1. Early childhood presents a unique opportunity for learning multiple languages. Young children's brains are programmed for learning language, and with the right environment, they will absorb two languages simultaneously the same way that they absorb one.
2. Learning more than one language has benefits that far exceed the ability to communicate in the second language. For example, kids read in their native language with superior proficiency to kids with a single language by the time they are in elementary school and continue to surpass single language kids through high school.
3. Why not? Seriously, why not? Our kids can do it. They can benefit from it. And it's really exciting to see this happen.
Language Immersion 2023-2024
Our language immersion program for 2023-2024 will be a 90/10 Spanish immersion program, meaning 90% or more of the instruction will be in Spanish.
Is my child ready for this program? Yes! The majority of students will have little or no Spanish. Spanish is widely spoken in the United States, it is a gateway to similar languages including Portuguese, French, Italian, and Romanian, and it's an entrance point to discovering the history, music, art, lifestyle, traditions and other elements of Spanish-speaking cultures.
What is the benefit to Spanish-speaking students? Spanish speakers in the U.S. live in an English-immersion world. An preschool program in Spanish will offer a unique opportunity to focus on Spanish language development in an educational environment. Teachers will emphasize pre-literacy skills related to the goal of developing biliteracy, or reading and writing in two languages. Children will have opportunities for socializing, singing, and story-telling to enhance their vocabulary, grammar, and elocution in Spanish.
What is the benefit to a child speaking a language other than English or Spanish? If your child primarily speaks a language besides English or Spanish, please contact our director to discuss the possible challenges and benefits of adding a third language.
Will the language immersion program be outdoors? Yes! A major focus of our curriculum is "nature literacy," or exploring the art and science of the rocks, soils, water, weather, plants, insects and animals in our local environment. Expect your child to develop a rich nature vocabulary in Spanish. We will also utilize books, objects, and pictures to build a Spanish vocabulary around everyday objects and situations.
Will you offer a regular outdoor preschool program in addition to the language immersion program? At this time, all students enrolling in the 2023-2024 school year will receive the benefit of a language immersion education.
