier this year, Kalimat concluded an agreement with the Sharjah Educational Council to implement the first phase of Hurouf Program on the development of Arabic-language curricula in 32 schools that were selected to teach the curriculum’s content in different parts and cities of the Emirate. The project comprises a host of topics that aim to improve the level of Arabic teaching in the Arab world, starting from the UAE. From/ Gulf Today