Hi there, I’m Jax. Welcome to my site about K-12 educational materials and supplies. When I was attending school, the books were easily decades old at the newest. The books often had outdated information the teachers had to correct during the lesson. My teachers would print handouts that explained why the information was no longer relevant. I want to prevent this issue by sharing information about finding the right supplies, including books, for the classroom without breaking the bank. I will talk about using innovative online learning materials in lieu of actual textbooks for certain subjects. Hopefully this information can help children learn more effectively.
Talking About Educational Materials For K-12 Students
Bilingual Elementary School: Culturally Immersive Approaches
Ava Robertson
If you're looking to boost your child's academic performance while also broadening their cultural perspectives, a bilingual elementary school can help you achieve your goals.
Here are some of the ways that bilingual elementary schools provide a culturally immersive learning experience.
Conversant Before Fluent
Many dual language programs teach bilingual elementary school students a new language through reading and writing. Although this approach can help students build vocabulary and become comfortable with new linguistic patterns, it is often difficult for students to transition to using their new language skills in conversation.
- Listen, Speak, Repeat: some of the best bilingual elementary schools have students listen to phrases, speak the phrases, and repeat them. By using this approach, students start by focusing on using their language skills for practical applications. As students become comfortable with phrases, bilingual elementary school teachers can teach vocabulary words that fit the phrases. For instance, instead of learning a basic verb like "where" or "when", students learn these verbs in phrases like, "Where is the (fill in the blank)?" Learning these important phrases allows students to quickly assimilate, process, apply, and retain new vocabulary words in a way that builds confidence and comfort with a new language.
Learn the Culture
Language can be viewed as an extension of culture. Bilingual elementary school programs often strive to connect the language students are learning to the culture(s) that shaped it.
- Food: elementary school students tend to be motivated by novelty and curiosity. Many of the best bilingual elementary school programs tap into these motivations through foods. For instance, if students are learning a new set of phrases, the instructor might teach these phrases as they relate to culturally appropriate foods. This can involve simply learning about the foods or it can involve preparing and eating new foods that students learn how to make in class. By using foods, students can connect to the culture and often can't wait to share what they learn at home with their families.
- Travel: learning a new language can feel abstract to elementary students if they don't hear the language used in a natural environment. Some of the best bilingual elementary schools incorporate travel into the curriculum to give students a glimpse of what a language sounds like and feels like in a natural and immersive environment. Finding ways for students to feel like they can understand their new language in the "real world" can connect what they're learning in a powerful way.
For more information, contact dual-language elementary schools and ask about their programs.
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