Dual Language Immersion Program
What is Dual Language Immersion?
Dual language immersion is a method of teaching a second language in which the learners' second language is used to teach subjects in the classroom. The goal is to develop bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement, and cross-cultural competencies for students who participate.
What are the Proven Benefits of Dual Language Immersion?
There is much research surrounding the benefits of dual language immersion programs and the benefits of learning a second language at a young age.
Second Language Skills
Early dual language immersion takes advantage of the children's capacity to learn language more quickly.
Enhanced Cognitive Skills
Students in bilingual programs have been found to have better mental flexibility, better conceptualization, better executive functioning skills, and more diversified mental abilities.
Enhanced Test Scores
Dual language students perform as well as or better than non-immersion students on standardized test scores given in English.
Increased Cultural Sensitivity
Dual language immersion students are more aware of and show more positive attitudes toward other cultures and are more appreciative of other people.
Long Term Benefits
Dual language immersion students are better prepared for working in a global community and are more desirable in the job market.
What Occurs in a Dual Language Immersion Program?
Dual language immersion offers a rich bilingual experience for young language learners when their minds are developmentally best able to acquire a second language.
Typically students have one Spanish-speaking teacher and one English-speaking teacher throughout their school day. During the English-speaking part of the day, the teacher will teach English Language Arts (reading, writing, and spelling), math, science, and social studies to ensure understanding. Likewise, during the Spanish-speaking part of the day, the teacher will teach Spanish literacy and re-teach math, science, and social studies concepts. As well, the teacher will speak in Spanish and will answer students in Spanish. The teacher will communicate through pictures, songs, games, body language, and expressions to help students comprehend what is being said. Children are very adaptable and can pick up on the meaning in language when these strategies are used. After a brief period at the beginning of the year to encourage the students to begin using the language to communicate, students will also be asked to speak only in Spanish during the Spanish-speaking part of the day.
