I have 2 children in the duel language program at W.D. Williams Elementary. One is in Kindergarten and the other in 2nd grade. It has been amazing to say the least, to see my second grader advance in his ability to speak, read and write in Spanish. A couple weeks ago he had communicated with his teacher when we had a conference fluently in Spanish. It was amazing to see! I do not speak Spanish nor does my husband, so all of his skills he has learned has been from school.
My kindergartner has also really enjoyed learning Spanish because he loves anything his older brother does. His skills are developing and he is recognizing the alphabet, shapes and numbers in Spanish. He was so excited when he figured out how to count to 100 in Spanish. I'm excited to see how the two of my boys will learn and be able to use these gifts of language in the future. I think I better start learning how to speak Spanish too, so I'll know what they are talking about!
Something else I have really seen a value in is the percentage of Spanish that begins in kindergarten. It starts with 90% Spanish and 10% English then slowly incorporates English in the classroom up to 5th grade. Ending with 90% English and 10% Spanish with the kids fully able to speak, write, and read Spanish. It was a little scary for my boys at first, but now they understand what to do when they are asked and not afraid to speak with the teacher in Spanish. The opportunity for them to learn right here in the public school has been wonderful too. I do not have to pay a tutor or send my kids away to a far country to learn the language. It's right here!
I would recommend any parent who is ready for a great learning opportunity for their child to consider this program. It's well worth it!
-Kate Edwards