Sonrisa Spanish

Improve math skills?

2010-11-07T16:32:00.001-06:00

A November 7, 2010 USA Today headline reads: "Math Skills Improve with Electrical Brain Stimulation." Well, if that scenario gives you pause, how about this for improving math performance: Study a foreign language! Research strongly indicates that learning a second language positively influences children's math performance. According to a study from Duke University, "... students who are learning a foreign language outscore their non-foreign language learning peers in the .... math sections of standardized tests." Now THAT sounds like a wiser and surer way to improve math skills (as well as many other academic and complex reasoning skills), don't you think? Me too.

Course descriptions for 2011-2012

2009-07-02T15:23:00.002-05:00

Research indicates that learning a second language can enhance children's analytical and creative skills, positively influence math performance, and improve SAT scores!

PRIMARY SPANISH: Class for 1st - 3rd grades presents a rich exposure to Spanish through stories, songs, games, Bible verses, and activities -- and each year there are new ones! Children quickly assimilate an impressive repertoire of expressions, greetings, and storytelling vocabulary. And have lots of FUN!

ELEMENTARY SPANISH: Students in 4th - 6th grades love to learn Spanish through storytelling! They will listen to, write, dramatize, and illustrate stories, as well as design their own narratives. Their boundless creativity propels language acquisition. Text may be required.

SPANISH 7/8: Middle school students discover that the storytelling method catches their imagination, making acquisition of the language almost effortless! Course work includes homework, tests, culture unit, and Bible verse memory. Text required.

SPANISH I and SPANISH II: High school students are offered at least two years of language to complete transcript requirements. The narrative method is employed at this level as well, resulting in students using the language rather than simply memorizing grammar rules. To earn high school credit students meet once a week for a two hour class and complete daily homework and weekly tests. Semester grades/evaluations will be provided. Text required.

Research underscores value of early language learning

2009-07-02T14:00:00.000-05:00

(from Duke Gifted Letter, Vol.8, Issue 1, Fall 2007):

Beginning foreign language instruction early sets the stage for students to develop advanced levels of proficiencies in one or more languages.

Studies have shown repeatedly that foreign language learning increases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility of mind in young children.

Students who are learning a foreign language outscore their non-foreign language learning peers in the verbal and . . . math sections of standardized tests.

The notion of 'earlier is better' in language learning seems to be upheld by the fact that longer sequences of foreign language instruction seem to lead to better academic achievement, overall.

Interactive learning is the best since language learning is a social activity . . . no one can really take the place of a classroom teacher, because a teacher can . . . engage students in dialogue to get them to re-think or more readily understand concepts.

La profesora

2009-07-02T01:15:00.001-05:00

Bilingual and holding dual degrees in English and Spanish, la profesora has years of experience teaching children through adults, including: homeschooling her own children, teaching Sunday school and women's Bible studies, helping coordinate and lead multiple short term mission trips to Mexico, teaching Spanish to scores of students in the homeschool community, and working in Hispanic missions both overseas and locally.
Exposure to the TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) approach has greatly influenced her classroom instruction. Using a narrative method, she witnesses tremendous enthusiasm and impressive progress among her students that usually far surpasses what they accomplish/retain through self-paced programs. Providing teacher-directed student interaction that fuels the learning process, the classes are more enjoyable than grammar-based courses, and parents get the equivalent of private school language instruction at a fraction of the cost!