Spanish Benefits
What does Spanish Immersion mean?
A language immersion program is one in which children are complete immersed in the second language (Spanish) for the majority of their day. It is a natural, flowing part of their environment and, before long, it is completely natural. The immersion approach to teaching a second language maximizes the time the children get to practice the language they are learning and work toward fluency in the foreign language. This method of teaching resolves around constant conversation and engagement. At Buena Vista Spanish Academy, we offer a 100% full immersion environment for preschool ages and 90/100 model for pre-K ages.
Reasons to learn a second language
There are 5 main benefits of learning a second language at an early language:
1. Learn faster and easier
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Our brains are designed to learn languages before we reach puberty. Young children have a natural ability to learning. Fifty percent of this ability is developed in the first few years of life; 30% by age eight, meaning the first three to four years of life are considered the best time for children to learn a second language and is as easy as acquiring knowledge in their first language.
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Children think more simply and therefore have less to learn; they don’t get overwhelmed while attempting to communicate complex thoughts as adults do.
2. Improve problem solving and creativity
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Children have much more time to dedicate to language learning; learning is their full-time job.
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Bilingual brains experience a non-stop, full mental workout; this brain exercise leads to improved planning, problem-solving, concentrating, multitasking, contributes to divergent thinking – out of the box thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Bilingual children are more creative.
3. Enhance future career opportunities
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Learning a second language leads to improved test scores during childhood and adolescence.
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As children get older, their bilingualism can help them get jobs and earn higher wages
4. Connect with other cultures and build tolerance
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They’ll also have more opportunities to travel, connect to their heritage or get to know other cultures. ; it helps create a welcoming environment and establishes the appreciation of similarities and differences among cultures. It goes beyond tolerance, which implies that one is simply willing to overlook differences. Instead, it includes recognizing and respecting diversity through our words and actions in all contexts
5. Prevent age-related mental illness
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Finally, as they approach old age, their bilingualism will have the capacity to slow the onset of Alzheimer’s and Dementia disease by 4.5 years.
Soure: https://www.ertheo.com/blog/en/learning-a-second-language/
FAQS: Language Learning
Will my child become confused if learning in two languages?
According to research, children who learn two languages simultaneously go through the same processes and progress at the same rate as children who learn only one language.¹
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Children learning two languages are slower linguistically or academically?
Children who learn two languages show no evidence of being slower linguistically. Studies had shown there are many academic advantages such as, boosts problem solving, critical-thinking and listening skills, in addition to improving memory, concentration and the ability to multi-task. Furthermore, learning a second language, like learning any skill is a wonderful opportunity to keep young “sponge-like” brains active and stimulated, setting a good habit for later life. It is said that even if a child discontinues the practice of a second language, some benefits will remain with the child.
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What if my child feels lost and don’t understand?
New-comers to BVSA will immediately be hearing Spanish words on their first day. However, the teacher will utilize English as required to ensure children understand the rules and expectations, get to know their teacher and feel comfortable. If the teacher believes that a child does not understand certain Spanish expressions from the context, it will be explained briefly in English, before resuming in Spanish. This will ensure that no child feel “lost or doesn’t understand”. Teachers will always make sure your child feels comfortable and secure at school.
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Do all the teachers speak Spanish?
Yes, all of our teaching staff speak Spanish.
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What if we don’t speak Spanish at home?
You do not have to speak Spanish at home in order for your child to be successful in acquiring a second language. BVSA will give your child the basics for learning the language and while at home they will continue to be exposed to Spanish through simple activities we send home and via links available on our parent information page.
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How will my child learn English?
Your child will acquire the language of English at home and during various times throughout the school day such as centers, outdoor play, lunch and social time. Our curriculum provides appropriate academic and language instruction as your child enters our Pre-K 4 & 5 programs.
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¹Dr. Fred Genesee, Professor of Psychology at McGill University, has compiled data from various research projects on learning two languages from an early age.