Announcement

06/16/2011

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Please Note: By clicking on links,ie.( software list and useful links) you will be leaving this web site, and going to another, entirely independent, web site. These links are provided as a service; however I take no responsibility for any of the information presented on any web site. Please be aware of students’ search and possible connection to additional sites outside the realm of my carefully selected selections. I select kid safe sites that present information or service considered useful and/or entertaining. Please note: The internet lists few reference materials specifically for students. The sites included are mostly .com (commercial) with some .org (organization) and a few .edu (educational) and .gov (government). Anything with ~ is a personal home page. If you encounter any site that is selling something, DO NOT enter the advertiser’s site, give your name, or subscribe. If you are home, check with an adult. Remember, you are responsible for safe and responsible use of sites, please refer to your internet agreement. Parents should always supervise their child’s activities on the Internet.
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What You Can Do at Home

06/16/2011

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Learning a foreign language is a long process that requires time spent in class and at home studying and experiencing the foreign language. Here are some simple and fun things that can make a world of difference in your child’s success in foreign languages:
  • Ask your child or the teacher the topic/unit they are learning in class and be part of it! If your child is learning about food, it might be a good opportunity to cook a dish from a country where the foreign language is spoken and go over food items in the foreign language with your child!
  • Encourage your child to practice with you at home. Let your child read or speak to you in the language and perhaps, let your child teach you some foreign language.
  • Do not focus on the pronunciation or getting it right at first ... practice makes perfect! - Be creative and try to come up with a game to learn vocabulary words or to remember a tricky pronunciation.
  • Expose your child to people from varied language and cultural backgrounds.
  • Speak positively about the value of learning a second language.
  • Provide videos, music and books in other languages. Your local library or the internet can be a great and
    free bank of resources.
  • Find a pen pal: Once your child is a bit older and knows the basics in a foreign language, finding a pen
    pal is a great way to practice the language and exert some independence. Having a pen pal abroad is a great way to learn about culture in another country and appreciate the differences in lifestyle, e.g. school, food, holidays, hobbies, etc.
Remember: As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher. When parents and families are involved in their children's learning of a foreign language, the children do better and have better feelings about their foreign language study.

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Why Study a Second Language?

06/16/2011

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Students of foreign languages:
  • Score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English;
  • Display enhanced memory, listening, and reading skills;
  • Acquire a deeper understanding of their own culture as they explore the culture of other countries;
  • Demonstrate better complex problem solving;
  • Are poised speakers in front of small or large groups;
  • Exhibit accelerated cognitive brain development in areas such as mental flexibility, creativity, divergent thinking and higher order thinking skills;
  • Have opportunities for a greater number of career choices.
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