About the Citizenship Classes
Classes meet on Monday nights for a six week session. Our purpose is to prepare participants to take the examinations, both oral and written, for U.S. Citizenship. Each class, ranging from 6-10 students, typically
is a mini-United Nations. Students follow a workbook with lessons in American History, Geography and Civics. In addition, students have to be prepared to answer questions about their own backgrounds,
their families and travel over the past five years.  There are various exercises
simulating their official interview and we offer a filmed interview so that the students know what to expect .
Over the course of each two hour lesson, students assist each other
in learning the answers to 100 key questions. For those who prefer to learn in an auditory manner, we have provided cassette tapes with both the questions and answers to
"The Hundred Questions." Registration Form Wednesday Sept. 17th and the 24th
7- 8 p.m. 229 Terrace Ave., corner of Franklin and Terrace Avenues, Hasbrouck Heights
Classes begin on Monday, October 6th and continue through November 10th 7- 9 p.m.
and meet at the Care Center. A registration form ( on our web site) must be completed for each student. The sessions are relaxed yet focused on what we need to cover and a great deal of material is covered in a short time.
Students have weekly assignments to study at home. A number of students have extended their preparation over a year, preferring to take their time in
learning the material and gaining more confidence in speaking English. The students help each other during each class and often during the week to
prepare for the next session. In the closing sessions we provide the application forms and assist the students in filling out which we also provide.
Most of the students who have registered to take the test have passed on the first attempt. Teaching the class is rewarding. It's amazing how much one can
learn about the American government, law and history. The participants are enthusiastic and grateful for the help. Many of them phone as soon as they have passed their exams to give us the good news.
Three recent graduates, one from India and two from Columbia have recently been granted U.S. Citizenship. Other graduates have returned to assist those still preparing for citizenship.
I look forward to the Fall, 2008 session since teaching the class has been so rewarding for me ! Mark Wright |