Pardis for Children is a fun and loving environment where children come together to learn about the Persian language and culture, hear the music and melodies of Iran, be surrounded by Persian books, and interact with other Iranian American children. Classes are designed for children who are being raised in the United States by Iranian and/or foreign parents. We have adapted a hybrid of progressive teaching philosophies and methods to introduce the Persian culture and language in a fun, creative and stimulating way. The children learn Persian vocabulary and different aspects of the culture through discovery, art, music, play and storytelling. The themes for classes are inspired by Persian folklore and expressions. Our classes are student-centered, and the sense of freedom within our fun and friendly structure encourages the children’s creativity and self-expression. Activities and materials used in classes are chosen carefully for each age group.
Music — All age groups will have a music section during each class. The music section will include singing activities, musical games, movement, storytelling, role playing and instrument exploration. Music plays an important role in acquisition of language and literacy development. By engaging children in musical games and singing activities they will be able to improve and enhance their Persian vocabulary while having a fun musical time. Through musical activities children learn, communicate and gain significant cultural experiences. Children will start to perform in a choir from Class E (Pesteh).
Arts and Cultural Education — The arts and crafts portion of the class uses familiar notions such as colors, animals, family, and body parts inspired by Persian folklore and expressions to introduce different aspects of Persian culture. The games address developmental stages of children by encouraging their creative, physical and vocal participation. We will also have a guided improvisational time at the end of each class based on the words and expressions learned during previous sessions. Every semester, our Pesteh and Gerdou groups will engage in a cultural education project which they’ll be working on throughout the term.
ONLINE Classes and Workshops
Programs for Children of all ages
Registration for ONLINE Classes and Workshops
- Registration for Spring Semester opens on December 21 and will close on January 3, 2021.
- Core Classes and Workshops begin the week of January 10, 2021. Core Classes will continue through May 9, 2021.
- Online classes and Workshops are offered to children in different Time Zones.
Core Classes
- ONLINE Core Classes meet on Sundays, each class has a morning and afternoon section.
- Depending on the age group, classes consist of Language, Music, Art and Cultural Education portions.
- New Students that are enrolled in Classes E, F or G will be placed in the appropriate group based on their age and language proficiency. Evaluation forms will be sent out before classes begin.
- All classes are held remotely and will meet via Zoom. Depending on the class, students might also have asynchronous lessons and activities to complete during the week. You will receive an email with a Zoom link prior to the class.
- For more information go to Registration page and click on the class.
Workshops
- Spring 2021 semester Workshops will begin the week of January 10.
- Some workshops have multiple sections and are offered at different times.
- For class details and other information such as meeting times and supply list, click on the title of the Workshop or go to Registration page and click on the class image.
- You can read about the instructors on Our Team page.
Sing and Play — 1 to 3 yrs
Tuesdays at 10:00AM – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Thursdays at 2:00PM – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Taught by Hani Niroo
In this workshop, inspired by “Orff-schulwerk” approach, we will combine music, movement, drama, and speech. Children with the help of an adult will sing, play games and learn some of the Persian nursery rhymes and songs. Also, we will be making our own music and musical instruments using simple materials from around the house, and include them in our games and singing.
Story-time with Finger Puppets — 3 to 6 yrs
Mondays at 3:30 – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Taught by Ayrin Gharibpour
In this workshop, we will learn about three different stories: Mehman Nakhandeh, Kado Ghelgheleh-zan and Shenelghermezi. In each session, the instructor will tell one of the stories using finger puppets made out of felt and cloth. Children will participate in the process of telling the story and will be interacting with the puppets. After listening to the story, children will create their own puppets using paper! These are simple puppets that can easily be made by young children.
Sing Play Dance — 3 to 6 yrs
Tuesdays at 11:00AM – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Thursdays at 3:00PM – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Saturdays at 10:00AM – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Saturdays at 1:00PM – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Taught by Hani Niroo
In this workshop, inspired by “Orff-schulwerk” approach, we will combine music, movement, drama, and speech. Children will sing, play games, and learn Persian nursery rhymes, songs, and fairy tales. We will be making our own music and musical instruments using simple materials from around the house, and will incorporate them in our activities.
Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Iranian artists — 8 to 14 yrs
Mondays at 4:00PM – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Taught by Sepideh Salehi
In this workshop, children will be introduced to six prominent Iranian artists from the Modern to Contemporary era: Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Charles Hossein Zenderoudi, Bahman Mohasses, Behjat Sadr, Siah Armajani, Ali Akbar Sadeghi. In each session we will learn about one of these artists while discussing her or his artwork, techniques and the use of materials! Inspired by the artist of the day, children will create their own artwork.
Introduction to Iranian Architecture— 8 to 14 yrs
Saturdays at 11:00AM – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Taught by Behin Forghanifar and Bahar Beihaghi
In this workshop, we will learn about the rich arts, architecture and culture of Iran after the fall of Sassanian dynasty and the arrival of Islam. Once a week, we will meet via Zoom and use Google Earth to go on adventures to discover historic buildings and structures built in different eras. As we study these buildings and their various purposes, we will also explore the beautiful Iranian arts such as calligraphy, stucco, mirror and mosaic tiles used in these buildings!
Expeditions to Ancient Persia— 9 to 14 yrs
Saturdays at 1:00PM – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Taught by Behin Forghanifar and Bahar Beihaghi
In this workshop, we will travel back in time, when the Achaemenids and the Sasanians ruled over Persia, and will learn about the majestic architecture of Perspolis, Naghsh-e Rostam, ChogaZanbil Ziggurat, Bisotun and the fire temples of Kashan, Hamedan and Yazd as we take a walk through each building! We will be using Google Earth to take us on an adventure into Old Persia, see the people and their surroundings and learn more about the rich architecture and culture of the time.
Go to Registration Page to register for classes.
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