Early Language Programs

Tor Fornelli, Allison Chael, Courtney Hart

• Brain activity in the average four year-old is twice that of an adult, making it easier to learn new things at a young age.

• This critical period ends around the age of 12.

• Starting language programs early, at least before the age of 12, makes it easier for students to learn and retain.

Critical Period

Immersion

• Students are exposed to the foreign language (usually Spanish or French) 50-100% of the time.

• Uses foreign language to teach other subjects during the day

• By 4th-6th grade, students are proficient in native language and foreign language.

Foreign Language Exploratory Program (FLEX)

• Least intensive of the 3 language programs• 1 or 2 classes/week taught in English, in

which students learn about cultures/languages around the world – (10 or more throughout the year)

• Simply provides knowledge of diversity

Foreign Language in Elementary Schools (FLES)

• Start around the age of 9-10• Specific foreign language class – meets 45 minutes to 1 hour, 3-5 times/week

• Provides solid base, not typically bilingualism

Benefits

• Participating in immersion programs for 5+ years score higher on achievement tests than students not in immersion programs.

• Better creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking in other subject areas

• Cultural awareness