In our Spanish immersion class for 2-year-old children, we create a nurturing and stimulating environment where young children can naturally acquire Spanish language skills through engaging activities and playful interactions. Our approach focuses on whole child development, ensuring that children not only learn a new language but also develop essential cognitive, social, and physical skills. English will be used at times to ensure comprehension of Spanish and to also build basic language skills.Language Acquisition:
Basic Vocabulary: Introduction to simple and familiar words, such as names of family members, animals, common objects, colors, and basic foods (e.g., “mamá,” “perro,” “rojo,” “manzana”).
Simple Phrases: Learning and using everyday expressions and phrases, such as greetings (“hola,” “adiós”), and polite words (“por favor,” “gracias”).
Listening Skills: Developing listening comprehension through exposure to songs, stories, and conversations in Spanish, helping children understand and follow simple instructions.
Speaking Skills: Encouraging verbal expression by repeating words and phrases, encouraging parroting activities, and engaging in singing during group activities.
Cognitive and Academic Skills:
Pre-Reading Skills: Familiarity with the Spanish and English alphabet, recognizing and naming letters, and beginning to understand the connection between letters and sounds.
Pre-Writing Skills: Activities like scribbling, drawing, and tracing develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Math Readiness: Introduction to numbers and shapes in Spanish and English through playful activities and games.
Storytelling and Sequencing: Listening to simple stories in Spanish and beginning to retell parts of the story, enhancing comprehension and sequencing skills.
Social and Emotional Development:
Self-Expression: Encouraging children to express their needs, feelings, and preferences in Spanish and English, helping them build confidence in communication.
Social Skills: Promoting interaction with peers through group activities, games, and cooperative play, fostering skills like sharing, turn-taking, and empathy.
Cultural Awareness: Introducing children to Spanish-speaking cultures through stories, songs, and celebrations, fostering a sense of cultural appreciation and diversity.
Physical Development:
Fine Motor Skills: Activities like manipulating playdough, using crayons and markers, and building with blocks to enhance dexterity and fine motor coordination.
Gross Motor Skills: Engaging in physical activities such as dancing, outdoor play, and movement games to develop gross motor skills, coordination, and overall physical fitness.
Daily Activities:
Circle Time: Group sessions where children greet each other, sing songs, discuss the weather and days of the week, and listen to stories in Spanish, fostering a sense of community and routine.
Learning Centers: Various stations focused on different subjects, such as a reading corner with Spanish books, an art area for creative expression, and a sensory table for hands-on exploration.
Music and Movement: Singing Spanish songs, playing simple musical instruments, and dancing to traditional and contemporary Spanish music, promoting language learning through rhythm and movement.
Arts and Crafts: Hands-on projects that incorporate Spanish words, such as coloring, painting, and creating simple crafts.
Dramatic Play: Pretend play activities that encourage children to use Spanish in imaginative scenarios, such as playing house, running a pretend store, or acting out simple story scenes.
Curriculum Highlights:
Bilingual Environment: Instructions and interactions are conducted in Spanish and English which builds a good foundation of understanding. This provides a solid base that accelerates language acquisition as your child moves into preschool.
Interactive Learning: Engaging, hands-on activities that make learning Spanish fun and effective, reinforcing language skills through play and exploration.
Supportive Teachers: Caring and skilled teachers who model correct language use, provide gentle corrections, and encourage children to practice and participate in class activities.
By the end of the school year, children in our 2-year-old Foundations Preschool class will have a solid foundation of Spanish words and greetings, enhanced cognitive and academic skills, improved social and emotional competencies, and a solid introduction to potty training if not potty trained. They will be well-prepared to continue their language journey and confidently transition to the next stage of learning.
The Foundations Preschool class is designed to introduce young learners to the Spanish language and build a foundation for learning. Children will learn in a bilingual classroom where we will focus on teaching basic Spanish words and phrases along with English. Children will learn self-help skills including potty training. Children do not need prior Spanish exposure to flourish in this classroom.