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CouponKT
Our family is complete
Member since 6/06 16494 total posts
Name:
K
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DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
DD is very lucky to have the chance to start Kindergarten in a Dual-Language classroom. Her elementary school offers this because of the high percentage of Spanish speaking children in the school. She will be learning half the day in English and half in Spanish. They can only start this in Kindergarten and will go through the 4th grade. Another Mom told me that she could be practically fluent by 4th grade!!
Has anyone else had a child enrolled in this program? Looking for feedback and ways to help her (since I forgot half of what I learned in HS!)
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Posted 9/1/12 9:36 AM  |
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nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
They only offer it in one of our elementary schools and unfortunately, that school didn't work for us time wise. Otherwise I would have considered is lucky to get that placement.
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| Posted 9/1/12 6:03 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
That is great news! Congratulations!
My girlfriend's 3 children have all been through the Bay Shore dual language program. Two finished it (I think it ends in 5th or 6th grade) and one is still in it.
They each enjoyed it. The good part is that they are exposed to a different language at an early age and each boy now has a good basic grip on Spanish (They are now 17, 12 and 7).
They were with the same children all through elementary school, so they were able to form some significant friendships.
I will say that none of them consider themselves fluent in Spanish despite the program. They do understand and can pick up more than the average bear, but fluency comes with practice and home use.. but outside of school they spoke strictly English. I guess if you want to make sure your child gets the best possible benefit, you may want to consider using some Spanish at home as well!
Good luck!
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| Posted 9/3/12 12:00 PM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
I have no direct experience- but my SIL taught a program like this in NYC. She loved it!!
I was so amazed when she said she only speaks spanish for half the day- I can't imagine the kids being able to focus when the don't understand- but she says they do wonderfully
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| Posted 9/4/12 2:53 PM |
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thereitis
LIF Infant
Member since 6/10 89 total posts
Name:
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DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
My daughter is in a dual lang program and is entering 1st grade. She did great in Kindergarten! The spanish homework was limited, so you don't need to worry about your own spanish at this level. Good experience so far for us!
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| Posted 9/4/12 8:13 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
OK, I dont understand 
Basically she learns from 9-12 english and 12-3 spanish? So obviously Leah doesnt speak or understand spanish so how would she learn the appropriate cirriculum for Kindergarten when she doesnt understand the language? I am super confused...LOL
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| Posted 9/4/12 8:39 PM |
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Pumpkin
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3353 total posts
Name:
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
Posted by PrincessP
OK, I dont understand
Basically she learns from 9-12 english and 12-3 spanish? So obviously Leah doesnt speak or understand spanish so how would she learn the appropriate cirriculum for Kindergarten when she doesnt understand the language? I am super confused...LOL
Dual language if done properly has the children learning the same curriculum. You cannot change that NYS dictates that. The teacher will teach certain days in spanish and the other days in english. I have seen it done and it is great. It amazes me how much the children pick up.
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| Posted 9/4/12 10:59 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
Posted by Pumpkin
Posted by PrincessP
OK, I dont understand
Basically she learns from 9-12 english and 12-3 spanish? So obviously Leah doesnt speak or understand spanish so how would she learn the appropriate cirriculum for Kindergarten when she doesnt understand the language? I am super confused...LOL
Dual language if done properly has the children learning the same curriculum. You cannot change that NYS dictates that. The teacher will teach certain days in spanish and the other days in english. I have seen it done and it is great. It amazes me how much the children pick up.
I think her point was, if the kids aren't understanding the Spanish, how are they able to follow along and learn the curriculum they are supposed to be learning in K?
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| Posted 9/5/12 9:01 AM |
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Pumpkin
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3353 total posts
Name:
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Pumpkin
Posted by PrincessP
OK, I dont understand
Basically she learns from 9-12 english and 12-3 spanish? So obviously Leah doesnt speak or understand spanish so how would she learn the appropriate cirriculum for Kindergarten when she doesnt understand the language? I am super confused...LOL
Dual language if done properly has the children learning the same curriculum. You cannot change that NYS dictates that. The teacher will teach certain days in spanish and the other days in english. I have seen it done and it is great. It amazes me how much the children pick up.
I think her point was, if the kids aren't understanding the Spanish, how are they able to follow along and learn the curriculum they are supposed to be learning in K?
Because the class is taught in english too. That is why they start in K and stay with the same class all the way through.
