Students from Andover Elementary School were treated to a unique performance at a school assembly last week, organized by CoDE as part of its multicultural school assembly initiative.
Karim Nagi, who is a native Egyptian and Arabic speaker, introduced the students (ages 5-11) to Arab geography, language, music and culture. He helped them see how cultures may differ in food, clothing, language, but people share common human experiences. He told them where Arabic-speaking regions are located (Middle East & North Africa), and explained how many countries share Arabic language but still have unique identities.
The students showed a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the Arabiqa assembly. They tried out new language sounds and how to say simple words like hello and thank you. They were quick to recognize that Arabic is written right-to-left.
They asked thoughtful questions about daily life like, What kind of music do you like?, What is your favorite food?, What is your favorite color?, and How many kids are in your family?
At the end of the show one of the 1st graders went up to Karim and asked if he could come back again next week!
Many thanks to Christi Moraga, Karen Wilkinson and Christie Hazen of CoDE for their work on this project!
