Persian Language and Cultural Connections

Overview

AustinIPA is proud to present Persian Language and Cultural Connections (PLCC) educational program!

This program is designed to enhance children’s Persian language skills, foster their cultural identity, and cultivate character development through interactive and engaging activities. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for children to build lasting friendships with other Persian speakers and practice the language in a fun and supportive environment with their peers.

For families seeking to nurture their children’s Persian language and cultural heritage, this program offers a unique and enriching experience. Designed, developed and led by experienced educators, it blends a deep understanding of child development with innovative teaching methods. This program provides a high-quality learning opportunity for all children and their families who wish to connect with the beauty and richness of the Persian language and culture.

Program Highlights

Persian Language Instruction: Develop speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Cultural Enrichment: Explore Persian heritage, art, and traditions.
Community Building: Build friendships and practice Persian with peers in a supportive group.
Character Development: Cultivate empathy, teamwork, and self-confidence.

What to Expect

Children will learn Persian (speaking, reading, and writing) through engaging activities such as games, storytelling, art, and hands-on projects. Activities include exploring Persian folklore, creative painting, dramatic workshops (role-playing), and building projects, fostering language skills, cultural pride, and teamwork.

Facilitators and Expertise

Our programs are led by experienced educators with a proven track record in child development, innovative teaching, and cultural preservation:

Lead Instructor: MJ (Mohammad Javad) Akhbarieh *

Over 12 years of experience in PreK-12 education, specializing in social and emotional learning, Philosophy for Children (P4C), art, creativity, and problem-solving.
Extensive expertise in designing and implementing innovative workshops and educational tools to foster critical thinking and emotional intelligence in children.
Proven track record of impactful teaching and curriculum development in both Iran and the United States, bridging cultural and educational practices.

Advisor: Minoo Mohammadi, Ph.D. Candidate *

Ph.D. candidate in Educational Psychology with a focus on Developmental Science.
More than a decade of experience designing and implementing educational programs.
Expertise in developmental psychology, social-emotional learning, and fostering teacher-student relationships to create supportive and effective educational environments.
Currently a Graduate Assistant at the Educational Leadership Research Center, contributing to research and program evaluation initiatives that enhance leadership and student outcomes.

*AustinIPA is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students. As part of this commitment, above instructors have cleared rigorous background checks as a standard procedure.

Current Class Schedule (1st series) Closed

Saturdays starting in February

Group 1 (Ages 5–6) : 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Group 2 (Ages 7–8) : 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Group 3 (Ages 9–11) : 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Each session includes two 50-minute learning segments, and a 10-minute break between sessions. Seats are limited to 8 per age group.

Session dates: Feb 1, Feb 8, Feb 15, Mar 1

Upcoming Class Schedule (2nd series)

Class registration for Current February session is now closed. However, if you would like to secure a spot in upcoming classes or be among the first to receive updates, please register your interest using this form. We’d also love to hear from you about what other topics or skills you’d like your children to learn.

To register and/or indicate your interest please use this form.

Please contact us at PLCC@AustinIPA.com with any questions you may have.