The Language of Life: The State of The (Family) Union by Angela Jackson

Listening to the President give the State of the Union Address made me think about the state of my own family union. At the beginning of the year we all resolve to make changes in our lives. As busy parents, I know many of my conversations with friends revolve around how we all want to find ways to have more family time. Between running to and from soccer practices, language classes, music lessons, business meetings and social obligations, it feels like every family member is on their own schedule pursuing their own interests. I've noticed with myself and my friends that many times we are "over-programmed," packing in more activities than ever but still feeling like we don't have enough time as a family unit. With constant messaging from the media, our physicians and even the White House, about the mental and physical benefits of adults and children getting more physical activity, maybe we should heed these suggestions by becoming more active as a family unit. Surely this can improve the state of our family unions.

With all families being made up of individuals of many different interests and disinterests, how do we find common ground? How do you democratize individual activities so that every family member can experience and engage in an activity that one particular family member loves? I have to admit it and let's all face it together: shuffling around to a 7 a.m. soccer practice is not one of our favorite activities as parents, but when we know it means the world to our son or daughter, we do it! But how do we do it more joyfully?

My solution has been to get into the game. With any activity, find something interesting in the activity for you. In terms of soccer, instead of having parents stand on the sidelines, our local coach implemented parents versus kids games. I have to tell you, the kids enjoyed this practice more than any "real" game. And for me personally, I found enjoyment because we were participating as a family. We laughed, we smiled and even as the parents lost, we all commented on how we enjoyed being in the game.

Many times when we take our children to activities we're on the sidelines. We need to encourage ourselves or make suggestions on how we can physically be part of the activity. And this principle can go beyond just including ourselves in our children's activities: we can include them in our own! At my local yoga studio, I suggested that they start a class where people could bring their age appropriate children. At first they were not sure this was a good idea, but now this class has become one of the most popular on the schedule! While our kids may not understand Downward Dog, they do understand and connect with our love of things and activities. I always say a family that moves together stays together, and in my case, I have found this to be true. So the next time your son or daughter groans as the thought of yet another music lesson, let them know that you are going with them to learn, too. Ask their music teacher if they would be willing to give you a lesson every now and then. I can't promise that you will become an award-winning pianist in the world's eyes, but I am sure that you will be a star for your child.

I would love to hear from you. What activities has your family ever taken from an individual interest to a family focus? Feel free to send me your ideas via Twitter at @angjack or via email at angela@globallanguageproject.org. I will be sure to share them in a future column. And I would love to hear if spending more time together improves the state of your family union, as I am sure it has and will continue to improve mine!

Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/2014/02/03/3167627/the-language-of-life-the-state.html#storylink=cpy

Giving the Gift of Language This Holiday

As we enter the holiday season and you make your many lists, consider giving the gift of language this year by clicking here.  It is the gift that truly keeps on giving.  At GLP, we do not look at learning language as an end to itself but as a means that unlocks communication and culture.  At GLP, we often say a “second language is a second life.”  Yes it may sound catchy, but after traveling the world twice over and meeting countless people who have recounted how either speaking or not speaking the language of a country has positively impacted their travels or how speaking a language has opened doors in their careers and personal lives.

Most of us know all too well the utility of language skills when you find yourself in a place where your mother tongue is not spoken.  But more than that, when you understand a language, you can begin to understand a culture.  And at GLP, our holiday wish is for more understanding and tolerance around the world.

We want to thank all of our supporters for making our work possible this year, and look forward to bringing more language programs to students across the country!

All the best!

Angela

P.S Check out a recent feature on New York 1 on GLP’s programs!

Qatar’s Her Highness Sheika Moza Bint Nasser Visit to P.S. 368

On Thursday, September 20, 2012 our students at P.S. 368 were graced by a visit by Her Highness Sheika Moza.

Qatar is a monarchy and Her Heighness is the wife of His Highness the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Over the past 15 years in her role as Her Highness, Sheikh Moza has worked hard on education and social reform in the nation of Qatar.

Qatar’s Her Highness supports GLP’s classes, through her role as Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development that helps fund GLP.

Her Highness with students at PS 368

Last week was the first time that she visited one of the Arabic programs supported by Qatar Foundation International.  An impressionable experience for our students, parents, administrators and staff - the visit highlighted the growth of our program and also was an offshoot of the school community and GLP’s mission to support and foster 21^st century students.

GLP’s very first program was at P.S.368.  We started by teaching Spanish and Mandarin to 30 third graders.  In less than three years, we have grown the program to serve all 243 students at P.S. 368. This will ensure that all students who graduate from the school will have an opportunity to learn a language.  This is no small feat in a community where 100% of students receive free or reduced lunch and in a community that has been ravaged by unemployment and the shrinking job market.

In the face of these obstacles we are demonstrating to these students that they can still dream bigger than their current circumstances.  We are also demonstrating that people around the globe not only believe in them but also support them in their quest to be successful global citizens. 

This sounds great, but actions speak louder than words.  Qatar’s Her Highness asked that we keep her visit at a low profile.  She wanted to meet the students, talk to them and, yes, sit on the floor and help them practice their Arabic.   It was amazing to see how the students immediately gravitated to her warm personality.

Below are highlights from the visit:

 

Qatar’s first lady is a passionate education advocate. In our meeting she was eager to learn more about the State of Education in New York City and our work with Global Language Project to ensure that students receive a global education.

Sheikha Mozah has joined with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to launch his new Education First initiative, announcing new commitments to a campaign aimed at providing education to 61 million children around the world who are not in school.

I meant so much to GLP when Qatar's Her Highness said to me, “You know, you are changing lives."

Our gratitude goes out to Qatar’s Her Highness, her staff and the entire Qatar Foundation International team their continued support in our mission to create the next generation of global citizens!