Somali Programs

There are more than 700 Somali students enrolled in Saint Paul Public Schools, and this population is expected to keep growing as Somali refugees continue to resettle in Minnesota. Somali cultural programs provide Somali students the opportunity to learn about their own language and culture, as well as enhancing all students’ knowledge and understanding of different cultures and ways of life.

Embedding Somali Culture in the K-3 Social Studies Curriculum

This program is intended for educators who would like to diversify and enrich the mainstream social studies curriculum by including elements of Somali culture. Mainstream teachers attend workshops where they learn about the curriculum and receive a resource material kit. Lesson plans cover a broad range of topics, including holidays and celebrations, Ramadan, Somali songs, folktales, nomadic life, food, wearing a hijab, and basic Somali language.

In addition to lesson plans, teachers receive supplemental materials, including a variety of books in Somali and English, DVDs and CDs, a doll wearing the hijab, pictures and posters, a Somali flag, and Somali clothing.

To support the Embedding Culture program, the ELL department developed Somalia and the Somalis: A Handbook for Teachers, which provides educators and administrators with important background information about Somalia and its people.

Somali Academic Literacy and Teaching

Highwood Hills Elementary piloted Somali Academic Literacy and Teaching, an extended learning opportunity, in 2005-06, and offers this program two days per week. This program for K-6 students helps Somali speakers enhance their language proficiency in written and spoken Somali. Somali culture is embedded in the language and literacy lessons as students learn using traditional Somali proverbs, folktales, and games.