The program: Why learn a foreign language?Students in Allegan now have the opportunity to start learning foreign languages starting at a young age, when it is easier to absorb, remember, and speak new sounds. In 2nd through 5th grades students will learn French for half of the year and Spanish for half of the year. When they enter middle school they will then choose which language they want to continue learning. There are many benefits to learning a second (or third or fourth!) language. Research has shown that learning a foreign language at a young age can improve and expand student's mental development, give children an improved ear for listening, and a stronger understanding of their native language. Learning a foreign language can open doors to experiencing new places, people, and cultures all over the world. Some students may even find out in their own families grandparents or other relatives speak another language and this can be a new way to connect with them. People who speak more than one language may have more opportunities in careers in the United States, as well as with companies who work around the world because of our growing world economy. It is now a Michigan high school graduation requirement that students complete 2 credits of a foreign language. In order to give students an advantage in this area Allegan is beginning language instruction in elementary school and continuing through high school. Also, many colleges and universities have foreign language requirements for degree programs. For more information on the reasons for learning a foreign language check out the following websites: http://www.yearoflanguages.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3651 http://www.miwla.org/MIWLA-statement.pdf http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Parent_12.20.06_181524_7.pdf http://www.michigan.gov/mde/ Why French? French is a language spoken around the world and is the official language of 29 countries on 5 different continents. One of those countries is Canada, our neighbor and one of our largest trading and business partners. French is often an official language of many global organizations, one being the United Nations. More about the benefits of studying French can be found at http://www.fll.vt.edu/french/whyfrench.html |