What is a Chinese Immersion Program
In an immersion program, students are taught curriculum in a second language. Language is the medium for teaching content rather than the subject of instruction. Unlike more traditional language courses, where the target language is simply the subject material, language immersion uses the target language as a teaching tool, surrounding or "immersing" students in the second language. In-class activities such as math, science, social studies, and history are conducted in the target language.
What do I need to know about the Chinese Immersion Program at Krause
At the Krause Early Elementary School, the Chinese immersion program offers more flexibility. The students spend half day in the Chinese program and the other half in the regular kindergarten program, where the curricula are taught in English. In the Chinese classroom, subjects such as Chinese language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and Chinese culture are included in the curriculum. By singing songs, reciting nursery rhymes, conducting dialogues, reading stories, playing games, watching movies, drawing in brush and ink, celebrating Chinese Festivals, etc., students are exposed to Chinese language and culture in multiple ways, rather than only required to meet the state-required curricula.
What are the benefits for my child
- Reach higher level of second language proficiency than students in other school-based language program;
- Benefit cognitively by exhibiting greater nonverbal problem-solving abilities and more flexible thinking;
- Achieve as well as or better than non-immersion peers on standardized measures of verbal and mathematics skills administrated in English;
- Develop greater understanding and appreciation of the Chinese culture;
- Increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset;
- Interact with people from different cultures and move across cultural boundaries at ease.
Are the children expected to speak only Chinese in the classroom
At the start of school, students will be able to respond in simple one-word Chinese. As they progress, they will be able to express themselves in simple and complete sentences in Chinese. They are encouraged to talk to each other in Chinese whenever they can, but they will primarily speak in English when asking questions, clarifying meanings, or talking to peers.
How can I help my child to learn Chinese
Research has shown that parental involvement is an important aspect of successful immersion programs. There are many opportunities for parents to become involved in an immersion program, from participation in the parent-teacher conferences to giving volunteer time to classroom activities. Here are some other ways to stay involved:
- Be supportive of your child, the program and the teacher;
- Take time to get involved in some of the class activities;
- Get to know your child’s teacher either by a phone call or a personal visit. If you have questions about the Chinese classroom or teacher, ask;
- Expose your child to the immersion language and culture(s) outside of the school setting such as local restaurants and local Chinese communities, etc.;
- Do not expect your child to start speaking Chinese after the first few days. Children will start to use Chinese on their own at their own individual pace. Encourage, but do not force, your child to speak Chinese at home only when he/she is ready to do so;
- Incorporate some easy and functional Chinese language into your home setting;
- Do not attempt to correct your child if you are uncertain of the correct expression or pronunciation;
- Listen to the songs and nursery rhymes that your child has learned at school, in English or Chinese. Have them teach you some;
- Encourage your children by telling them how proud you are that they are learning Chinese and let your child know that you are pleased with his/her progress.