Introduction
Qisas Attulaab (Students’ Stories) meets a vital need by offering a specialized resource to strengthen writing skills for elementary and intermediate Arabic learners in the classroom and working independently. Tailored for learners at Novice-High to Intermediate-High proficiency levels, it adopts a flexible and student-centered approach to support Arabic learners in developing and refining their writing abilities.
This book is inspired by the work of students from the University of Kansas and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. It is carefully structured to support Arabic learners by beginning with simple, familiar topics—such as self-introductions, family, daily routines, and hobbies—and gradually advancing to more complex themes, including travel and personal experiences. The book aims to create an engaging and practical learning experience through relatable stories.
Reading is a collaborative process where the reader and the text come together to shape a shared understanding of social reality. This book addresses the difficulties foreign language learners often encounter in understanding perspectives different from their own. Incorporating texts drawn from American students’ experiences ensures the material is both relatable and accessible, fostering a smoother path toward developing advanced language skills.
This book was made possible by a grant provided by the University of Kansas Libraries with a contribution by the University of Kansas Student Senate. Technical and editorial assistance was provided by the Open Language Resource Center.
How to Use This Book
Each chapter follows a structured design to maximize student engagement and language development:
- Pre-Reading Activities: These exercises prepare students for the topic by activating prior knowledge and introducing essential vocabulary or grammar. Visual aids accompany each story, enhancing comprehension and adding an interactive dimension to learning.
- During Reading: each chapter’s central text balances comprehension and challenge. Key vocabulary is translated to facilitate understanding. This is followed by activities A and B that guide learners in actively engaging with the text, encouraging critical thinking, and exploring key ideas.
- Post-Reading Activities: Writing prompts solidify understanding and transition students into writing. Prompts encourage learners to reflect on the story and express their ideas and thoughts in Arabic.
By integrating reading and writing,Qisas Attulaab transforms reading comprehension into a powerful tool for developing writing skills. Authentic texts can often be too challenging for learners and mostly unrelated to their experiences. This book addresses that challenge by presenting stories specifically crafted to align with students’ linguistic levels, progressively building the proficiency needed for confident and independent expression.
This book celebrates diversity by showcasing a rich tapestry of student experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural perspectives. Through these narratives, students can see their voices reflected, inspiring them to connect more meaningfully with the Arabic language and culture. Whether you are a student or an instructor, Qisas Attulaab is designed to support you in your Arabic language learning journey. Let’s begin this path to writing in Arabic together!
About the Authors
Amal El Haimeur
Dr. Amal El Haimeur is an Assistant Professor of African and African-American Studies and the coordinator of the African and African Diasporic Languages at the AAAS Department at the University of Kansas. A native of Morocco, she earned her Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Her research interests include second language acquisition, discourse analysis, and instructional technology. Her classroom approach seeks to bridge the gap between linguistic theory and language pedagogy.
Khuloud Labanieh
Dr. Khuloud Labanieh is a member of the Senior Teaching Faculty and co-coordinator of Arabic Language Program at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. A native of Syria, she earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. With over 30 years of teaching experience, she takes a student-centered approach to pedagogy that prepares students to communicate effectively in the Arabic language and to understand the varied cultures of those who speak Arabic.
Citing Qisas Attulaab
El Haimeur, A., & Labanieh, K. (2025). Qisas Attulaab: A Path to Writing in Arabic. Open Language Resource Center. https://opentext.ku.edu/qisas/
