- How often does my child get Spanish?
- Does my child receive a grade?
- Why learn a second language now?
- How is this program funded?
- How long has the program been in place?
- What can I do at home to support my child's learning and achievement?
- Is 40 minutes a week enough time to learn anything?
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How often does my child get Spanish?
Currently Spanish is being offered twice a week for 20 minutes per day.
A total of 40 minutes per week with homework assignments
periodically. The Spanish teacher travels between Soda Creek and
Strawberry Park to teach the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.
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Does my child receive a grade?
At this time No. However a committee has recently been put in place to
evaluate the current foreigh language program and its effectiveness.
Assessments will be a part of the curriculum, but will not appear on a
progress report or grade card.
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Why learn a second language now?
Research shows that the optimum age to acquire a second or even
third language is between the ages of 2 - 10, not in middle or high
school. The benefits are many and varied, including an increase in
cognitive development and brain growth.
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How is this program funded?
By you the parent. The district does not currently fund this program so
funds are being raised by PIC and PTIC through the sale of Safeway
grocery gift cards and through various grants and donations.
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How long has the program been in place?
We are in our fourth year. The program began in February 2003.
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What can I do at home to support my child's learning and achievement?
Lots! You can be an important part of your child's achievement and
growth by working with them on homework and monthly calendars.
Learn along with them and practice new phrases and words with them
at home. Encourage and support them, and introduce them to more
Spanish through music, computers web sites, games, and through
our local community - a community rich in hispanic culture and
language!
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Is 40 minutes a week enough time to learn anything?
Yes - you would be amazed at how quickly and easily the young mind
learns and retains new information. This is the best time to introduce a
second language. However, research indicates that the level of
proficiency in learning a second language is directly related to when we
start teaching them the language and the length of time they have to
learn. Clearly this amount of time will not make any student fluent in the
language, which is not the intent of this program. It will provide them
with a solid foundation from which to grow and continue learning.
