Workshops

Brain Games Workshop

Program Goals: Strategic thinking, problem-solving, peer collaboration, and community building;

Format: Student “game masters” give step-by-step demonstrations of brain-stimulating games such as Rubik’s Cube, chess, and logic puzzles, then coach classmates through hands-on practice rounds;

Setup: Once per academic year, after regular Persian classes, at the school; student presenters provide game sets, with extra materials supplied by CPS;

Description: Volunteers prepare concise instructions and key terminology for their chosen game, guiding small groups as they solve cubes, plan chess openings, or tackle riddles together. Participants sharpen cognitive skills, pick up game-related Persian phrases, and build cross-grade friendships in a fun, intellectually charged setting.

Peer Craft Exchange Workshop

Program Goals: Introduction to Persian Calligraphy;

Format: Volunteers show the basics of Persian calligraphy to students who already know how to write in Persian;

Setup: Once a year, after Persian classes, at the school;

Description: Volunteers show students ages 11 and older the basics of Persian calligraphy, using authentic Persian calligraphy tools, provided by the school. This program provides a comfortable space for cross-level peer engagement and a sense of belonging.

Iranian Folk Games Workshop

Program Goals: Learning various Iranian folk games while engaging with peers;

Format: Classes are combined and teachers guide the students through the game rules;

Setup: On two consecutive sessions, using the last 30-min of the class time, at the school;

Description: Teachers show students the rules for several easy and fun Iranian folk games while allowing kids to practice the games in age groups of 5 to 10 and 11 to 15. This program provides a comfortable space for cross-level peer engagement and a sense of belonging.

Backgammon Workshop

Program Goals: Learning Backgammon as an Iranian folk game;

Format: Parent volunteers teach Backgammon to students who sign up;

Setup: Once a year, after Persian classes, at the school;

Description: This free workshop is advertised to current and past students ages 10 to 17 so they can sign up and learn the rules of the game from volunteer instructors. Students are paired so they can learn Backgammon rules and tricks as they play the game.

Calligraphy Workshop

Program Goals: Peer teaching, creativity, collaborative learning, and community building;

Format: Student presenters demonstrate a favorite craft to their peers (past examples: automaton, stone art, crochet, fabric art, origami);

Setup: Once per academic year, after regular classes, at the school; materials supplied by presenters with supplemental support from CPS;

Description: students who volunteer as “craft mentors” prepare short instructions and guide small groups step-by-step through their chosen projects. Participants leave with a handmade keepsake, fresh craft techniques, and greater confidence communicating instructions and helping each other, all while strengthening bonds across grades.