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new(er) to immersion? Start here!
new(er) to immersion? Start here!
First off, you're not alone. There are other parents who are feeling (or who have felt) the same things you are feeling, have wondered the same things you're wondering. Read on to get some tips for how to navigate the transition into the immersion setting. Remember: each child is different; for some, being in a classroom where they don’t (yet) speak or understand the language is intimidating or scary. For some children, it may hardly seem to phase them. Either way, here are some suggestions for you as you work to support your child:
Being in an immersion setting every day can be tiring for our children. This is normal. They may fall asleep in the car, be extra crabby at home, talk about hating school. Believe me-- this is all normal. Again, remain positive with them--they can do it!
Remain calm and positive. Our children are more capable than we realize. Even if their day at school was hard, help them see how those challenges are helping them grow stronger. Be their biggest cheerleader and support them.
Remember that this language setting may be different that what you experienced. For many of us, our experience of learning another language was in a forced world language course in high school. Be careful to not project your high school language experience on your child's. Learning a language via immersion is not difficult or tricky.
The idea that certain students are “good at immersion” is a limitation many of us adults put on our children. Research shows (as does anecdotal evidence from billions of people around the world) that if our children are capable of learning one language, they can learn multiple languages.
Be patient. The language acquisition process takes time! Just think-- you don't get frustrated with your 2-month old baby when he or she isn't saying "Mama" or "Dada" yet.
It can be hard for some kids if you put them on the spot to perform or say something in Spanish for you or someone else. For most kids, they will feel quite insecure by this.
Translating words they come across is maybe how your brain worked in learning a language in high school. For your child, they don't need to hear a definition or the English equivalent to understand. In fact, if you continue to translate for your child you AND they are doing lots of futile work.
Don't believe everything you hear from your child. They might come home telling you tall tales of the hardship of school. This is often primarily due to either being tired or not knowing fully what's going on. Please trust your child's teacher-- if your child's teacher is concerned, he or she will reach out to you.
Communicate with your child's teacher first before anyone else. Avoid going to other SI parents, aides or admin if you have a concern. Your child's teacher is the first person to talk to since they know your child best!
The program Model at Redlands Christian
The program Model at Redlands Christian
It is called a ONE-WAY TOTAL IMMERSION program model.
ONE-WAY: almost all students are coming from the same language group (non Spanish-speaking homes)
TOTAL: our program is unlike most; student receive 100% of their classroom instruction in Spanish through 2nd grade. Starting in 3rd grade, students receive nearly two hours per week receiving instruction in English. In Middle School, students receive as close to 50% instruction in English and 50% instruction in Spanish as their schedules allow.
Wait! Doesn't this take away from immersion students' English Language Development? Read on!
What about my child's english language development?
What about my child's english language development?
Our Spanish Immersion program is considered an additive program, meaning that it is not taking anything away from their English language development while they are learning Spanish. In fact, your child is learning English without being taught explicitly in or about English until 3rd grade. They hear you in conversation, their peers at recess, their favorite shows, songs in the car, books you read, etc. in English and that exposure continues to develop understanding of English. And since inside their classrooms they are learning the rules and structure to Spanish, their brains begin to sort through rules as ones that apply to BOTH languages, Spanish ONLY, or English ONLY.
Remember, the best way you can support your child is having them read at home. So much research (and lots of our experience) indicates that students who show a strong transfer and language acquisition in both languages when they spend time reading (in English and/or Spanish).
To learn about what English instruction looks like starting in 3rd grade, read "Learn How English is Taught to Immersion Students" under the Resources tab.
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