Kate in Arabia
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Posts posted by Kate in Arabia
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Hi Jamie, here's a link to the discussion of the medieval list I used:
hth!
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My mom called me in India to tell me that my daughter now couldn't be the first Indian-American Miss. American. I think we will survive the disappointment. :laugh:
Good for her - she is a lovely girl.
My mom is probably thinking the same thing about my dd, lol!
So, so sad to see the ignorance of others online. Really, the internet is an amazing invention, but the downside is so very steep.
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I was getting ready to take dh to work, we were living in Chicago. My middle ds was 2 weeks old -- mil and sil were staying with us, they had come from Saudi for the birth. I started driving dh to work but he got a call from his boss saying the building was shut down (he worked next to Sear's Tower). Later my dad called and asked me not to leave the house; that evening our neighbor came by and said he was leaving his garage door unlocked, if we felt unsafe/threatened he wanted us to have a safe place to go.
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Hi Jamie!
I have not looked much into audio books. We do listen to some audio lectures, but they are religious topics and probably not of general interest. I have also found some documentaries on YouTube in Arabic -- this week we're watching one on the Fatimids and al-Azhar -- my kids are big fans of documentaries so this isn't as much a chore as it might seem.
For graded reader stories, I have relied pretty heavily on Librarie du Liban Publishers. FYI for others, I have also ordered from them when living in the US and received my shipment from Lebanon without incident -- back then (10+ years ago?) they shipped by sea and I got my package in a big burlap sack. It was really cheap then. They have a stall at our annual book fairs here and are, imo, one of the better quality publishers. They do have a line of books that are based on Arab/regional cultural stories, so that's another bonus, although primarily they carry translations of western works.
For curricula, I have been all over the place, lol. My kids are at different fluency levels, and so all three are using different curricula this year. My oldest (15) is strongest, he's using the al-Kitaab series by Kristen Brustad; he's a high schooler, my hope is he will finish the series somewhere in his senior year (he finished most of level 1 last year as a freshman). I noted that this is a common choice for high schools in the US for Arabic, although it is meant for college.
My middle (12) is a completely different learner; his strength is in spoken/listening and he has gotten frustrated in the past with programs that are grammar-intense (common in Arabic programs). This year we're trying Living Arabic by Munther Younes, and so far he is enjoying it. It's one of the few programs, actually, that I have heard using the Shaam (Syria-Lebanon-Palestine) dialect. It's much more tied to listening comprehension, my hope at the moment is that ds will finish this curriculum by the end of 8th grade and then move on to al-Kitaab in high school.
My youngest (8) is also my weakest Arabic speaker. I have had a really hard time finding a set program for her, it has been more my cobbling together resources. This summer I had the good sense to research what grade schools in the US that teach Arabic are using, and I came across Mastering Arabic by Jane Wightwick. It has been less painful than other things we've tried, lol.
I do want to stress that while I understand the need to cater to my kids' strengths, I'm also a strong believer in the importance of getting a solid base in Arabic grammar in order to handle higher level material. My oldest is there, I'm working towards it with my youngers...
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There are more things than that, for example there are books about Ibn Battuta's travels; actually, in general I have found the genre of travel writing more accessible to middle-school kids, although some should be pre-read because the writers were pretty straightforward about everything they saw/heard, lol. For example, we tied a reading of ibn Fadlan's travels among the Vikings (which was a shorter read, but some bits to be pre-read for youngers) and the movie The 13th Warrior.
Also, the story of Layla-Majnun is a folktale with longevity, even allegedly inspiring the title for Eric Clapton's song, "Layla".
Another accessible topic, the folk figure Juha/Nasrudddin; again largely stories and fables that have been passed down orally but you can find books with them.
This is off the top of my head, I'll need some time to think it through more thoroughly.
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I don't have a time period, but I would like incorporate "classics" from around the world. I was thinking about which books a child (3rd through 6th grade) in the Middle East would I be reading. I want to incorporate Dumas and Mark Twains of the non-western world into their releasing list. I hope I make sense.
This is a more complicated question than it might seem. There is a distinct lag in development of reading materials for children in this area, I can remember when we first moved here and going to annual book fairs, the selection for children was mainly western books (in English and in Arabic). Over the years that has started improving.
How I have approached it, rather than considering what children here would be reading, is what makes someone "culturally literate". Historically this was more of an oral culture than a written one, the greatest classics that come to mind -- 1001 Nights, the Shahnameh, the Qur'an even -- were passed on more orally than written. So for my own kids I have gone from this direction, to think about with what/whom they should be familiar, then look for resources to support that. I hope that makes sense.
