What is Spanish Immersion Preschool?

Spanish Immersion Preschool is an early education environment where Spanish is taught naturally through daily activities. Teachers are fluent and native speakers who use the language 100% throughout the day. This communication style is included during instruction, outdoor play and meal times. Students are immersed in a setting that is supportive, and teachers are highly intuitive in regards to the children’s needs and individualized learning styles. The classroom setting is abundant in pictures, labels and other visuals to assist in foreign language literacy.

Raising a bilingual child, fluent in both English and Spanish, is important to many parents. Studies have shown that learning a second language early in life is beneficial to brain development, increases empathy, and expands career opportunities in adulthood. But unless your household is bilingual, and your child has the chance to practice daily with fluent speakers, it can be difficult to give them this gift. The shorter, more sporadic Spanish lessons found in traditional schools do not create true fluency, but enrolling your child in a Spanish language immersion preschool can help achieve this goal.

What are the various types of an Immersion Program?

As with any educational model, there are different immersion options available.

• Complete Immersion - This option ensures that 100% of the preschool instruction is delivered in Spanish, Students are encouraged to speak only Spanish while in school. This method assumes the child is learning English and/or another native language at home. 
• Partial Immersion - As the name implies, students enrolled in partial Spanish immersion preschools will spend half of the scheduled day immersed in a second language. Children will receive English instruction during the remainder of the time spent at school. This two-way program ensures fluency in both languages. 
• Triple Play - These programs deliver immersion in two different, non-English languages, i.e. Spanish and Mandarin. This option is difficult to find in most areas, but it may be worth the search. 

The earlier you enroll your child in language immersion, the more likely they are to experience success. Studies show that learning a second language before age 10 increases the likelihood of true bilingual fluency. Young children pick up quickly and absorb information like sponges. 

What are the benefits of a Spanish Immersion curriculum?

Regardless of the type of immersion program that is selected, each one provides a great number of benefits.

• Return on Investment - Although immersion schools tend to be more expensive, the flourishing of a child’s foreign language education is about 100 times higher at the young age of, say, five versus in later years. Learning a foreign language for a young child is amazingly easy. 
• Language Involvement - Children are truly sponges and will absorb as much information as is presented. An immersion program will provide a large amount of exposure to a foreign language for the child. The earlier the enrollment in such a program, the higher the chance of absorbing the most abundant volume of foreign language development. 
• Process - Spanish Immersion teachers are able to adopt a unique approach to instruction. Curriculums and delivery styles are meant to be flexible to adapt to the children’s learning methods and inquisitive minds. 

• Culture - Learning a foreign language also includes being tuned in to a culture’s traditions and practices. Children’s enhanced cultural awareness and compassion for others with different backgrounds are valuable tools for real life. 

Choosing a Spanish Immersion preschool can be expensive. Tuition is generally higher compared to a traditional program. However, it is helpful to keep in mind the invaluable skills and experience that your child will acquire in such a program.The ability to work hard and persevere at something new can be a fulfilling achievement. Find Spanish Immersion preschools in your area by visiting Winnie.