It's never too soon!!


Immersing children with another language at a young age can truly have its benefits. In this video we see children of different ages working together and having fun in this interactive Spanish lesson.

By starting students out at a younger age with a foreign language (or continuous exposure to their native spanish language) we are creating a stronger foundation for them to carry on into later elementary years. Providing this language opportunity can spark further interest and pursuing.  (http://www.centredaily.com/2012/02/12/3087391/livening-up-language.html#storylink=cpp/). 

Valuing the use of bilingual speakers


"Can studying a second language in elementary school boost student achievement in other academic areas? Numerous studies suggest that this may be the case." (Learning a Second Language: When & Why)

The District Administration have found that learning a second language in the elementary grades opposed to during adolescent increases the likely-hood of increased cognitive skills, high test scores, and higher achievement in other academic areas. They have also stated that children starting out studying another language at a younger age tend to develop a more native-like pronunciation and maintain fluency.  (Learning a Second Language: When & Why)


Check out this study, which proves a positive relationship between children learning a second language at a younger age and the fostering of other critical developmental skills. 


Learning a Second Language

The use of spanish courses and implementation in schools has decreased. We can't be sure that these students are going to be offered these separate classes so we can take it into our own hands by making an effort to bring spanish into our own classrooms. Studies show that being exposed to a foreign language encourages memory and critical thinking skills (http://www.centredaily.com/2012/02/12/3087391/livening-up-language.html#storylink=cpp/).

It's very valuable to possess the skills of knowing multiple languages. This is a skill that should be encouraged. Schools and teachers should promote the acquiring of another language. 


Check out this article on the benefits of knowing a 2nd language:


Livening up Language

Representation in the Curriculum

Using spanish through not only language but also the curriculum allows children to see themselves in their own educational experience. Knowing that you are represented in the classroom fosters a greater sense of identity and belonging (http://newamericamedia.org/2010/05/using-spanish-to-build-english-skills.php). As a teacher you are providing an opportunity for a student to see themselves in what they are learning. It's very powerful to be able to reflect the learners identities and values from your teachings. 

There are different ways to be creative and implement the use of Spanish in the classroom. This video offers some interactive lessons using technology!

Using language to build relationships and break down stereotypes

By using spanish in the classroom we are allowing the gap between english language learners and english native speakers to narrow. (http://newamericamedia.org/2010/05/using-spanish-to-build-english-skills.php) This will help us to set spanish speaking children up for success and reach their full potential. Being able to learn more about one another lessens the chance to put each other down. The more we know about one another, the harder it is to be mean to one another. 

Let's educate our children on the power of language. Let them explore differences and similarities. 

A great example of how we can implement another language in a simple yet powerful way. Imagine walking into a situation where we don't speak the same language. Seeing something familiar will help us feel comfortable and possibly promote a more collaborative environment to possibly learn and grow!

What can Spanish in the Classroom look like?


It's important to be exposed to other languages in order to foster development and understanding of native language as well as the new language being taught. Langauge skills are transferrable so what a student knows in one language will be applied to their thinking abilities in the other (http://newamericamedia.org/2010/05/using-spanish-to-build-english-skills.php).




As teachers we should provide students with multiple outlets to express and find themselves. Learning or identifying with another language maybe one of these ways. There are many different ways to implement Spanish into the classroom. Another well known practice is Dual Immersion. In dual immersion programs many classes offer English for the first half of the day and Spanish for the second half of the day. There are many different ways this can look such as alternating days as well. There are also push in and pull out programs for ELL's. In my own experience, I do not have this opportunity so I feel that it will benefit myself and my students to incorporate the language throughout my curriculum and teaching environment. There are many ways that this can look. 






Look how interactive a Spanish lesson can look like with young children:

English Language Learners


Learning another language helps students build skills developmentally. With spanish speakers already in the classroom, having a strong literacy foundation in their native language will help them be more proficient in english as well (http://newamericamedia.org/2010/05/using-spanish-to-build-english-skills.php). Therefore not only are they acquiring new skills learning a new language but they are also able to rely on their native language for further thinking. 


