Curriculum

Beginners

Beginners I (10 classes): This curriculum focuses on all components of an effective literacy program:

• Phonemic Awareness
• Identifying and writing the Bengali alphabet
• Reading monosyllabic words
• Vocabulary development through fun art activities and matching games
• Writing one’s name and simple words
• Conversation in Bengali
• Listening to the timeless collection of children’s literature in Bengali from a choice of authors
  • Rabindranath Tagore
  • Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury
  • Sukumar Roy
  • Lila Majumdar
  • Abanindranath Tagore
  • Satyajit Ray
• Recite from memory 2 to 3 Bengali poems

Beginners II (10 classes): To enroll in this session students must have completed the Beginners I session or have equivalent knowledge. The curriculum focuses on all components of a literacy program:

• Reading 
• Writing
• Speaking
• Students will learn to read and write short sentences by following the rules of grammar.
• Students will learn to describe or talk about a topic in Bengali
• Listening to stories from the timeless collection of children’s literature in Bengali

Intermediate 

Intermediate  I (10 classes): The focus of this curriculum is on the higher stages of language development. To enroll in this session, students must complete Beginners I and II sessions or have equivalent knowledge. The topics to be covered are:

• Rules of grammar – in particular, jukatkkhor (consonant blends and diagraphs)
• Vocabulary building – identifying sight words with unusual spelling
• Sentence making and paragraph writing
• Conversation – students will learn to talk in Bengali and give short extempore speeches on everyday topics
• Storytelling sessions in every class where students will listen to stories from a collection of the very best in children’s literature

Intermediate II (10 classes): The goal of this course is to improve the students’ reading proficiency and to make them independent learners. 

• Students will be introduced to Beginners’ Level Picture Books
• They will be able to communicate fluently, effectively, and spontaneously in Bengali
• They will build vocabulary and be able to understand a wide range of Bengali texts
• Storytelling will be an integral part of the curriculum
• Students will learn to memorize 2 -3 poems in Bengali

Advanced

Advanced I (10 classes): To enroll in this course students must have completed the Beginners and Intermediate courses or have equivalent knowledge. 

• Students will develop proficiency in Reading, Writing, and Speaking
• Vocabulary development and participation in group discussion will be emphasized
• Students will improve their reading fluency and vocabulary by reading books of their choice
• There will be storytelling sessions and group discussions to help students develop their comprehension of the Bengali language and their critical thinking skills

Advanced II (10 classes): At this advanced level students will spend their time refining their language skills.

• Learn to read higher-level books independently
• Write complex sentences using a wide range of vocabulary words 
• Write paragraphs, essays, and letters by following the rules of grammar
• Storytelling will be an integral part of the course
• Students will learn to recite 2 to 3 poems in Bengali