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| Posted 9/5/12 10:28 AM |
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computergirl
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3118 total posts
Name:
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
Posted by Pumpkin
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Pumpkin
Posted by PrincessP
OK, I dont understand
Basically she learns from 9-12 english and 12-3 spanish? So obviously Leah doesnt speak or understand spanish so how would she learn the appropriate cirriculum for Kindergarten when she doesnt understand the language? I am super confused...LOL
Dual language if done properly has the children learning the same curriculum. You cannot change that NYS dictates that. The teacher will teach certain days in spanish and the other days in english. I have seen it done and it is great. It amazes me how much the children pick up.
I think her point was, if the kids aren't understanding the Spanish, how are they able to follow along and learn the curriculum they are supposed to be learning in K?
Because the class is taught in english too. That is why they start in K and stay with the same class all the way through.
Do they teach a lesson in one language, and then re-teach it in the other language? I have never heard of a dual-language class before and am genuinely curious.
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| Posted 9/5/12 1:51 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
Posted by Pumpkin
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Pumpkin
Posted by PrincessP
OK, I dont understand
Basically she learns from 9-12 english and 12-3 spanish? So obviously Leah doesnt speak or understand spanish so how would she learn the appropriate cirriculum for Kindergarten when she doesnt understand the language? I am super confused...LOL
Dual language if done properly has the children learning the same curriculum. You cannot change that NYS dictates that. The teacher will teach certain days in spanish and the other days in english. I have seen it done and it is great. It amazes me how much the children pick up.
I think her point was, if the kids aren't understanding the Spanish, how are they able to follow along and learn the curriculum they are supposed to be learning in K?
Because the class is taught in english too. That is why they start in K and stay with the same class all the way through.
Yes, thats what I meant. I do get that some parts are in english but the parts that arent, it seems like alot of time where the child may be lost. (my example of 9-12 engl. and 12-3 spanish). I mean its SUPER if it works, who wouldnt want this right? Seems like the kids would be gaining so much. I just dont get how if my dd doesnt understand spanish, how would she understand the cirriculum taught during that spanish time (12-3). KWIM?
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| Posted 9/5/12 9:17 PM |
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CouponKT
Our family is complete
Member since 6/06 16494 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
In Leah's case, she is so far ahead of the Kindergarten curriculum that I am not too worried about her missing much. I am hoping that this is a challenge for her and she gets more out of learning Spanish.
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| Posted 9/5/12 9:29 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
Posted by PrincessP
Yes, thats what I meant. I do get that some parts are in english but the parts that arent, it seems like alot of time where the child may be lost. (my example of 9-12 engl. and 12-3 spanish). I mean its SUPER if it works, who wouldnt want this right? Seems like the kids would be gaining so much. I just dont get how if my dd doesnt understand spanish, how would she understand the cirriculum taught during that spanish time (12-3). KWIM?
I believe that in some programs the children must be tested before they are eligible for the lottery to select the kids who will ultimately be accepted into the dual language program. I am thinking this is to ensure that the children are prepared for the inherent challenges associated with learning in two languages. I believe there must be a certain level of proficiency in your own native language to qualify.
My understanding is that in K and 1st they are setting the stage - so to speak - helping half the children learn English and half the children learn Spanish in an environment that is cooperative and favors no language over the other.
Think of the fact that many kids come to the US with little to no understanding of the English language.. but acclimate and learn quickly despite having most instruction done in English. It is a challenge.. but one that is NOT impossible.
The program is highly effective and testing shows that the vast majority of Native English speakers who participate in the two way language program will perform on grade level and later will perform well above grade level on standardized tests. I would have participated in a heartbeat if it had been available here!
Message edited 9/5/2012 10:25:43 PM.
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| Posted 9/5/12 10:24 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
Posted by rojerono
Posted by PrincessP
Yes, thats what I meant. I do get that some parts are in english but the parts that arent, it seems like alot of time where the child may be lost. (my example of 9-12 engl. and 12-3 spanish). I mean its SUPER if it works, who wouldnt want this right? Seems like the kids would be gaining so much. I just dont get how if my dd doesnt understand spanish, how would she understand the cirriculum taught during that spanish time (12-3). KWIM?
I believe that in some programs the children must be tested before they are eligible for the lottery to select the kids who will ultimately be accepted into the dual language program. I am thinking this is to ensure that the children are prepared for the inherent challenges associated with learning in two languages. I believe there must be a certain level of proficiency in your own native language to qualify.
My understanding is that in K and 1st they are setting the stage - so to speak - helping half the children learn English and half the children learn Spanish in an environment that is cooperative and favors no language over the other.
