|
Early introduction to a second language has many benefits
By Clare Marie Celano
Area schools are offering their students language studies much earlier these days for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons a second language
is being added to many curriculums in younger grades, according to experts, is because the best time to teach children a second language is when they are young enough to learn it.
All elementary school students should have access to high-quality, ongoing and systematicWorld Language instruction, according to Janis Jensen, New Jersey Department of Education coordinator of World Language and International Education.
According to the information received by Jensen, "Young children are at an optimal time to learn other languages. Children in early second language programs where the curriculum is aligned with other core areas show gains in standardized tests of basic skills and derive additional cognitive and affective benefits."
According to Jenson's material,"Early language learning results in improved literacy skills."
Mary MacKenzie, who serves the East Brunswick School District as supervisor of the World Language and ESL programs, agrees with the research that shows that children learn better when they are young.
 | | Members of the Ocean Township High School color guard perform during halftime. SCOTT PILLING staff |
|
She said children can even learn to speak a language without an accent when taught by an appropriate language model.
"Children are more flexible and more willing to take risks when they are in the younger grades,"MacKenzie said."Once they reach middle school level, they become self-conscious about learning a new language and can get scared and very upset in front of their peers."
The East Brunswick School District offers their students language studies beginning in the third grade.
MacKenzie said that when students learn in the younger grades, by the time they reach the sixth grade, they are accustomed to using the second language and it's an accepted part of their study program.
The East Brunswick School District offers several choices for children, depending on their grade. Students in kindergarten through the fifth grade have their preference of either Spanish or French.
By the time they reach the sixth grade they have their choice of Spanish, French, Italian or German. Students can either continue with the same language they chose in the younger grades or begin learning a new language.
By the eighth grade students in this district are also offered Latin.
"With a well-articulated World Language program, students can continue into their high school studies at a higher proficiency level than ever before," she added.
According to Laura Morana, superintendent of Red Bank Schools, the district has expanded their World Language program.
This district is now introducing Mandarin Chinese along with the Spanish language program.
Students in prekindergarten through third grade are offered one semester of Spanish and one semester of Mandarin Chinese.When students reach middle school, they have their choice of taking either Spanish or Mandarin Chinese.
"We sent surveys home to parents and families to see what language they would like their children to take," she said.
The town has a large population of Hispanic students, and Morana said many of these students are opting to learn the Mandarin Chinese language.
Morana said that the earlier you teach a child a new language, the better it is.
"It is better for their overall development as well," she said.
Learning a language, according to Morana, helps students to develop more intellectually and faster."It's just like taking music instruction. Both enhance their development and prepare them better for life after high school, when they will have opportunities to pursue their career in the work world as well," Morana said.
Students in the Freehold Borough School District are learning Spanish beginning in the third grade, according to Ronnie Dougherty, director of curriculum and language arts supervisor.
This school district also has a large percentage of Hispanic students.
Dougherty said that students are taught the second language with a communicative approach.
"Third-graders will be given a very basic program, and by the fifth grade we are hopeful they will become more fluent," Dougherty said.
The director said that the language program incorporates formal study of the language but also includes study of the culture as well."An important part of our instruction program is to differentiate with our students. This addresses the needs of each individual student. It is the same in our World Language program.We teach children on a level appropriate for them," Dougherty said.
By the time students in the Freehold Borough School District reach middle school level, they will have World Language studies for two marking periods, which is a total of 90 days.These classes run for 50 minutes per day, according to Dougherty.
| 
)
)