2024
Spanish Schoolhouse Top 5 FAQ
A new school year is here, and if you are new to Spanish Schoolhouse and language immersion, you may have a few (or many!) questions about your little one’s upcoming preschool year.
Below is a top 5 list of frequently asked questions to help you!
My Child Doesn’t Speak Any Spanish. Will They Be Confused?
This is perhaps one of the most common questions we get! Since in most cases English is 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, they “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!), and the days are structured so that students learn what to expect next.
As the weeks progress, we gradually shift into Spanish-only. If a teacher ever thinks a child is confused, is having a difficult time understanding, or needs comfort, they’ll briefly switch to English. You will be surprised at how quickly they 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, acquiring Spanish fluency is similar to the process of learning English. In the first year, 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 the second year, 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 in some cases 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
- 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 time or reach out to our office team. We are here to serve you!
We hope we answered some of your questions before our school year begins! A new school can be a big transition for your child and your family. Our staff is trained to help you through the process. They are always happy and eager to answer any questions.
iBienvenidos a Spanish Schoolhouse!
Congratulations on giving your child the gift of a second language and a head start!