World Languages
The World Language program is one of the unique features of Early Childhood Education at The International School of Minnesota. All children have daily World Language classes taught by teachers who have native fluency. Learning activities are developmentally appropriate. Through conversation, music, stories, rhymes, audio-visual materials, art, and games, children quickly become comfortable with a second language.
The concepts or units covered typically mirror the very concepts that are being "experienced" with the classroom teachers. Topics will include me, my family, colors, numbers, and shapes, feelings, foods, toys, and holidays.
In essence, the goal of the World Language program is to inform, involve, and stimulate children to enjoy the target language, be it French or Spanish, in the easiest possible way.
Parents often ask teachers how they can be most helpful and involved in their children's learning of a second language. The very best way to do this is to give a supportive home environment in which there might be such things as second language books, toys, games, or videos and by encouraging, but certainly not coercing, children to share what they have learned. Remember! Some children will want to teach you everything they know, while others will want their experience to remain their own. Both reactions are normal!