share.triangle.com - Foreign languages in elementary schools? - Comments

are you kidding?

Visitor — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:06:27 -0400

Where are you both from? How were you both raised? Everyone comes with their own set of tools, and I am sure you have not been raised in an environment where world languages and diversity where necessarily a positive influence in your background. I hope that those making these opinions have traveled abroad more than a few times, have worked overseas, have gotten to know an 'alien' family, has participated hands-on in their children's education, has done their research in linguistics versus having an experiential/outsider opinion on education.
Learning another language in elementary school will not affect a child's ability to learn English properly. Most elementary schools teach a world language at most 15-30 minute two to three times a week, unless it is a bi-lingual or immersion program (in which you have a choice to send your children there or not). I'd also like to point out that Americans are not the only country that does not speak a second language. Every country has a population that is mono-lingual and have the same opinions of learning another language or about 'foreign' people. It is only when you allow your mind to open and not fear others that 'I get it' moment happens.
All linguistic research both nationally and internationally has concluded that children that learn another language score higher on tests, hold more vocabulary words in both the right and left hemesphers of the brain, are more tolerant and less fearful of other cultures, become global citizens, and have an upper hand when it comes to the future job market. What part of that sounds bad?
Learning a second language is like learning science vocabulary, math vocabualry, art vocabualry, etc... When a child is young they are more likely to learn faster and are able to store more information without the fear of something 'foreign.'
Children that struggle with English usually have other factors that contribute to their struggle; for example, learning disability, developmental delays, concentration issues, retention issues, non-native speakers, socio-economic problems, lack of parent involvement, and/or untrained teachers.
I do agree with children the immigrate here, like any other country, must learn English, but there is no reason why one must leave their old language behind or pick up another.
There are so many resources and extra help out there to learn English properly. If one is motivated to do so than there is no problem. Education doesn't happen only in the elementary school, it is a long term investment. Life learners require support from family, educators, and specialists to create a stronge English student. An additional language in the elementary school does not hurt, but only enhances the learning experience of students. Wouldn't you want your children to keep up with the changes of the world and give them tools for the job market?

Foreign language

Visitor — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:31:28 -0400

My thoughts on this are simple. Demand the immigrants coming into this country to speak English, and we'll teach our children foreign languages. Our children should not have to learn different languages just to be able to communicate with others who came from outside the US. Now, I do understand the argument that it makes them more well-rounded. I myself can speak Spanish, but that's because I took advanced courses throughout high school, and to be honest, I never use my ability. My stepson, who is 4, is being taught Spanish because he is 1/4 Bolivian. His parents and I don't pressure him to learn because we want him to enjoy his childhood. Let them be kids.

foreign languages for young children

Visitor — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:35:17 -0400

No its not just the americans the english are just as bad.
I am looking into foreign languges being taught to young children as part of my course work for A level French and Russian.

Foreign Language in Elementary Schools

Visitor — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:40:21 -0400

Bruce has collected the correct tool from his tool box and has hit the nail squarely on the head. The push to insure that illegal aliens have classmates who can speak to them in their native language has crippled the educational system to the point that our native language haws suuuffered a turrrible blough. I have misspelled words in this statement simply because our current system allows students to do so, and rewards them for it, if they get kinda sorta like well uh you know close to the kerrect spelling on their writing tests. How stupid is that. The answer to the problem is supported autonomy at the school level and less interference from outside sources. Let teachers teach, English, without having a pshcho-legal wanna bee breeething down their necks.

Foreign Language

Visitor — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:20:04 -0400

If the US is going to compete in a global economy, we must teach foreign languages as early as possible so they can be learned best. I would go as far as to suggest including foreign languages in state supported preschool programs. Regardless of test scores, we need to maximize opportunity for development. If we don't offer it, it won't come.
If English test scores are low, is teaching more English going to work? I'd be willing to bet the vocabulary of bilingual students is far greater than those knowing only one language. Why do we stick our heads in the sand while the rest of the world surpasses us?

Multilingualism is advantageous.

Laura — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:19:37 -0400

Bruce, you might want to proofread your own messages before criticizing others. I don't believe your phrase "Was anyone checked the test scores" would be considered standard English.

