Pashto Curriculum for Ages 6-18

Ages 6-9: Foundational Level

At this foundational stage, the curriculum focuses on introducing young learners to the basics of the Pashto language, emphasizing listening and speaking skills. Classes feature interactive activities such as songs, rhymes, and storytelling to make learning engaging and enjoyable. Students begin recognizing the Pashto alphabet and simple vocabulary, building their ability to understand and speak simple phrases and sentences. Lessons incorporate visual aids and fun exercises to help children forge a connection with the language and enhance their oral language skills. This initial phase is crucial for cultivating an interest in Pashto and laying the groundwork for future learning.

Ages 10-12: Intermediate Level

At the intermediate level, students deepen their language skills with a greater emphasis on reading and writing. The curriculum introduces basic grammar, sentence structure, and more advanced vocabulary. Students work on constructing short paragraphs and dialogues, which develops their ability to express thoughts and ideas clearly in Pashto. Interactive group activities, such as role-playing and projects about Pashto culture and geography, further enhance their understanding and retention. Regular assessments and personalized feedback help monitor students’ progress and ensure they are supported in areas where they need improvement.

Ages 13-15: Upper Intermediate Level

This stage focuses on refining language skills and expanding understanding of the Pashto cultural context. The curriculum transitions towards more complex reading materials, such as short stories and articles, that encourage critical thinking and comprehension skills. Students learn advanced grammatical structures and idiomatic expressions, enhancing their fluency and sophistication in both speech and writing. Discussions and debates about cultural and contemporary issues in Pashto allow students to practice their language skills in a meaningful context, fostering both linguistic competence and cultural literacy.

Ages 16-18: Advanced Level

At the advanced level, students refine their mastery of the Pashto language with a focus on comprehension, analysis, and academic writing. The curriculum features literature studies, including classic and contemporary Pashto texts, fostering deeper cognitive skills like interpretation and critique. Students engage in writing essays and research projects, aiming to solidify their proficiency in articulating complex ideas clearly and effectively. To prepare them for future academic and career opportunities, the program incorporates presentation skills and formal communication exercises. By completing this level, students are expected to achieve a level of fluency that allows for fluid communication in diverse scenarios, preparing them for real-world applications of their language skills.

By systematically progressing through each educational stage, the Pashto curriculum aims to offer a comprehensive language learning experience that equips students, from beginners to advanced speakers, with the skills needed to engage with Pashto speaking communities fluently and confidently.

Curriculum Details 

 Ages 6–9: Foundational Level

Objectives:

• Introduce basic Pashto sounds, letters, and vocabulary
• Develop listening and speaking skills through interactive activities
• Foster an emotional connection with the Pashto language and culture

Key Topics:

• Pashto Alphabet recognition
• Basic greetings and introductions
• Numbers, colors, and family terms
• Songs, rhymes, and simple stories

Activities:

• Alphabet flashcards
• Storytelling and role-play
• Pashto nursery rhymes
• Picture and object recognition games

Ages 10–12: Intermediate Level

Objectives:

• Introduce Pashto grammar and sentence structure
• Develop reading and writing skills
• Strengthen comprehension through cultural topics

Key Topics:

• Basic grammar (singular/plural, adjectives, simple verb tenses)
• Forming questions and answers
• Vocabulary around home, school, and nature
• Short reading texts and dialogues

Activities:

• Simple paragraph writing
• Cultural mini-projects (e.g. Pashto geography or traditions)
• Group role-plays and conversations
• Vocabulary competitions 

Ages 13–15: Upper Intermediate Level

Objectives:

• Advance reading and comprehension skills
• Develop fluency in speech and written expression
• Engage with cultural stories, articles, and contemporary issues

Key Topics:

• Advanced grammar (prepositions, idioms, compound sentences)
• Reading comprehension of short stories, articles, and poetry
• Writing opinion paragraphs and short essays
• Vocabulary expansion (emotions, social issues, history)

Activities:

• Debates and discussion groups
• Cultural story readings and summaries
• Opinion essays and personal reflections
• Vocabulary journals

Ages 16–18: Advanced Level

Objectives:

• Master Pashto grammar and advanced vocabulary
• Analyze Pashto literature and contemporary media
• Build academic writing and formal presentation skills

Key Topics:

• Study of classical and modern Pashto prose and poetry
• Essay writing, research projects, and literary analysis
• Debates on current topics in Afghanistan and the diaspora
• Presentation and public speaking skills in Pashto

Activities:

• Research papers and book reports
• Literary critique and media analysis
• Structured debates and presentations
• Advanced grammar workshops

Overall Curriculum Goals:

To guide students toward comprehensive Pashto language proficiency, equipping them with skills for meaningful conversations, cultural literacy, academic success, and confident engagement within Afghan and global Pashto-speaking communities.

Our Instructors

At Kawun School, we take immense pride in the quality, compassion, and expertise of our teaching team. All our instructors are highly educated Afghan women based in Afghanistan, each holding at least a Bachelor’s degree in Pashto Literature from reputable universities. They bring with them years of experience teaching both in-person and online, and a deep commitment to nurturing the language, faith, and cultural identity of Afghan children living abroad.

Our teachers are not only academically qualified but are also carefully selected for their proven ability to engage young learners, creating a warm, supportive, and interactive online classroom environment. Their teaching approach is tailored to meet the developmental and emotional needs of children aged 6 to 18, combining modern educational techniques with traditional storytelling, poetry, and cultural enrichment.

Due to the current security situation in Afghanistan, and to safeguard the well-being of our brave and dedicated instructors, we have chosen to keep their identities anonymous. This precaution ensures that they can continue providing these invaluable lessons to our students without facing personal risk.

We assure parents that every instructor at Kawun School has been thoroughly vetted, trained in online child-centered teaching methods, and is monitored regularly for teaching quality and professionalism. By enrolling your child in Kawun School, you’re not only offering them a unique opportunity to learn their native language and Quranic studies from native speakers — you are also supporting the empowerment of educated Afghan women who remain committed to serving their community in challenging times.

We believe this meaningful connection between Afghan children abroad and their homeland’s teachers creates a bridge of culture, language, and shared heritage — strengthening identity, family bonds, and pride in their roots.