Arabic Reading and Writing Program
We built this program around something that actually works—immersive practice paired with structured feedback. Students start with foundational script recognition and gradually move into complex sentence construction. Our approach isn't about memorizing rules. It's about building real literacy through consistent engagement with authentic Arabic texts.
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Three Phases Over Twelve Months
Most people think learning Arabic script takes years. We've found that with the right structure, students can read newspaper headlines and write coherent paragraphs within their first year. The program runs September 2025 through August 2026.
Foundation Phase
Months 1-4: You'll spend these early weeks getting comfortable with the Arabic alphabet and basic pronunciation patterns. By month four, students typically recognize all letter forms and can sound out simple words.
- Letter recognition in all positions
- Sound-symbol correspondence
- Basic diacritical marks
- Short vowel patterns
Building Phase
Months 5-8: This is where reading starts feeling natural. We introduce authentic texts—children's stories, news snippets, simple poetry. Writing exercises become more elaborate. Students begin composing short paragraphs independently.
- Connected text reading
- Paragraph composition
- Common vocabulary patterns
- Sentence structure basics
Integration Phase
Months 9-12: By this stage, you're reading real material. News articles, blog posts, literature excerpts. Writing projects get personal—students often work on topics they care about, which makes the practice stick.
- Extended text comprehension
- Essay composition
- Style and register awareness
- Independent reading strategies
How We Actually Teach This
People often ask if we use software or apps. We don't rely on them. The core of this program is direct interaction with written Arabic—handwriting practice, reading aloud, peer review sessions. Technology plays a supporting role, but the heavy lifting happens through old-fashioned repetition and feedback.
Daily Writing Practice
Students complete handwriting exercises every day. Not busywork—targeted practice that reinforces what was covered in class. We've seen that consistent daily work beats occasional marathon sessions.
Group Reading Sessions
Twice weekly, small groups read together and discuss comprehension. This social element helps students stay accountable and learn from each other's mistakes. It also makes the process less isolating.
Instructor Feedback Cycles
You submit written work every week. Instructors review it and provide specific, actionable feedback within 48 hours. This rapid turnaround keeps students from reinforcing bad habits.
Authentic Text Exposure
From month three onward, we incorporate real-world materials. Students might read a short news article or a passage from a contemporary novel. This exposure to authentic language accelerates comprehension.
Who Teaches This Program
Both instructors grew up bilingual and spent years teaching literacy to adults. They're not just fluent—they understand the specific challenges English speakers face when learning Arabic script.
Khalid Bergström
Lead Instructor, Reading Focus
Khalid spent twelve years developing literacy curriculum for adult learners in Detroit. He's particular about pacing and scaffolding—students always know what comes next and why it matters. His reading workshops emphasize comprehension strategies that transfer across languages.
Specializes in phonemic awareness and decoding strategies
Leena Vukovic
Senior Instructor, Writing Focus
Leena has been teaching Arabic composition since 2011. She's worked with everyone from complete beginners to graduate students refining their academic writing. Her feedback is detailed and practical—students often say her comments are more helpful than any textbook.
Focuses on composition mechanics and stylistic development