Foreign language instruction in the elementary grades is a given in Europe, and students there don't seem to be suffering for it. The US is way behind in this regard, and I am thrilled to hear that Wake Co. is taking this initiative. If we don't meet the challenges of globalization, our country will only slip further behind.

foreign language instruction

Bruce — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:31:11 -0400

Your English skills are limited by the spelling you refect in you comment. I would think that all foreign immigrants to the County would promote a bilingual curriculum. This would make it easier to assimilate into the system.

Foreign Language in Elementary Schools

Bruce — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:18:47 -0400

You've got to be kidding! Was anyone checked the test scores that our children today are getting in English. I believe the school system should concentrate on the Basics in Elementary School and if they ever get that right then look to expand the curriculum.

foreign language instruction

Visitor — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:06:47 -0400

I think foreign language instruction is a must in elementary schools. I was very disappointed to discover that all Wake County elementaries did nto offer some foreign language instruction. My son has been exposed to Spainish since he was an infant. I think this is a must for the district.

foreign languages in elementary school

mcaroline — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:40:45 -0400

Absolutely!! The earlier and younger they start the better. Children are more than capable of learning a foreign language as part of their regular curriculum -British children are offered French in many primary schools and some will take 2 or 3 foreign languages in High School, alongside the core subjects of maths,English,chemistry,biology,physics,history and geography. As part of the primary school program they very often start communicating with a penpal .Then in high school they take part in an exchange program and by this time have enough knowledge of the language to communicate fluently with the exchange family.

Do not under estimate the learning capabilities of young children. At the age of 4 or 5 learning is exciting,and how much more exciting could it be than to learn a second language . With some creativity and imagination the teacher can make it a fun,rich and rewarding learning experience-the children could partner with a class in the country of their language and through the internet or letter writing (with the help of their teacher of course) learn about their culture, lifestyle,day to day experiences,food,hobbies ,passtimes etc etc. It would open the childrens' minds to life outside Wake County , North Carolina and the USA.

Yes, learn languages early

John — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:10:25 -0400

As a trilingual professional translator, I fully support every effort to teach foreign languages early and often. Children are able to learn much more quickly than adults and pronounce sounds that later in their development will become more difficult. I speak from experience, because I only spoke English until I was an adult. The younger you learn a foreign language, the better and easier it is. And in the end, the more prepared our children will be for a rapidly shrinking global economy. Who wouldn't want that?

All children should learn a

Zoe — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:40:00 -0400

All children should learn a foreign language as early as possible. Starting at 4, it is all a game and the brain absorbs the new words just like anything else around them. Starting in in high school or later is too late and shows at college level when most our students do not speak any other language even if they had a few classes in high school. In this global world it should be obvious why learn a language.

Probably a good idea

Visitor — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:38:49 -0400

Learning a foreign language is like looking into the mind of a different culture. The way they say things, structure their sentences highlights subtle differences you can discern between the mindset of the peoples of different cultures. I think it is quite likely that a younger child can pick up language easier than a more adult mind probably because the way your language forms your thoughts becomes ingrained in your brain patterns over time. A couple of semesters of a foreign languge definitely doesn't stick with you through life though. If you don't use it you lose it.

foreign languages for children

Carol — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:26:21 -0400

Families that have to live overseas say their young children become bilingual very quickly. Our schools may not be able to simulate that sort of immersion but they can start stimulating the natural wiring kids have. The U.S. would be better able to understand and deal with people of other countries if more of us were comfortable with their languages. Putting more resources into teaching them would be a smart investment for all Wake residents, even those of us without children in the public schools.

Yes, Most Definitely

Visitor — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:47:15 -0400

I travel the world as part of my job. With out exception, citizens of every other country I travel to speak at least 2 languages, their own and either Englis, most, or the language of their neighbor. It is only Americans that cannot speak multiple languages and even expect others to accommodate us.

In Scandinavia, children start their first foreign language at 4 and their second at 7. Can't we just teach one at 10 or 11.

Foreign languages in elementary schools?

mwilliam — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:25:40 -0400

Should foreign languages taught in elementary schools?