Armenian Language Program for Children

I have nothing but praise for the children who faithfully attend Armenian Language classes on Sunday mornings.  The classes, outlined below,

meet on Sunday mornings from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The Armenian School hosted our first Armenian Hahntehs, in lieu of our ninth year-end program on Sunday, April 29, 2007.  The event was open

to all parishioners and featured Armenian Food, Music and Line Dancing.  My heartfelt appreciation to the devoted parents who helped make this

event possible: Committee Members: Joan Arakelian, Vera Manoukian, Christine Hagopian (and their families); Lucy Garabedian, Lisa Mamishian

and Carol Billian for their invaluable assistance in the kitchen, Steve Migridichian who donated his services as DJ, Armine Gulbankian (and her mom)

who made and donated the dessert, Jay Kapur who donated the helium for the balloons, and all those who assisted on the day of the event.

Approximately 24 students registered for Armenian Classes this September.  Although many students attend faithfully, and benefit the most from our

efforts, some students attend a bit more sporadically.  With constant repetition and weekly reinforcement of past lessons, the students are beginning

to develop a working knowledge of vocabulary, common phrases and verbs, each on their own level.

We continue to offer 3 class levels in our Program, broken down as follows:

We currently have 2 class levels in our Program, broken down as follows

These students already have a working knowledge and comprehension of the language.  Baron "Mamish" fortifies their knowledge of the spoken language

by concentrating on the conjugation of verbs and the constant addition of new vocabulary words.  He has further challenged his students by teaching them

the written language as well. The students in his class attend faithfully and are progressing at a rapid pace.

I have taken the Beginners Level,  which consists of a few students

who were in the Level 1 class last year and four new students.  The students are learning greetings,numbers, parts of

the body, colors, clothing, animals and nouns.  But, their favorite, by far, is the"Aseegah Game” a little chant which ends

the class on a high note!

We begin each morning with “Paree Looys” and end with “Yertahs Parov” because it’s the little phrases that will make the

students feel comfortable with the language. We make a conscious effort to use the language, so that the students become

more accustomed to hearing it spoken.

My personal gratitude, and on behalf of the students and their parents, to Ara Bilian and Michael V. Mamishian for their

devotion to our program. Sincere appreciation to Der Aved and the Parish Council for their constant support of our program.

In September, the group began learning Armenian dance steps.  The students, and I, are having a great time learning the steps

in anticipation of our year-end Hantehs!  So far, we’ve learned the Tamzara, Hahleh, Michigan Hop and look forward to learning

 a few more before May.