Urdu Classes for Kids in Chicago

An Urdu class your child can join from the living room makes life simpler for busy Chicago families. Kids Bolo runs live online Urdu classes for children, with families joining from the city as well as suburbs like Naperville, Skokie, Lombard and Downers Grove.

Our teachers know that kids growing up here usually think in English. So lessons start with a mix of both languages, use bright picture slides and games, and write everything in Roman Urdu. Children speak from day one, and more Urdu comes in as their confidence grows.

Chicago winters are a good reason to stay in. When it is dark by late afternoon and the roads are slushy, logging on from home beats driving across town, whether you are on the North Side or out in the western suburbs.

See all live online Urdu classes
Kids Bolo class activities: Pictionary, Jeopardy and Spin the Wheel

Why Chicago families like Kids Bolo

  • Kids actually enjoy it. Games like Pictionary and Spin the Wheel turn new words into something to play with, not something to memorise.
  • Fits the Central time day. Our class pages list class times for families on Central time.
  • No driving in bad weather. Classes happen online, so there is no commute and no rushing across town.
  • A real chance to speak. With 3 to 5 children in a group, each child gets plenty of turns to talk.
  • A path that grows with them. Children move up through levels in our conversational classes, and teens can add script classes from age 13.

Classes for every age

Play-based sessions, ages 2.5 to 4.5

Once a week for 20 minutes, in small groups of up to 4 or 5 little ones. Songs, movement, pictures and short stories in a mix of Urdu and English.

Conversational classes, ages 5 to 13

Twice a week in groups for ages 5 to 7, 8 to 10 and 11 to 13. Children move up through levels, from first words to real conversation.

Urdu script classes, ages 13+

Once a week for 50 minutes. For older learners who want to read and write the Urdu script.

Adult classes, ages 16+

Once a week for 60 minutes in small groups. For parents who would like to learn alongside their children.

A Kids Bolo class slide with Roman Urdu sentence practice

When classes run and what they cost

Class times are listed on each class page, including times that work for families on Central time. The monthly price is on each class page. It is a monthly subscription, and you can cancel with 2 weeks' notice before the 1st of the month.

If a time you like is full, sign up for the waitlist and we will email you when there is room.

Find a class time

See what a class looks like

This short video is from one of our conversational Urdu classes for ages 5 to 7. Notice how the children answer in Urdu, with picture slides to help.

From sign-up to first class

  1. Head to our classes page and choose the class for your child's age.
  2. Pick a time and age group that suit your family.
  3. Join live online from home. Your teacher sends practice resources between classes.

Little bits of Urdu every day

Roman Urdu books and the Bolo Pen

Books in Roman Urdu that read themselves aloud with the Bolo Pen. Free US shipping on orders of 3 books or more.

The free Kids Bolo app

Our free app has flashcards plus games like Memory Match and Select the Object.

Free worksheets

Free Urdu worksheets you can print for a quiet afternoon at home.

What families say about Kids Bolo

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Questions Chicago parents ask

Do you teach in person in Chicago?

No. Kids Bolo classes are all live and online. Your child logs in from home and learns with a real teacher and a small group.

Do you have classes at times that suit Central time?

Yes. The class pages list every time on offer, including times that suit families on Central time. Times change from term to term, so check the class page for the latest.

We are in the suburbs. Does that matter?

Not at all. Classes are live online, so families can join from the city or anywhere in Chicagoland, from Schaumburg and Aurora to the North Shore.

My child is shy. Will they talk?

Small groups of 3 to 5 children help a lot. Teachers start in a mix of English and Urdu and give every child gentle chances to speak.

What ages are the classes for?

Ages 2.5 to 4.5 in play-based sessions, ages 5 to 13 in conversational classes (groups for 5 to 7, 8 to 10 and 11 to 13), 13 and up for script, and 16 and up for adults.

What is the cost?

Classes are a monthly subscription. Each class page shows the price, and you can cancel with 2 weeks' notice before the 1st of the month.

Who teaches?

Our teachers are native Urdu speakers based in the US, the UK and Canada, with experience teaching children who grew up speaking English.

Want the bigger picture? Read our guide to learning Urdu online or contact us and we will point you to the right class.