Student Activities

There is much more to the Chicago Persian School than learning the Persian language. What truly enriches the student experience goes beyond their classroom. Through age-appropriate fun activities, we engage students with various aspects of Iranian culture and strengthen their sense of connection to the school community. Through formal and informal cross-grade interactions, workshops, and after-school enrichment classes, students explore learn more and forge bonds with each other that they will carry with them throughout their lives.

Reading Buddy Program

Program Goals: Reading fluency, peer mentorship, and role-modeling;

Format: Older students read Persian storybooks to younger students;

Setup: Once, mid-academic year, during the class time, with a 4-week prep time for the story readers;

Description: Teachers help older students with more advanced Persian language skills to choose simple Persian storybooks and prepare themselves to read the stories fluently for their younger "reading buddy". This program provides a valuable space for cross-level peer engagement when older students visit younger classrooms and inspire beginner students with their reading proficiency.

Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago Museum Field Trip

Program Goals: Familiarizing students with Iran's ancient history;

Format: A guided museum visit is arranged for the current or past students ages 11 and older and their families;

Setup: Once a year, on a school day at the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago Museum

Description: A guided museum visit to the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago Museum for the current students, ages 11 and older, to learn about Iran's ancient history, the Persian empire, the neighboring dynasties, and the special Persepolise exhibition.

Talent Show

Program Goals: Showcasing students performing art talents and community engagement;

Format: Current or past students and their family members bring to stage an ensemble of Persian performing talents;

Setup: Once a year, on a non-school day, at a performing art venue;

Description: Current or past students and their family members audition to showcase their talents during a 3-7 minute performance on stage. The talent must be captured in the Persian language or art, e.g., Iranian musical pieces, choreographed dances, songs, skits, and recitations in the Persian language.

Backgammon Workshop

Program Goals: Learning Backgammon as an Iranian folk game;

Format: Parent volunteers teach Backgammon to students who sign up;

Setup: Once a year, after Persian classes, at the school;

Description: This free workshop is advertised to current and past students ages 10 to 17 so they can sign up and learn the rules of the game from volunteer instructors. Students are paired so they can learn Backgammon rules and tricks as they play the game.

Iranian Folk Games Workshop

Program Goals: Learning various Iranian folk games while engaging with peers;

Format: Classes are combined and teachers guide the students through the game rules;

Setup: On two consecutive sessions, using the last 30-min of the class time, at the school;

Description: Teachers show students the rules for several easy and fun Iranian folk games while allowing kids to practice the games in age groups of 5 to 10 and 11 to 15. This program provides a comfortable space for cross-level peer engagement and a sense of belonging.

Calligraphy Workshop

Program Goals: Introduction to Persian Calligraphy;

Format: Volunteers show the basics of Persian calligraphy to students who already know how to write in Persian;

Setup: Once a year, after Persian classes, at the school;

Description: Volunteers show students ages 11 and older the basics of Persian calligraphy, using authentic Persian calligraphy tools, provided by the school. This program provides a comfortable space for cross-level peer engagement and a sense of belonging.

Iranian Food Competition

Program Goals: Learning about Iranian foods while engaging in a fun competition with peers;

Format: Student teams compete to win prizes for the best-tasting and best-looking final product, according to the provided Persian recipe;

Setup: Once per academic year, using the last 45-min of the class time, at the school;

Description: Current students ages 11 and older choose their teammates and follow a recipe in Persian to prepare an Iranian dish within the designated time, using the ingredients and tools provided by the school. Teams can win the vote of the volunteer judges based on the taste and presentation of their final product. This competition provides a fun engagement opportunity with peers while enhancing the sense of belonging.

Taarof Competition

Program Goals: Engaging in a competition with peers while having fun with the tradition of Iranian Taa'rof;

Format: Students compete to outperform each other in various Taa'rof scenarios;

Setup: Once per academic year, using the last 30-min of the class time, at the school;

Description: Current students ages 11 and older are given various scenarios that allow them to show off their skills in Taa'rof. Students can win by outperforming each other in Taa'rof conversations. This competition provides a fun engagement opportunity with peers while enhancing the students' conversation skills.