closeSupport Your Children in Language Immersion
What is Spanish Immersion?
Spanish Immersion is defined as a method of foreign language instruction in which the regular preschool curriculum is taught through a second language (in our case, Spanish). In other words, our teachers speak 100% Spanish throughout the day to communicate with the children; we don’t teach children Spanish vocabulary.
Why choose the Spanish Immersion Program for my child?
Studies indicate that learning a second language at an early age has many benefits:
- There is a positive effect in cognitive development and intellectual growth.
- It fosters cross-cultural understanding and encourages engagement in global conversations.
- Students achieve proficiency and depth in the Spanish language.
- Research indicates students acquire a native-like pronunciation when learning a language at an early age.
- Spanish Immersion produces successful learners who perform well on standardized tests.
- Students have increased career opportunities where communication skills in Spanish is an asset.
Is it more difficult for a child to acquire two languages at once?
There is no evidence to suggest this. A child doesn’t have to be exceptional to become bilingual. As long as the child is exposed to two languages throughout early childhood, he or she will acquire them both. Additional activities at home are not required for a child to successfully learn a second language.
Will my child confuse the languages?
No, children know when the teacher is using Spanish and when the teacher is using English. Your child will switch back and forth in the same way as a completely bilingual adult without thinking about “which” language they are using.
Will they learn English as well as their peers who are not in immersion?
Yes! This is one of the most studied topics in immersion language learning. What the research consistently reveals is that students show a temporary lag in specific English skills, such as capitalization, punctuation, spelling, word knowledge, and word discrimination on standardized tests. But after approximately the fourth grade, they perform better than their monolingual peers on tests in English. There are no long-term consequences to their ability to speak or read English or to their literacy development. And for parents worried about the vocabulary of their bilingual learner, consider this: their overall vocabulary is actually double that of a monolingual—they know the same word in English and their second language.
If you need further proof, new research from RAND compared 27,000 students over ten years here in Portland. The headline of the study is that immersion students outperformed their non-immersion peers in English reading by seven months in fifth grade and nine months in eighth grade. That is basically a full school year ahead.
This study was particularly groundbreaking because the students here are assigned to the programs by lottery, meaning that this was one of the first randomized trials representing students from all different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Are there certain milestones bilingual learners should reach by certain age categories?
Often, parents and medical professionals worry about the language development of bilingual language learners. It is important to remember that the child is getting multiple language inputs. During the early years of language learning, children have to learn the vocabulary, grammar, and differences between two separate language systems. This may be a bilingual child who is considered to be a “late talker” compared to monolingual peers. As seen in the table below, while many of the early language milestones are about the same, bilingual children don’t put two words together until 3-3 ½ years old, compared to monolingual speakers that put two words together around 2 1/2 – 3 years old. Every bilingual child learns language differently depending on the exposure amount, use of languages in the home, and their community.
Vocabulary development for bilingual speakers occurs at approximately the same rate as monolingual speakers. When taking an account of vocabulary, all words spoken must be counted. For example, a child might know five animals in English, ten foods in Spanish, and “hello” in both English and Spanish. This child would have a vocabulary of 16 (5+10+2). Knowing how to say “hello” in both English and Spanish is counted as only one concept, therefore counts as one in a vocabulary count.
Ultimately children who grow up bilingual not only score significantly higher than their monolingual peers, but they also acquired a second language for their lifelong use.
Is any English used in the classroom?
The goal of this program is full immersion in Spanish but at the teacher’s discretion, English may be used at times to ensure the intellectual, socio-emotional and well-being of a student or the group. There may also on occasion be visiting teachers who may teach a class in English. All communication, notices, and newsletters are issued in English.
What role do parents play in the Spanish Immersion Program?
A long-term commitment is essential for children to experience the great benefits an immersion education yields. Parents can support their child in these ways:
- Make a long-term commitment to immersion, K-6.
- Develop an understanding of immersion education.
- Provide experiences outside of school to develop English language skills.
- Encourage the use of the second language outside of school.
- Volunteer at school and in your child’s classroom.
What should I do to prepare my child?
In all honesty, no preparation is necessary for the child. Children are excited but nervous to go to school. This is the same for children entering a dual-language program. It is a life transition just like entering a “regular” preschool would be. Parents may question whether they have made the right choice. There are few (very few) children who do not thrive in an immersion classroom at the preschool level. Don’t second guess your decision. Believe you made the right choice; research shows you have!
- Many children will feel more comfortable if they have some prior knowledge in Spanish but it is not necessary. As a family, begin to show a value for the second language.
- Some families like to take advantage and begin learning Spanish together at home. Start by simply labeling some typical items around the house. Progress together a little at a time.
- Understand language takes time to acquire. Don’t expect miracles. Remember how long it took your child to speak properly in English. Second language acquisition follows the same process. Your child will first begin using single words, then simple phrases. It will be a long time before they begin using complete sentences. Be patient.
- Do not make your child a parrot. Ask him or her to use the new language in context, instead of something they have to do when asked. This embarrasses children and can hold them back from using their new language.
Will my child understand what the teacher is saying?
- Teachers in a Spanish Immersion classroom use many techniques to teach; body language, visual cues, physical cues etc. to help students understand. And don’t forget about the other children in the class. They are learning together and are partners. As the children communicate together they are helping each other grow in both languages as well.
- Teachers are also second language learners themselves so they understand your child’s situation.
- Encourage your child to ask questions. Teachers will be able to see in the students’ faces whether they are following a lesson or not but encourage your child to advocate for themself. If they don’t understand, teach them to ask.
How do I know my child is learning enough and how do I support him/her?
- Many cognates (words that are spelled similarly) exist between languages. You will begin seeing these cognates in Social Studies and Science and you will be surprised at how much you will understand.
- Support your child by asking him/her to share what they bring home or the documentation you will receive. This will give you an idea of what they are learning. A simple conversation with your child regarding their school day will help you see that although the instruction may have been in Spanish they can tell you what they learned in English.
Will my child lose their Spanish when they stop the program?
- Like any learned skill if it isn’t practiced your child may become “rusty” but they will not forget. If they decide later to take more Spanish they will simply need to reinforce what they already learned and it will return from their long-term memory.
Remember the benefits of Spanish immersion classrooms far outweigh any educational risk for your child. Jump in…belive in the program…support the program and you will raise a child with a great head start on their future.
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