You may have already seen my posts on the high school board about this, where I've listed what we're using for ME Studies. I've covered from early times up through early modern, so I haven't gotten to the modern period yet, I'll hopefully be working on putting that list together during the school year. I can further narrow those lists down, if that would be helpful. The issue will be finding English material that is at a suitable reading level; mostly I have taken "adult level" books and chosen selections that would hopefully work, kwim?
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I have a BA in Linguistics and English and an MA in Arabic. Dh has a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MBA.
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Kate, with the exception of 1001 nights (we are enjoying those), do you have any recommendations for Arabic and Persian lit for upper elementary to middle school levels? I want to incorporate more books from around the world into our reading lists.
My older is in love with Haroun and the Sea of Stories (I know this isn't Arabic lit, but :) ). He had an equal fascination with Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (it's American, but deals with Chinese folk stories).
Do you have a specific time period in mind? There's (obviously) a whole lot to choose from...
Also, increasingly there are novels being written by expats (or former expats) living in this area, like this series from Linda Davies.
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A couple of years ago my son read a comic book version about Rostam from the Shahnameh by Bruce Bahmani. (so, lower elementary age instead of high school.) We also looked at pictures online, but the ones you linked are beautiful! I hope they are still there when we cover this again.
Thanks-
Mandy
We have that series as well.. it actually was a big help, because this time when ds was reading selections he already knew who the main characters were. Part of the Persian worksheets he was working on has you matching the characters' Persian names with descriptions, and I was surprised how much he knew -- people who weren't even in the selections I had him read -- and he said he knew it from reading the comics before. So they can be of value! ;)
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Aww, thanks, Rosie! :)
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This week we were studying Ferdowsi's Shahnameh as part of ds' high school ME studies course, but one activity we did seemed suited also to youngers so I thought I would mention it in case anyone is looking for an activity in this geographical area and/or time period.
The poem is a long mythical/historical story of Iran/Persia. I chose one chapter from it to read in translation, you can find online translations. I used a prose one found here, translation by Helen Zimmern.
The Shahnameh was a popular topic for manuscript illumination, and Persian miniatures are an integral part of the art history of the region, so I found a website that is collecting electronic copies of the paintings from Shahnameh manuscripts, here. I found the chapter I had chosen, and went through and printed a smaller copy of many of the pages and laminated them. Then I had the kids look for the corresponding pictures as they read through the story. They picked out specific elements (like the leopard skin Rostam wore), and we talked about artistic points as well as historical/literary ones. By the end, they could take the stack of paintings, shuffle them, and put them back in order (without looking at the story).
I also found a lesson plan for getting more into the Persian language aspect, if anyone is studying Persian/Farsi -- my high-schooler is playing around with that. He doesn't know Persian, but does know Arabic and is using that and a Persian dictionary to get a taste.
Maybe of interest to someone?
Kate
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I skimmed through the statement, it sounds very old-time Ba'athist to me -- the stress on Arab nationalism. I think this should emphasize the point that conflicts in the ME are not always strictly about religion.
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Our children have their parents concern and caring that they know how to behave in a sanctuary and synagogue and are not allowed to be there if they cannot behave. My older two can do that and that is why they have been able to go by themselves for several years now. My younger two are too young and therefore they cannot handle going by themselves and I supervise them when we go to synagogue. We go to the playground or in the lobby to talk quietly, or even into the sanctuary for the last 10 minutes of services (mind you services last 2.5-3 hours on Saturday morning), but I don't let them roam like every other child there (close to 20 kids from 3-16) and that is what I do disdain. I don't think the synagogue is a drop off location because the parents are too tired or busy or whatever to take care of their kids. So I volunteered to work with the kids in order to eep them safe.
We have some related issues. My boys go to a class at our local masjid that meets for 2-3 hours between the two evening prayers. It's maybe 30+ kids in similar age ranges as you mention here. The problem isn't during the class, it's during the prayers when the teacher goes into the masjid, along with all the older kids. And understandably, he doesn't feel responsible for all these kids during those times, since officially the class time starts after the prayer and ends when the next prayer starts -- but parents were dropping off their kids like it was a babysitting service and going about their business.
It culminated in a really small boy (I think he was 4?) leaving, crossing the parking lot and a busy street, and his father came to pick him up at the classroom (late, after prayers) and he wasn't there. In the end, the teacher had to say that you can't leave your younger kids unattended -- that means you can't just drop them off at the prayer time (before class starts), nor can you be late to pick them up. I personally think that in this case the father was the one responsible since he left his child there outside of class times when he knew there wouldn't be an adult in charge, but you can bet he didn't see it that way.
