Our Foreign/World Language in Elementary Schools (FLES/WLES) program is the sequential study of Spanish. The program builds language skills while providing a specific and direct plan to include language study into the existing curriculum when appropriate. Our early start program has a FLEX component where grades 3, 4 and 5 are introduced to the language and culture of China, Italy and France.
How often will they receive Spanish?
Grades 1 through 5 receive Spanish instruction every other day. First and second grades meet for 20 minutes while third, fourth, and fifth grades meet for thirty minutes.
Q: How will my children learn Spanish without grammar?
A: Our language curriculum emphasizes using language as the tool of instruction. Through class discussions, activities, songs, stories and movement, our specific design provides a strong conversational base. Curricular connections are made through concepts and ideas studied in the current grade level curriculum when appropriate.
What skills are emphasized?
Listening and speaking skills are emphasized along with every day communication and basic intercultural competence.
How are the children assessed?
Through activities, conversations with the Spanish teacher and assessments, all students are informally and formally assessed. Third, fourth and fifth graders receive grades on their report cards.
What are some of the benefits of learning a world language?
In addition to developing a lifelong ability to communicate with more people, children may derive other benefits from early language instruction, including improved overall school performance and superior problem-solving skills. Students of foreign languages score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English; the College Entrance Examination Board reported that students who averaged four or more years of foreign language study scored higher on the verbal section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) than those who had studied four or more years in any other subject area. A second language also provides a competitive advantage in the workforce by opening up additional job opportunities in the future. Studies have shown, and experience has supported, that children who learn a language before the onset of adolescence are more likely to have native-like pronunciation which is an important part of foreign language proficiency.
Most importantly, encourage your children’s interest in the language and in other cultures. If possible, provide some basic books, musical tapes, videos, computer programs, or other materials in the world language. Visit some museums with cultural exhibits specific to the world language. Explore several websites about a culture, language, and customs. If you’re familiar with another language practice with your children. If you’re new to the Spanish language, have your children teach you what they’ve learned. I’m sure they’ll be very excited to share their new found language with you!