I had been writing about my recommendations for studying foreign languages throughout the elementary years. I have said repeatedly that I don’t think you need to feel like you must spend a lot of money to teach your children foreign language and that the goal early on is exposure. However, I’ve consistently received two comments.
One is that exposure is great but that most colleges want to see at least a few years of foreign language on your child’s transcript and the second is from people who have a good working knowledge of the language who disagree with my methodology. So with that said, I decided to address these last two questions in this blog.
What About High School?
High school is when I recommend spending money on a traditional foreign language program (if you’re inclined to spend money on one). Our Y offers four full years of French and 4 full years of Spanish and if you have a similar opportunity this is actually what I recommend. However, if you have no such option, paying for the whole kit and caboodle is worth it. Here’s why:
First of all, you’re paying for an audio component as well as grammar and language instruction. You really do need the audio component to pick up the language. There’s just no way getting around it.
Secondly, many people will swear by something like Rosetta Stone that doesn’t have a lot of grammar or workbook type exercises. Actually, if you read the fine print, Rosetta Stone itself says that it is a complimentary program to more traditional instruction. But also, in order to do well in college level foreign language, your children need the exposure to grammar, writing and all that ‘boring’ stuff that so many people like to sweep under the rug. In fact, I dare say that learning to write in the language is a key component to fluency.
By the way, if you happen to find something that has all the components and is cheaper–by all means go for it!
What I Do With My Own Children
Our family is not normal. If you happen not to be normal as well, then by all means, this is what I do with my own children. Each of my children starts out taking Spanish beginning in 1st grade. I speak Spanish as does most of the other several thousand people on our block. I still focus on exposure, but they are not lacking in native speaking exposure at all. I let them watch cartoons in Spanish. Many of their friends are bilingual. In fact, on numerous occasions they’ve actually had to use some of their Spanish at the playground. They don’t speak Spanish fluently by any means. But the point is that they are exposed and due to the bilingual nature of our environment, in combination with the fact that their teacher actually speaks the language, it only makes sense to include Spanish in their home education.
However, I also encourage my children to take a second foreign language. My oldest daughter did not have to take a second language until 3rd grade and she chose French. This is fine because I also speak French fluently. My son we encouraged a bit earlier because of his apptitude, and he has chosen to learn Chinese. We are learning it together but the reason he chose it is because there are several Chinese families in our church. The point being is that although my children are young because of our environment, there is ample exposure to numerous languages.
I certainly welcome more questions on this topic if anyone has any!
Related Articles:
Teaching Foreign Languages: Intro
What the Research Really Says About Teaching a Foreign Language
Teaching Foreign Languages in the Early Elementary
How To Teach Foreign Languages in the Early Elementary
A Foreign Language Plan for the Upper Elementary