LANGUAGE CLASSES
HINDI
India School Inc. is proud to offer 5 comprehensive courses for learning the Hindi language. Young students start with simply doing verbal drills of Hindi words of common, everyday objects and phrases and gradually progress to writing essays, understanding complex rules of Hindi grammar so they can speak, read, and write fluently. Students who choose to can finally graduate with a certificate in Hindi awarded by the Government of India. All courses are meant to be conversational, informative, and interactive.
PLAY AND LEARN HINDI
This class is for ages 4-6. The idea is for young children to learn basic Hindi words and Indian culture through songs, crafts, stories and games. These students are not required to do any written work.
INTRODUCTION TO HINDI
Classes are divided into the following three levels.
Level 1
Level 1 is for first-time students who are 6-9 years old or for play group students who are ready to do more structured work. The goal for this level is to be able to recognize, read and write Hindi vowels and some consonants with proper pronunciation and diction while working to develop vocabulary and spoken skills.
Level 2
The group strives to master all the Hindi alphabets and read and write two or three letter words. They are introduced to words with aa matra. A bulk of class-time is also spent on music, conversation and vocabulary build up.
Level 3 The objective for this level is to learn and master use of all matras while building more extensive vocabulary and sentence structure.
HINDI INTERMEDIATE
Intermediate students are expected to have completed Level 1, 2 and 3 of Introduction to Hindi. Hindi Intermediate classes start with the first “Hindi Reader” and continue to tackle more complex texts. They can read, write and orally describe places, people and small events with ease. Students all learn same basic rules of Hindi Grammar.
HINDI CERTIFICATE
Students who can read and write and have basic vocabulary and sentence structure and understand the basic sentence structure are encouraged to register for the certificate course. This is a one year course offered by The Government of India. Students do the required coursework and at the end of the year appear for an examination at the Embassy of India. Successful students receive a certificate from the Government of India.
DIPLOMA COURSE
This course is a one year, more advanced course of the Government of India. Students study Hindi texts, stories written by some well-known writers. A Diploma is awarded to students who pass the test held at the Embassy of India.
HINDI CONVERSATION CLASSES
Level 1- Baatcheet -Hindi through story, drama and music for 5- to 8-year-old students
This class will be taught by Ms. Shradha Bhartiya. She is a professional story teller. Her story telling skills have been enjoyed many times by our students. Music and drama will also be used as additional teaching tools by the teacher. The stories will be used as a medium to draw students in conversations, to improve vocabulary, and to encourage their speaking skills.
Level 2- Baatcheet 1- Students ages 8 and up This class will be taught by Priyanka Upadhyay and is for students who have knowledge of elementary Hindi vocabulary and basic comprehension. The class will take up a new topic of conversation every Sunday and students will work on listening and comprehension while making the class interactive & fun. Special guests will also be invited to interact with students.
Level 2- Baatcheet 2- Students ages 8 and up
This class will be taught by Ms. Puja Saxena. Students will discuss and interact with a new topic every week, focus on reinforcing a grammar point, and listen to dialogues and watch video excerpts for comprehension improvement. Special guests will be invited in each class to help students feel comfortable with different pronunciations, expressions etc.
OTHER INDIAN LANGUAGES
India School has been offering classes in other Indian languages for many years. Sometimes these classes are planned in association with area regional organizations. The curriculum for these language classes follows the pattern of Hindi Syllabus, wherever possible.
MUSIC & DANCE
VOCAL MUSIC
Instructions in North Indian Classical Hindustani vocal music techniques based on traditional vocal music system of India.
HARMONIUM
In harmonium and keyboard classes, students gain knowledge of the essential elements required for mastery of the instrument. (Offered upon demand).
TABLA
For beginners, the course starts with basic exercises and gradually teaches students different taals and compositions. For the intermediate students, the course focuses on improvisations of kayadas and reylas in different rhythmic cycles.
KATHAK
Students are taught elements of Kathak technique. Their skills are developed through advanced footwork, rhythm and abhinaya (expressions).
Level 1
This is a class for beginning students of Kathak with little or no previous dance experience. Students will be taught foundation skills in footwork, taal, and basic theory. They will learn to sing bols and perform a variety of todas over the course of the semester. Classes are taught with an emphasis on quality and adhere to the traditional syllabus for Kathak. Ages 7+ (Younger children by permission of instructor only).
Level 2
This is the class for continuing students who attended Kathak Level 1 previously. The program begins with second year todas, expanding upon previous material by including more complex footwork patterns and advanced positions. The semester will also present a continuation of theory and counting and introduce the kavita toda. Ages 7+ (Prerequisite: Completion of Kathak Level One is mandatory).
Level 3
This is the class for continuing students who attended Advanced Kathak previously and have had at least 2 years prior experience. Course material includes all the constituent parts of a new, longer classical program with original choreography. Students will begin a challenging set of new todas and begin rudimentary work in abhinaya. Ages 10+ (Prerequisite: Completion of Advanced Kathak is mandatory, or audition with instructor approval).
BOLLYWOOD DANCE
The main aim of the class is to introduce students to the popular Indian Dance styles and to prepare them for various types of performances. Popular dance focuses on learning dance steps to Hindi film songs, semi-classical and new popular numbers.
Bollywood for Children and Teens: This class uses original choreography for a current hit song and is geared to be both challenging and fun for younger students ages 6+ (Previous Bollywood training may be helpful, but is not essential).
FOLK DANCE
This dance explores various steps and movements of the colorful and diverse and lively folk dances of Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Students will learn to dance to both traditional and modern beats.
Yoga
Hatha Yoga is taught with a view to achieve its benefits of longevity and good health. This course will focus on Yoga postures which provide free flow of energy through the body. The course also covers meditation, as a source of relaxation, to build stamina and to be more sensitive to our environment. This course is suitable for all ages.