Hmmm let's think how we can help our English Language Learners:

• Scaffolding instruction
• Graphic organizers
• Multiple Intelligences
• Experimental learning
• Concrete referents
• First language
• Multi-media
• Hands-on activities
• Field Trips
• Story maps, storyboards
• Pictures
• Maps, timelines, charts, diagrams, graphs
• Realia
• Listening/notetaking guides
• Visuals
• Cooperative Learning Activities
• Total physical response (standing up, pointing, touching)
• Language experience approach

(Developed by Rebecca Freeman Field)

All of these are strategies that can be used to make content more comprehensible for English Language Learners. 

Standards, Standards, Standards


Why does the word sound so scary, daunting, and intimidating??


It doesn't have to be.


Teachers have the opportunity to have freedom in the classroom. Freedom to teach their students what they feel is important and of value. The tricky part is finding a way to cover yourself in the standards. It's very possible. The effort just has to be made. 


Following a spanish integration approach in the classroom can be applied to scope and sequence standards (http://singnspeak.com/). Teachers need to be creative in thinking about how standards are being met through the use of other languages. 


So that means no more excuses. There is plenty of room and time to incorporate Spanish in the classroom. Make the EFFORT. It doesn't have to be perfect the first time. Start small and simple and grow from there!

Differentiation

Crucial!!

I am always thinking of how I am going to reach each individual learner in my classroom. No lesson is ever perfect. That is why it's important to be a reflective teacher. Know your students. Constantly be assessing where they are at and what they are taking away from each lesson. With that being said, there is always a way to reach students even better than before! How to do this? Being critical about exactly how you can differentiate each lesson based on the needs of each individual student. Every students has preferences and modes of learning that is most beneficial to them. The art to teaching is figuring that out and implementing it in the classroom.

With that being said I have been thinking about how I can reach out to my Spanish speaking students. I want the lesson to be relatable and fun for them as well. I have to be creative as to how I can integrate Spanish into their lessons and even combine it with other modalities such as the arts.


Using music and singing to encourage the use of spanish in the classroom is a fun way to involve students in the language (http://singnspeak.com/). Not only does it incorporate music into the classroom but it also allows for differentiation and offers an alternative way to help kids remember some of the language. 

A poetry unit could use some exploration of poems in Spanish! With my first graders we were beginning a unit on poetry. To implement the immersion of poetry in our reading workshop I decided to do centers. One of our centers was filled with poetry books and poetry handouts revolving around the Spanish theme. Some poems were about the Spanish culture, some were in Spanish, and some had the English translation along with it. My kids had a blast reading these poems with one another!

Offering multiple perspectives of learning


By exploring the spanish language in the classroom we are exposing children to cultures that are different than there own. It's important for our children to be able to see from the perspectives of others. Learning from a classmate can be one of the most powerful experiences for a young child. This can help them to form ideas and learn to live and work harmoniously with one another. 


More importantly, it is likely the typical classroom contains spanish speaking students. By making an effort to integrate their native language into the classroom we are validating their culture. At the same time we are activating prior knowledge and conveying a message that we value their background. This can foster a collaborative learning environment (Language Journeys, 2010). This is one way to set a tone for a classroom that appreciates and honors one another's backgrounds. Not only valuing diverse cultures but also learning and being one who inquires more about others different than ourselves. 


In my own classroom I recently taught a lesson on the different ways to welcome someone or say hello. Now each morning as my students and I greet one another we try out different greetings. Incorporating other languages has got my first graders interested in the many different ways that people communicate. Instead of something seeming so different and even strange, they now find it interesting and fun!

Is bringing another language into the classroom beneficial?

Incorporating multiple languages in the classroom is beneficial to both English language speakers and English language learners. There are multiple ways to bring spanish into the classroom that can be fun for all students. Dayamport gives examples and resources on interactive games that promotes the use of Spanish amongst learners. She explains that being immersed in this type of bilingual learning is applicable to all levels of learners (Language Journeys, 2010). How so?

• Students learn from one another, they learn about people different than themselves
• We teach them that we value their backgrounds and diverse communities, cultures, and languages
• Students are able to apply their language skills to further their thinking

A simple way to incorporate spanish in the classroom is to make it visible. Teachers can begin by labeling supplies and materials in their classroom.