Salta! Jump into Spanish - is a parent child enrichment program

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

My child does not know Spanish –
will he/she be confused and not understand what to do?
Our program is designed for children who do not yet understand or speak the Spanish language. We do, however, welcome and
encourage children who already use the language in their homes to be a part of our program. All staff is completely bilingual in
English and Spanish. We will start the program speaking both Spanish and English so that the children understand each activity.
Once the children are familiar with the activities it becomes easy to switch to speaking Spanish. Most of the time, children don’t
even notice when we switch. They are too busy having fun. If the teacher every doubts the children understand something, she will
briefly explain in English and then continue in Spanish. We are here to encourage the love of the Spanish language and will ensure
that the children feel comfortable and secure.

What advantages do children who learn a foreign language have?
Children who have been exposed to a foreign language early often learn the read faster and with greater ease because they are
able to recognize the relationship between letters and their sounds without the help of visual objects. Exposure to a second
language clearly benefits children’s reading abilities.
American Psychological Association May 1997

Children who learn a second language typically have better problem solving abilities, better reasoning skills, and are more creative.
ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages & Linguistics

Children with bilingual skills outperform similar monolingual children on both verbal and non-verbal tests of intelligence and typically,
have higher SAT or standardized test scores.
Department of Education, USA & ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages & Linguistics

Exposing children to a second language not only gives them the ability to communicate with more people but also teaches them to
appreciate and respect other cultures and people that are different from themselves.

Why is it so important to start learning a foreign language as early as possible?
Children have the capacity to develop new language more naturally than adults. Between the
ages of 0 – 5 years old, children’s brains are prepared for language development. “The power to learn language is so great in the
young child that it doesn’t seem to matter how many languages you throw their way. They can learn as many spoken languages as
you allow them to hear systematically and regularly.”
Learning Languages, Winter 1996

“Studies have shown, and experience has supported, that children who learn a language before the onset of adolescence are much
more likely to have a native-like pronunciation.” ERIC

“Languages are for life and they can’t be taken away once you have learned them. By helping your child and continuing to help
her, you’ll have a lasting contribution to her quality of life and understanding of others and their culture.” Hodder and Stoughton
Educational, 1994

What are the myths about exposing children to foreign languages?

Learning a second language will interfere with the child’s ability to learn English
“In most cases, learning another language enhances a child’s English ability. Children can learn much about English by learning
the structure of other languages. Common vocabulary also helps children learn the meaning of new words in English.” ERIC

If I don’t speak Spanish, how will I be able to teach my child?
Parents do not have to be native speakers or know the foreign language to teach it to their children. There are many venues that
can be used to teach children Spanish; bilingual television, songs, bilingual preschool, books, movies, bilingual toys and computer
games.

Will my child become proficient in the second language?
How long will that take?
Achieving high levels of oral proficiency in a second language is a long-term process. A long-term commitment is essential.
Children may not reach proficiency in every skill area, however, your child will have a strong second language base upon which to
continue moving toward full proficiency. Language learning is influenced by many factors, including students’ personality and
motivation, teacher expectations, parental support and program leadership. Student success requires the active involvement of all
of these stakeholders.