Saturday Language School to learn Spanish or French
2017 Fall Session: Saturdays, September 9 to October 28, 2017, 9:30-11:00 am
2018 Winter Session: Saturdays, January 20 to March 10, 2018, 9:30-11:00 am
2018 Spring Session: Saturdays, April 7 to May 26, 2018, 9:30-11:00 am
Classes meet in Buck Memorial Hall on the IWU campus.
The Saturday Language School aims to promote early second language acquisition by children who want to learn a second (or third!) language. Children in pre-K (3 years old/potty trained) through 5th grade will have the opportunity to learn a second language and gain knowledge of the rich cultural traditions of the target cultures. Playgroup classes are available for smaller children focusing only on culture and minimal language instruction.
The program’s philosophy is based on research findings that the best time to start learning a second language is during childhood, and that early second language education brings cognitive, academic, social, and cultural advantages to children. The curriculum includes activities that teach languages through games, songs, stories, and crafts. Students will be placed in the appropriate class according to their proficiency. Bilingual and heritage speakers are also welcome.
The Spanish language program uses the textbook "Descubre" and your student will be placed in Level A, B or C based on previous experience. The book complements and reinforces our scaffolded curriculum that introduces new topics by also reinforcing previous knowledge. That is, we skill build but at the same time put those skills to practice so they become familiar with the vocabulary and grammar via reading and aural activities. They are also expected, when they are ready, to produce that new information in spoken and written form. Students continue to see these high-frequency verbs and implement them within different topics throughout the program.
A limited number of scholarships are available thanks to the Cuca Avila Scholarship via Conexiones Latinas.