I think it's really great that you're trying to help out the community, but honestly I would not do that at all without the express involvement of all the parents. It's nice that the dads are trying to give the moms at home a break -- how about they spend that time with their kids instead of dropping them off somewhere? And while I'm saying that to you, I also say it first to the fathers who bring their kids to the masjid and drop them off at a classroom, and won't take them into the prayer hall with them to supervise/model good behavior. I've been sitting outside the masjid sometimes waiting for my boys and I can see that it's really almost a pack mentality that takes over these kids when they are left completely to their own devices in a group that size.
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It sounds to me like there are two really different family cultures that are clashing here. I have a similar clash with my dh's family.
If I'm reading your original message correctly, they don't complain to you at all, they are complaining to your dh and he shares that with you. I've also been married 18+ years, and our (dh and my) long-earned wisdom on this is that we don't have to share with each other everything the parents say about the spouse. I come from a completely different culture than my dh, and over the years there have been many, many misunderstandings or hurt feelings over perceived slights or disrespectful behavior, when it was never intended (on both sides).
The spouses are really caught in the middle here, but, imo, for the level of what you're talking about I don't think he should be sharing the complaints with you. Especially if it's akin to a broken record -- always the same complaints -- and the two of you are happy/satisfied with how you are organizing your time there. And especially if it is making you bitter towards them. To have a discussion once or twice is one thing, to repeatedly over 18 years have the same discussion, well that's not terribly helpful imo.
There are some cultural things that I've adapted to over the years. But there are some things that are just not part of my nature and I can't do anything about that. So dh has to walk the tightrope of making sure both sides understand there are differences and no one should take offense... he's not always successful, lol. I think you need to just confirm with your dh that he is happy with how you are handling the trips there, and let any complaints you may hear about roll off your back.
Serenity.. deep breaths...
lol
Oh, and if my in-laws were to start lecturing my dh with me there, frankly I would leave the room (not in a huff, just neutrally leave). It's not my way or my custom or part of my family culture at all (although it is part of dh's culture), I know would take a lot more offense/be defensive than he likely would; I actually would be surprised, though, if they did something like that while I was there...
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Thanks again! I've always had mixed feelings having a birthday right before the start of school.. Well, I guess a lot of people these days start earlier, but growing up it was always Sept 1 and over here the local schools are also starting tomorrow (and so are we).
Mostly I'm just amazed at how time flies... am I not still in my mid-20s? Lol
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Thanks, Negin!!
:)
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I don't know about Russian specifically, but I have had a few friends who have "taught themselves" a language, I can share a few things from their experiences. Number one is, obviously, motivation. The two people I'm thinking of specifically were super-motivated and ready to devote a lot of time and energy. I don't think either one spent much money, the one scoured the internet for resources and the other was able to get used elementary-level school books in that language from a country where it is the official language. So they cobbled together things they found here and there, I am sure the same could be done with Russian.
The second critical element was they both found native speakers and pushed themselves to spend a lot of time with them trying to use what they learned. I don't know if you have irl access to Russian speakers, these days you could probably find a buddy online :)
A couple of initial thoughts. In both instances I'm thinking of, my friends are -- if not fluent -- fluid in their chosen language. It takes a lot of effort, but it can be done.
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We took Singapore slow-and-steady with my oldest, he is using DM in high school. He's starting 10th this year and will be finishing DM2, starting DM3. As I said we really didn't push speed in the lower levels, so he was off a half-year (like, he did 5B and 6A in one school year, kiwm?). My intention is for him to complete the DM series in 11th (he also does math through the summers), I know it isn't as popular a high school choice on these boards I assume because it doesn't follow the traditional US high school sequencing.
Looking back through ds' planner from last year (9th grade), on average he completed two sections per week. Because we completed all of the PM series, the initial chapters of DM 1 went quicker. I have the workbooks for each level, but have not used them much so far. I would if I felt ds needed more practice.
My second ds is starting 7th grade, and is a stronger math student than his older brother; he will be starting DM this year. I will have to see how he does, I am fine with giving him more time per section. He may also need more practice, in which case we'll pull out the workbooks.
I don't know if this is much help for you. I don't know anything about the Common Core series, we're just doing the "regular" 1-4 levels.
