Arabic١٢٣
Year 11Spring TermAges 15-16

Lesson Plans

Introduction to Classical Arabic

1

What is Classical Arabic?

⏱ 60–65 minutes

Lesson Objectives

  • Identify key differences between Classical and Modern Standard Arabic
  • Understand the historical importance of Classical Arabic

🌅 Warm-Up (5 min)

Language timeline: create a simple timeline showing the evolution from Classical Arabic to Modern Standard Arabic to modern dialects.

Main Activities

  1. 1Introduction: what is Classical Arabic and why does it matter? Its role in the Quran, literature, and Islamic scholarship
  2. 2Compare Classical and MSA: key differences in vocabulary, grammar, and style using parallel text examples
  3. 3Read a short Classical Arabic text with support — identify familiar and unfamiliar elements
  4. 4Writing practice: list 5 differences you noticed between Classical and Modern Standard Arabic

Resources Needed

Language timeline templateParallel text comparison sheetWriting Practice Worksheet

⭐ Extension Challenge

Research one famous Classical Arabic text (Quran verse, poem, or prose) and write about its significance.

2

Classical Arabic Grammar Features

⏱ 60–65 minutes

Lesson Objectives

  • Recognise common Classical Arabic grammatical structures
  • Understand the case ending system (i'rab)

🌅 Warm-Up (5 min)

Case ending discovery: read 3 sentences with full case endings (tashkeel) — what patterns do you notice on word endings?

Main Activities

  1. 1Introduction to إعراب (case endings): مرفوع (nominative), منصوب (accusative), مجرور (genitive)
  2. 2How case endings show grammatical function: subject, object, after prepositions
  3. 3Guided reading: read a Classical text with case endings — identify subject, verb, and object using endings
  4. 4Create vocab cards for 10 Classical Arabic grammar terms with simple explanations

Resources Needed

Case endings reference chartClassical text with tashkeelVocab cards worksheet

⭐ Extension Challenge

Add case endings to 10 Modern Standard Arabic sentences and explain your choices.

3

Classical Arabic Literary Texts

⏱ 60–65 minutes

Lesson Objectives

  • Read short Classical Arabic texts with support
  • Appreciate the beauty and richness of Classical Arabic expression

🌅 Warm-Up (5 min)

Listen to a recitation of a Classical Arabic poem or Quran passage — what do you notice about the rhythm and sound?

Main Activities

  1. 1Read an extract from a famous Classical Arabic text with vocabulary glossary and grammatical notes
  2. 2Guided analysis: identify themes, literary devices, and distinctive Classical features
  3. 3Comparison: how would the same idea be expressed in Modern Standard Arabic?
  4. 4Personal response: write your reaction to the Classical text — what impressed or surprised you?

Resources Needed

Classical text extract with glossaryAnalysis guidePersonal response writing frame

⭐ Extension Challenge

Find a Classical Arabic quote that resonates with you, memorise it, and write an explanation of its meaning.

4

Continuity Between Classical and Modern Arabic

⏱ 60–65 minutes

Lesson Objectives

  • Appreciate the continuity between Classical and Modern Standard Arabic
  • Reflect on the living tradition of Arabic

🌅 Warm-Up (5 min)

Word detective: find 10 words that are identical in Classical and Modern Standard Arabic — how many can you list?

Main Activities

  1. 1Discussion: how Classical Arabic lives on in modern Arabic — Quran recitation, formal speeches, literary traditions
  2. 2Modern uses of Classical phrases: how Classical expressions appear in newspapers, speeches, and formal writing
  3. 3Extended writing: 200+ word reflection on what you learned about Classical Arabic and why it matters
  4. 4Tracing practice for Classical Arabic vocabulary and grammar terms

Resources Needed

Modern-Classical phrase comparison sheetReflection writing guideTracing Worksheet

⭐ Extension Challenge

Create a presentation about the journey from Classical Arabic to Modern Standard Arabic for younger students.

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