Language Immersion Program

[CandCMommy]

We have the chance to enroll our first grader (next year) into a Chinese immersion program through his school. He would have a half day of English studies and a half day of Chinese studies every day all the way through elementary school. I'm just wondering if others have done this and what your thoughts are on it. What did you like/dislike about it? Please share your stories! We have until the end of March to sign him up. Right now we are leaning towards doing it. He is above grade level in most areas right now and we think this would be a good fit for him.

 

[Art 1]

My wife went from K thru 12 being taught in a different language 100% of the time in all classes, worked well for her.

 

[Sparx]

I think this would be a great opportunity for anyone!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

That is AWESOME! I would do this for DD in a heartbeat!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I think it would be really stupid not to enroll your child in this program. We have an ESL program at one of our local schools and it uses this immersion style technique and it really has made a difference in the students education.

 

[golfgal]

My niece was in a French Immersion program from K-8th grade. She is fluent in French, obviously, but 9th grade was a little tough on her in her English classes but it was a good learning experience for her too. There are a lot of kids in her program that have struggled in high school in English but not horribly so.

Chinese speakers are in huge demand these days-although that can change in 16 years when your child graduates from college .

 

[akcire]

China has the largest population in the world learning Chinese will only be an asset to your child. My husband and I have lived in China twice with his company and have had HUGE advancements because of the moves.

I have an excellent ear for languages and was educated in many countries I am conversational in 6/7; however I was late twenties when we first moved to China and my brain is too old to properly learn the language. I would absolutely enroll your child- and do what you can to reinforce the skill at home.

The only real question is what is an appropriate 3rd language for him to learn.

We have many couple friends with multi-lingual children. Very good friends of ours have since birth created a language plan for their family. The children speak English at school (and were enrolled in 2 year old preschool), mom speaks French to children, Father only speaks to children in Cantonese, and the babysitter only speaks in Mandarin. Their oldest is now 12 and is truly conversational in all 4.

 

[CandCMommy]

Wow, all positives and no negatives, that's great! That just helps reinforce to me that we should probably do this for him. Thanks for all the feedback, everyone. I think we'll go ahead and do it and if for some reason it doesn't work out like we thought we can always take him out.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My DD13 has been in a Spanish Immersion program since K. In her program the student will eventually take AP Spanish in HS. All of her teachers are native Spanish speakers. A majority of them are VIF teachers. Two of the best teachers my daughter ever had came from Spain. I am so glad that she had the opportunity to be taught by them. All of her teachers have been challenging and the program is rigorous. I imagaine the Chinese teachers would be the same. If a child is not performing up to standards or they are a discipline problem, the child is asked to leave the program.

My daughter's accent is beautiful. Native Spanish speakers are amazed when this authentic accent comes out of her mouth. She is now reading the Twilight series again in Spanish.

Being bilingual strengthens cognitive thinking skills. Some people will argue that 1/2 a day in not real immersion. I feel that it is better than only an hour a day. As we grow older our vocal cords change and it becomes increasingly difficult to master some foreign languages. Do it while he is young. Our district also has a Mandarin Chinese program but it is in its infancy. Too late for my children.

I personally feel that immersion is one of the greatest gifts that you can give to your child! Sorry to have babbled on.

Lori

 

[TagsMissy]

I think it would be really stupid not to enroll your child in this program. We have an ESL program at one of our local schools and it uses this immersion style technique and it really has made a difference in the students education.

little harsh isn't it...telling the Op she'd be stupid to not do it?