Introducing Ipaatti's Tamil School - Where Children Learn to Love Tamil

Children are grouped by age ranges (4–6, 7–9, 10–12, 13+) so lessons match their learning stage. Within groups, activities are flexible so each child can learn at their own pace.

Each class brings together Language, Culture, and Arts in an engaging way:

• Ages 4–6: Songs, playful games, storytelling, and early letter recognition.
  
• Ages 7–9: Sentence building, imaginative storytelling, creative crafts, and role play.
  
• Ages 10–12: Reading practice, creative writing, and hands-on cultural projects.
  
• Ages 13–15: Research-based projects, book publishing, mentoring younger learners, and exploring Tamil in modern life.

Yes! Many parents don’t speak Tamil at home. Our program is designed so children can explore and learn independently through immersive activities — you don’t need to teach them at home.

Absolutely. We welcome beginners. Kids start by listening, repeating words in stories, games, and songs — they pick it up naturally.

No extra teaching is required. You can simply encourage them by reading storybooks, or asking them to teach you a new word each week.

No traditional homework. Instead, kids get fun take-home activities like word games, crafts, or a short story to read with parents.

Yes, we are inspired by Montessori principles — activity-based, child-led, hands-on exploration. Each child learns at their own pace through stories, arts, and activities.

Yes! Many families explore Koodu as a supplementary or alternative program. We also offer a special $1/month for 3 months for students already in another school.

We follow a structured framework, but not a rigid syllabus. The focus is on speaking, reading, and writing naturally through experiences, not memorization.

Yes, all groups learn traditional arts such as:

• Traditional Tamil games
• Silambam (martial art)
• Parai (folk percussion)
• Crafts (kolam, clay work, puppetry)

Each week, one or more arts are integrated into language lessons.

There are no stressful exams. Instead, kids demonstrate progress through presentations, storytelling, role plays, and projects.

For younger kids: observation of participation, vocabulary growth, confidence in speaking.
For older kids: reading fluency, creative writing, ability to connect Tamil with culture.
Parents receive progress feedback regularly, not just grades.

Our focus is on building strong Tamil fundamentals through Montessori-inspired, activity-based learning. Children naturally develop speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension skills—without rote memorization.

We don’t run separate exam coaching. Instead, exam readiness grows as part of the program. Story-based learning, role play, and writing strengthen reading and written skills, while storytelling, presentations, and discussions build oral confidence.

With regular progress feedback, children stay on track. By the time they reach Virginia Language Credit Exams, they already have the fluency and confidence needed. We put learning first—exam success follows naturally.

Classes follow a balanced structure:

• Warm-up activity (songs, word games, storytelling)
• Main lesson (story, craft, traditional art, or project tied to Tamil learning)
• Practice & exploration (small group work, games, role play)
• Reflection (kids share what they learned, peer feedback, or a fun recap)

This ensures kids stay engaged and learn in multiple ways.

We encourage mixed-age group activities where older children help younger ones. This:

• Builds confidence in older kids as they explain and guide.
• Helps younger kids learn faster by seeing peers model Tamil naturally.
• Creates a community feel where children learn with each other, not just from a teacher.

We don’t just give test scores. Instead, parents receive:

• Regular updates from teachers on vocabulary, speaking confidence, and reading skills.
• Project showcases (e.g., your child creates a Tamil storybook or presentation).
• End-of-term reflections where teachers share strengths and areas to support.
• Some sessions even include parent observation days so you can see your child’s growth directly.

Parents are welcome partners in this journey. You can:

• Join open house sessions & cultural events.
• Volunteer to read a story, share a recipe, or demonstrate a cultural activity.
• Help us build the Tamil library by suggesting/bringing books.
• Simply encourage your child at home by asking them to teach you a new Tamil word each week.

We want parents to feel part of the learning community — not just observers.

We are building a Tamil children’s library with books sourced from around the world. Every child will borrow a book each week to read at home. The library will grow with picture books, simple readers, stories, and age-appropriate novels. This ensures children are exposed to authentic Tamil language beyond classroom lessons.

Reading a book every week develops:

• Vocabulary growth – children see and hear new words in context.
• Fluency – regular exposure helps them read faster and with more confidence.
• Habit formation – weekly reading makes Tamil part of their daily life, not just a class.
• Parent bonding – families can read together, even if parents don’t know Tamil (with audio support or guidance).

This small, regular practice builds long-term confidence in both reading and writing.

Stories are at the heart of our program. They:

• Spark imagination and curiosity.
• Create emotional connections, making Tamil meaningful.
• Naturally teach values, culture, and identity.
• Offer material for speaking, role play, and creative expression.

Through stories, Tamil feels alive and joyful—not something to be memorized.

Koodu is open to all children ages 4 -15 — from complete beginners to those who already know some Tamil.

Beginners: Children who do not speak or read Tamil at all can start here. Our activity-based method helps them pick up naturally.

Intermediate learners: Kids who know some Tamil but lack confidence will strengthen their basics and expand vocabulary.

Advanced learners: Older children and teens can explore creative writing, cultural projects, and assist younger kids as peer mentors.

No prior Tamil knowledge is required. Every child learns at their own pace in a supportive environment.

Yes. All our teachers undergo:

• Training in activity-based and Montessori-inspired methods.
• Workshops on blending Tamil with arts, crafts, Silambam, Parai, and storytelling.
• Ongoing curriculum sessions to create engaging lessons and resources.
• Guidance in child psychology and engagement strategies to build confidence.

Our teachers are not just instructors but facilitators of joyful learning—guiding exploration, sparking curiosity, and making Tamil meaningful in everyday life.