FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(FLES)

WESTWOOD REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Why should my child learn a new world language?

IT HAS A POSITIVE EFFECT ON INTELLECTUAL GROWTH AND ENRICHES AND ENHANCES A CHILD'S MENTAL DEVELOPMENT

IT LEAVES STUDENTS WITH MORE FLEXIBILITY IN THINKING, GREATER SENSITIVITY TO LANGUAGE, AND A BETTER EAR FOR LISTENING

IT IMPROVES A CHILD'S UNDERSTANDING OF HIS/HER NATIVE LANGUAGE

IT GIVES A CHILD THE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE HE/SHE WOULD OTHERWISE NOT HAVE THE CHANCE TO KNOW

OPENS THE DOOR TO OTHER CULTURES AND HELPS A CHILD UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE PEOPLE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES

IT GIVES A STUDENT A HEAD START IN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE

IT INCREASES JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN MANY CAREERS WHERE KNOWING ANOTHER LANGUAGE IS A REAL ASSET

What can I do to support my child's study of a new world language?

1) INFORM YOURSELF. BECOME KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE PROGRAM.

2) BE SUPPORTIVE AT ALL TIMES. YOUR CHILD'S SUCCESS IN THE PROGRAM WILL BE AFFECTED BY YOUR ATTITUDE.

3) ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO SPEAK SPANISH AT HOME IF HE/SHE WANTS TO, BUT DO NOT FORCE HIM/HER TO DO SO.

4) BE SUPPORTIVE OF THE PROGRAM AND ITS TEACHER. KEEP THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN.

5) TRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SITUATIONS THAT INCREASE YOUR CHILD'S EXPOSURE TO SPANISH AND ITS MANY CULTURES.

6) ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO READ SIMPLE PICTURE-RICH BEGINNER BOOKS IN SPANISH.

7) ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO WATCH TELEVISION PROGRAMS, LISTEN TO RADIO PROGRAMS AND CHILDREN'S SONGS IN SPANISH, AND EXPLORE SPANISH LANGUAGE WEBSITES.

8) SHOW YOUR CHILD HOW PLEASED YOU ARE WITH HIS/HER PROGRESS. BE PROUD OF YOUR CHILD'S ACHIEVEMENT.

9) EMPHASIZE YOUR CHILD'S SUCCESSES.

10) TRY TO ATTEND HISPANIC/LATINO CULTURAL EVENTS WITH YOUR CHILD.