Whether you are new to Spanish Schoolhouse and language immersion, or just considering a bilingual experience for your child, you may have a few (or many!) questions about what your child will experience at SSH.
Below is a top 5 list of FAQs (frequently asked questions) to help you!
My Child Doesn’t Speak Any Spanish. Will They Be Confused?
This is one of the most common questions we get! Since English is usually the first language spoken at home, we use a language transition period. We speak both English and Spanish for the first two weeks so everyone can get to know their teachers and adjust to routines before full immersion begins.
Effective language learning is multisensory, and our teachers love to engage the students in many ways. To help children feel comfortable and confident, teachers “act out” what they are saying and use visual materials as cues. The kids love this and are excited to join in. Routine and repetition are keys to unlocking language connections (just like in their first language!). Students learn what to expect next since the school day is structured around a set schedule.
As the weeks progress, we will gradually shift to Spanish-only. If a teacher ever thinks a child is struggling to understand or needs comfort, they’ll briefly switch to English. You will be surprised at how quickly your child begins to understand! We are here to encourage the love of the Spanish language and will ensure that our students feel comfortable, safe, and heard!
How Long Will It Take for My Child to Speak Spanish?
While children learn at different paces, the way they acquire Spanish fluency will mirror the process of learning English. In Year One, your child will build vocabulary, learn patterns, and understand 80% to 100% of the spoken language. But don’t forget, just because they are not speaking it fluently doesn’t mean they are not learning it! They are also learning math and science concepts, foundations for handwriting, and so much more!
During Year Two, children add more vocabulary and begin to use the language naturally, responding and participating in class in Spanish! They’ll typically start thinking in Spanish, sing songs, respond naturally, and even have a native accent. Our greatest joy is when things start “clicking” for our students!
What’s The Classroom’s Daily Schedule?
While each classroom has a slightly different schedule tailored to their developmental stage, each child experiences the same learning activities:
- Morning Activity
- Circle Time/Yoga
- Language, Math, and Science
- Art
- Recess
- Lunch/Rest Time
- Handwriting Without Tears®
- Learning Centers
Individual class schedules are posted in your child’s classroom and on the Parent’s Information Board in the school. Three and four-year-olds also have a daily 30-minute English class! During this time, the English teacher will work on preparing our students with everything they need to know in English for Kindergarten.
What Should I Bring to School?
We provide all the school supplies! The only things you need to bring are:
- Required Forms (see our website for a full list)
- Lunch
- Water bottle
- Nap mat
- A change of clothes (for spills or accidents)
- A big smile!
How Will I Know How My Child’s Doing?
We provide a mixture of verbal daily feedback, updates by app with photos, and written notes for any accidents or incidents. We also go through assessments and offer written progress reports three times per year in addition to parent/teacher conferences so you can see all the progress your child has made!
If you have more in-depth questions, please schedule an appointment or reach out to our office team. We are here to serve you!
We hope these Spanish Schoolhouse FAQs answered some of your questions! Choosing a preschool is a major decision. We are here to support you from your tour through the first day transitions and beyond. Our staff is trained to help students and families through the process and we’re always happy and eager to answer any questions. Contact us for more information!
iBienvenidos a Spanish Schoolhouse!
Congratulations on giving your child the gift of a second language and a head start!