CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Throughout the school year, we "visit" various countries such as India, France, Great Britain, Kenya, Australia, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Sweden, and Italy. Each year, we spend a few weeks learning about a specific country - the language, the culture, the foods, and the different customs and celebrations. While visiting a chosen country, the children learn the basics of the language including greetings, counting, songs, and phrases.
The children learn from native speakers (generally parents in our community) who visit our school to give presentations about their country. Our Rising 4s, PreK, and Kindergarten classes enjoy being immersed in cultures of the world and become active with projects which bring their experiences to life. Last year, the children created fantastic replicas of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower. This year, we are very excited to team up with several "sister" schools in various countries via pen pals and Skype sessions. Our students truly enjoy learning about different peoples and cultures and we all look forward to the traveling component of our program each year.
Throughout the school year, we "visit" various countries such as India, France, Great Britain, Kenya, Australia, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Sweden, and Italy. Each year, we spend a few weeks learning about a specific country - the language, the culture, the foods, and the different customs and celebrations. While visiting a chosen country, the children learn the basics of the language including greetings, counting, songs, and phrases.
The children learn from native speakers (generally parents in our community) who visit our school to give presentations about their country. Our Rising 4s, PreK, and Kindergarten classes enjoy being immersed in cultures of the world and become active with projects which bring their experiences to life. Last year, the children created fantastic replicas of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower. This year, we are very excited to team up with several "sister" schools in various countries via pen pals and Skype sessions. Our students truly enjoy learning about different peoples and cultures and we all look forward to the traveling component of our program each year.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE EXPOSURE
Our school's curriculum weaves in over 9 different languages during the school year with a focus on Spanish as a second language. Children who are exposed to second languages have found to gain numerous cognitive benefits and the ability to be more creative. Second language instruction not only provides young children with better cognitive flexibility and creative thinking skills, it can offer gifted students the intellectual and developmental challenges they need and desire. We provide Spanish immersion daily for children beginning age 3 with exposure to both English and Spanish beginning in our infant room.
Our school's curriculum weaves in over 9 different languages during the school year with a focus on Spanish as a second language. Children who are exposed to second languages have found to gain numerous cognitive benefits and the ability to be more creative. Second language instruction not only provides young children with better cognitive flexibility and creative thinking skills, it can offer gifted students the intellectual and developmental challenges they need and desire. We provide Spanish immersion daily for children beginning age 3 with exposure to both English and Spanish beginning in our infant room.