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Lincoln Spanish Immersion

Lincoln Spanish Immersion. Parent Presentation. General Information. Approved on May 21, 2012 First day of school September 4, 2012 K-1 classroom 21 students currently Part of m ulti-age school (Bishop) Parent satisfaction with program is high. Why?.

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Lincoln Spanish Immersion

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  1. Lincoln Spanish Immersion Parent Presentation

  2. General Information • Approved on May 21, 2012 • First day of school September 4, 2012 • K-1 classroom • 21 students currently • Part of multi-age school (Bishop) • Parent satisfaction with program is high

  3. Why? • “If education policies were guided by what we know about the development of the brain, second-language learning would be a preschool priority.” 1 • Two year language requirement to graduate High School • Higher performance on standardized measures of math, science, social studies, verbal skills and English after English is introduced 1 Harvard Center for the Developing Child

  4. Critical Learning Period

  5. Benefits of Being Bilingual • Positive effect on intellectual growth • Greater flexibility in thinking, better listening, more sensitive to language • Improved understanding of native language • Opportunities to meet new people • Understanding of other cultures & appreciation for differences • More prepared for High School and College • Improved job opportunities & salary potential

  6. Observations from other programs • Test scores higher in 3rd and 5th grade • School within school is successful • Community values the bilingual program • Programs are very popular • Use state required curriculum in Spanish • Most follow full immersion model • Recommend starting a classroom first then continuously improving as new grades added

  7. Program Goals • Mastery of state mandated curriculum • Competency communicating in Spanish - reading, writing, listening, speaking • Strong English literacy skills • Develop understanding and appreciation of other places and cultures • More specific goals to be developed as we move forward

  8. What is Immersion? • This is a full immersion model with all class time and core subjects taught in Spanish • Same curriculum as other elementary students • Same multi-age program as other students • Exposure to Spanish language and Spanish speaking cultures • Classroom language is Spanish • ELA begins in 2nd grade

  9. What about English? • Many research studies indicate no negative effect on an immersion students’ English skills • English Language Arts ELA instruction begins in Grade 2 for about 30 minutes/day • A few minutes/day of ELA added each year • English literacy skills build upon Spanish literacy skills • Generally immersion students show a slight lag versus their peers in Grade 3 • By grade 5 immersion students test ahead of peers • The child’s brain processes language different from an adult and can readily manage both languages • English is still language of the specials and school events • Reading regularly at home with your child recommended – high correlation to strong literacy skills

  10. The Immersion Teacher • Certification in early education required • Language certifications are desirable, but not required in MI • Native or native-like Spanish language abilities necessary • Expressive, engaging, and creative with children so meaning is conveyed • Search underway for 2013 teacher

  11. The Immersion K/1 Classroom • Focus on communication, not form • 3 natural stages of language acquisition respected: comprehension, early speech, and speech emergence • Teacher speaks in Spanish, students encouraged to use Spanish, but may respond in English • The learning situation is relaxed • Speech production comes slowly, not forced • Teacher creates situations where students are motivated to communicate • Total physical response (TPR) instruction

  12. Program Direction • Initiate summer program • Academic skills • Language skills • Develop growth strategy and plan • Middle school • High school • Overall language integration • Reach out into community • Evaluate successful programs and develop our unique approach

  13. Parent Role • Support your student in their language development • Understand they may be reluctant to use Spanish at home for up to 2 years • Homework – based on daily lessons, student should know, but parent group will set up support • Read in English to your child • Support the program and its direction and development • Get involved with school and program

  14. Next Steps • Determine if this is right for your child • Sign up for school & program at Roundup (SOC can sign up before paperwork complete) • Hire next teacher • Continue to develop summer program(s) • Camp - open to current and incoming students • Informal play days • Informal events • Continue to recruit students for 2013

  15. Frequently Asked Questions • Do parents need to speak Spanish? • How do parents help with homework? • What if parents want to learn Spanish? • What kind of challenges to children have? • Are there other learning resources? • What types of children thrive or do not thrive?

  16. Questions?

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