Think of the fact that many kids come to the US with little to no understanding of the English language.. but acclimate and learn quickly despite having most instruction done in English. It is a challenge.. but one that is NOT impossible.
The program is highly effective and testing shows that the vast majority of Native English speakers who participate in the two way language program will perform on grade level and later will perform well above grade level on standardized tests. I would have participated in a heartbeat if it had been available here!
Yes, it does seem that if your child can in fact adapt to both languages learned at the same time, they certainly will be above other children in general which is a plus. I agree with your first paragraph about qualifying for this bc some children may not be able to adapt. My dd's school I believe doesnt offer this bc I havent heard anything about it. It certainly will be interesting to see if this is all successful. Anyway, reagrdless, i hope to see my dd learning another language (especially spanish) much earlier then I did in school (I think 9th grade. it is so important in today's society.
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| Posted 9/6/12 9:11 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
Posted by PrincessP
Yes, it does seem that if your child can in fact adapt to both languages learned at the same time, they certainly will be above other children in general which is a plus. I agree with your first paragraph about qualifying for this bc some children may not be able to adapt. My dd's school I believe doesnt offer this bc I havent heard anything about it. It certainly will be interesting to see if this is all successful. Anyway, reagrdless, i hope to see my dd learning another language (especially spanish) much earlier then I did in school (I think 9th grade. it is so important in today's society.
Two Way Language program has already proven successful. It's been around for quite some time. Studies have already proven that it has a high success rate. I really wish they had it in my district. :(
I think most schools have adapted foreign language starting in 6th grade now... which is definitely better than when I was in school (9th for me).
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| Posted 9/7/12 8:39 PM |
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twicethefun
Loving life
Member since 7/06 4088 total posts
Name:
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
Posted by rojerono
Posted by PrincessP
Yes, it does seem that if your child can in fact adapt to both languages learned at the same time, they certainly will be above other children in general which is a plus. I agree with your first paragraph about qualifying for this bc some children may not be able to adapt. My dd's school I believe doesnt offer this bc I havent heard anything about it. It certainly will be interesting to see if this is all successful. Anyway, reagrdless, i hope to see my dd learning another language (especially spanish) much earlier then I did in school (I think 9th grade. it is so important in today's society.
Two Way Language program has already proven successful. It's been around for quite some time. Studies have already proven that it has a high success rate. I really wish they had it in my district. :(
I think most schools have adapted foreign language starting in 6th grade now... which is definitely better than when I was in school (9th for me).
Where has it been proven? My question is genuine and serious. My school has been doing it for years and planning to drop the program. We chose our best kindergarteners for the program and turned them into our struggling fourth graders. Its so upsetting and I honestly want to know what research has been done? Please enlighten me.... It sounds like such a great program but the results are terrible in my school.
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| Posted 9/7/12 9:06 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
Posted by twicethefun
Where has it been proven? My question is genuine and serious. My school has been doing it for years and planning to drop the program. We chose our best kindergarteners for the program and turned them into our struggling fourth graders. Its so upsetting and I honestly want to know what research has been done? Please enlighten me.... It sounds like such a great program but the results are terrible in my school.
Like any program, it has to be done "right". I am no expert but I think some of the issues reported in the past have included an unbalanced class (more Native English than Spanish or vice versa - teachers who aren't fluent in the various dialects common in the classroom setting among the non-English speakers, insufficient screening of candidates for the program, lack of parent understanding and support, etc..) It's not at ALL a program that is perfect in every incarnation.. but the results show that if implemented and supported correctly, all of the children benefit immensely.
I do NOT - however - think it promotes fluency in non-native speakers unless they have support at home and/or a desire to be fluent. As I mentioned none of my friend's sons consider themselves fluent and 2 of them have completed the program (1 is in process). They can read and understand most things... but fluency in speaking requires a bit more than they were given I guess.
There is tons of data supporting it. Here are a couple of links:
CAL
I know it's Wikipedia.. but you can find the references in this article if you want to research further
CARLA explores the benefits, but also addresses some of the deficits in 2 way immersion
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| Posted 9/8/12 8:22 AM |
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Crunchewy
LIF Adult
Member since 10/08 1232 total posts
Name:
A
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DD entering Dual-Language Kindergarten
I went to dual language schools as a child and when I graduate high school at 19 I could fluently speak 4 languages (still can).
Like pp said if it is taught properly it works.
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| Posted 9/9/12 10:39 PM |
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