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It's pretty slim pickin's where I live. One heritage museum, which for what it is is actually nice -- a small, old fort that they've converted into a museum with different rooms for each subject area. That's about it. But we live in an archaeology-heavy area, so we've made forays to ferret out some of the known sites. They haven't developed most of what's here at all, from a tourism standpoint, so we have to look for mentions online or in off-road guides. Also I keep an eye on the news, they had an article in our local paper some years ago about an archaeological dig going on in our area, through the internet I was able to track down the site manager and the kids and I were given a personal tour! So we may not have much in the way of traditional museums or an "art scene", but there are other opportunities if you have the gumption.
I do make the drive to other emirates pretty regularly, there are a lot of good museums, theaters, etc. and we will go somewhere like that at least once a month. Last week we made the trip to Abu Dhabi (abt 2 hrs drive each way) for an exhibit they had giving a preview of the new Louvre-Abu Dhabi museum slated to open there in 2015. It was excellent, and reminded me what we have been missing :( I should make more of an effort when we're in the States to get to some art museums...
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With my brother's wedding we drove five hours. The rehearsal dinner was adults only, dh stayed with ds (my oldest was 3 and I was 9 mos pregnant at the time) and I went to the dinner alone. Since your dh is in the wedding party, I would have him go to the dinner and you could plan a fun evening with your little ones at the hotel.
The reception was also adult only, but an exception was made for my ds.
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The umbrella school we use has credit planning forms that are required for each high school class at the beginning of the school year. It has individual sections for learning objectives, activities to be done to meet those objectives, resources to be used, and how I will evaluate ds' performance. At first I was a bit taken aback by it, but now I really appreciate having the opportunity to sit down and really think through the year as a whole.
I have a separate Excel file where I break everything down into 36-40 weeks, then I can adjust as we go through, as needed; that way it functions as both a planner before and a diary after the fact.
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There is a wisdom behind the rules, but not everyone even learns the rules. I have met quite a few people raised in a Muslim home who don't learn much about the rules of Islam other than the basics.
Not to nitpick, but just because people follow a different way on this topic does not mean they are ignorant of the "rules". They may be educated on the topic and just came to different conclusions. The "rules" are not understood the same way by everyone, even scholars.
FWIW, we (you and I) are probably closer in how we individually interpret this issue than not, but within my circle of friends there's a pretty wide variance.
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Do all Muslims believe in non-representational art? Or is 'western' (or other 'representational' types/cultural art) style art ok? When is one type preferred/ok vs. prohibited/not ok? (In religious books, as pictures hung on the wall in the home, in museums, etc...?)
What about things like children's picture books? Art museums in Muslim countries?
Just curious because I'm a very visual person, love looking at art of all kinds, & wonder how strict adherence is to not having 'representational' art is? (Hope I'm explaining this well enough.)
There is a range of opinion and practice on this topic. I don't think you can assume what an individual Muslim will believe or follow, some believe that any representation is forbidden, others make exceptions, and still others don't believe there is any curtailment. If you look in most art museums -- aside from, perhaps, Saudi -- you will find pretty much what you'd see in any other museum in the world. Here in UAE there is a very vibrant art community, encompassing all the traditional media and topics.
Although some of those who do not allow any representational art will include any and all children's materials (including books, clothes, tv, etc.), I think many do make some exceptions here. Otherwise it's very open -- people/animals are depicted in children's books, and you have a hard time finding children's clothes here without animals or what have you on them, particularly for smaller kids.
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It's just different here. Even though Malaysia is a Muslim country, I think it is more easy-going. I have shaken hands in business interactions with plenty of Muslims here and no one has ever refused or wiped it off. And women in positions of authority are fairly common so this interaction definitely took me by surprise.
I don't think it should be a surprise that Malaysia is different in societal customs than Saudi Arabia. ;) My dh works for a local government college system here, so over the years we have been invited to a lot of different activities where I would come into contact with local men (aside from everyday casual stuff like at a store, kwim?). There has been a range of how that has gone...There is something to be said for cultural differences, and also something to be said for individual quirks.
Well, this might be the end of Husband's US citizenship
in The Chat Board
Posted
We also don't end up owing taxes, but file every year. And we don't have enough money in any accounts to need to report that either -- sounds sad, but the fact is dh also supports extended family (who aren't US citizens, so no way to "claim" that or report it or whatever) so our savings is pretty much nothing.
But this year for some reason our return has been flagged for review. It's been months and still no updates, although they were allegedly supposed to let us know by July. I called in August and they said nothing was noted in the file, just that it's "under review" (no reason given why). It makes me really nervous, but no one at the IRS has any answers for me, just that I need to keep waiting.
I don't like that we're trying to do everything right, but there's always this fear that there's something wrong. Everything is so straightforward, or should be, that there's a snag makes me worry I've been doing something wrong all these years, kwim? I really hate this feeling...