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Paving The Way In The Diocese Of Arlington!¡Allanando El Camino En La Diócesis De Arlington!
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St. Ambrose is the first diocesan school to offer a dual language education program (DLP)! The 2024-2025 academic year will include Pre-K 4, kindergarten, first grade and second grade. Our first few cohorts of dual language learners are thriving!
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“Because this is the Diocese’s first and only dual language immersion program, we are very excited because we feel that this is the way of the future. This area in particular is very diverse, so many cultures, so many ethnicities, and the ability to be bilingual and compete in the United States as well as in the world is a skill that everybody needs,”
Renee Quiros-White
Assistant Superintendent, Office of Catholic Schools
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¡San Ambrosio es la primera escuela diocesana que ofrece un programa de educación en dos idiomas (DLP)! El año académico 2024-2025 incluirá Pre-K 4, kindergarten, primer grado y segundo grado. ¡Nuestros primeros grupos de estudiantes de dos idiomas están prosperando!
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50-50 Approach
St. Ambrose uses a 50-50 approach to dual language learning. Students in grades K-2 are taught math, science and language arts in Spanish while social studies, religion and language arts are taught in English. Students in grades 3-5 are taught social studies, religion and language arts in Spanish while math, science and language arts are taught in English. The goal of this program is to develop speaking, reading, and writing skills in two languages. Our DLP is supported by Boston College’s Two-Way Immersion Network so our teachers receive specialized training in dual language immersion teaching practices. Our DLP’s goal is to develop global citizens who can connect language and culture. These insights into language and culture provide St. Ambrose students a crucial cultural perspective not only of the U.S., but of all Latin American countries.
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Enfoque 50-50
San Ambrosio utiliza un enfoque 50-50 para el aprendizaje de dos idiomas. Estudiantes de K-2 grado se les enseña matemáticas, ciencias y lenguaje en español, mientras que estudios sociales, religión y lenguaje se les enseña en inglés. Estudiantes en 3-5 grado se les enseñan estudios sociales, religión y lenguaje en español, mientras que matemáticas, ciencias y lenguaje se les enseña en inglés. El objetivo de este programa es desarrollar habilidades expresión oral, lectura, y escritura en dos idiomas. Nuestro DLP cuenta con el respaldo de la Red de Inmersión Bidireccional de Boston College, por lo que nuestros maestros reciben capacitación especializada en prácticas de enseñanza de inmersión bilingüe. El objetivo del DLP es desarrollar ciudadanos globales que puedan conectar el idioma y la cultura. Estos conocimientos sobre el idioma y la cultura brindan a los estudiantes de San Ambrosio una perspectiva cultural crucial no solo de los EE. UU., sino de todos los países latinoamericanos.
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Frequently Asked Questions/Preguntas Precuentes:
- How will my child learn in Spanish if he/she doesn't speak any Spanish when school starts?
- How do I help my child with homework if I don't speak any Spanish?
- What if my child doesn't start the DLP in Kindergarten, does that make it harder to transition in?
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Your child will have various tools and supports to help them learn Spanish, even if they don't have prior knowledge. Bilingual programs often employ immersive techniques where Spanish is consistently used in the classroom environment. Additionally, teachers are trained to scaffold instruction, gradually introducing Spanish vocabulary and concepts in ways that are accessible to all students, regardless of their initial language proficiency. Over time, through exposure, practice, and support, your child will begin to understand and communicate in Spanish.
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While you may not be fluent in Spanish, there are still several ways you can support your child with their homework. Firstly, many assignments will likely have instructions or guidelines written in both Spanish and English, making it easier for you to understand the task. Additionally, you can encourage your child to explain concepts or assignments to you in English, which reinforces their own understanding. If needed, you can utilize resources such as online translation tools or bilingual dictionaries to help clarify any confusion. Furthermore, communicating regularly with your child's teacher can provide valuable insights into the homework expectations and how you can best support your child's learning at home. Remember, your encouragement and involvement in your child's education are crucial, regardless of the language being used.
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Children entering the school in grades K-3 generally adapt well to dual language learning after a short transition period. After third grade, however, it is much more difficult for children to transition into a dual language program. The ability to adapt to a bilingual program and to learn the new language quickly very much depends on the child so we encourage you to discuss this with the administration.
