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Spanish Immersion Program, Kindergarten - Grade 4
Learners Create Cultural Connections while Developing Spanish-Language Fluency
Moravian Academy’s Spanish Immersion Program (SIP) offers students the opportunity to experience Moravian’s excellent curriculum and atmosphere, all while developing a second language.Spanish immersion class schedules are identical to English-speaking classes. Students in SIP receive all homeroom instruction (math, social studies, science, and language arts) in Spanish, while specials (music, gym, art, science lab, and library) are taught by English-speaking teachers. Lunch, recess, and field trips are blended with the English-speaking classes, offering SIP students the opportunity to mingle regularly with their peers in order to foster a cohesive social and academic atmosphere.
From Kindergarten to Upper School: A Journey of Linguistic and Cultural Immersion through Spanish
Starting in kindergarten, the Spanish Immersion Program builds a strong foundation in both linguistic and cultural fluency. When students complete the program in grade 4, they transition smoothly into the post-immersion program, where they continue their immersion with Spanish language arts and social studies courses taught in Spanish. Upon completing the Middle School program, students are well-prepared to enter the Upper School above Spanish Level 3. This strong foundation enables them to confidently pursue Advanced Spanish Electives or engage in History Courses conducted in Spanish, further honing their language skills while deepening their cultural understanding. Through this immersive journey, students broaden their global perspective and strengthen their appreciation for diverse cultures.
Students who are given the opportunity to express themselves in more than one language can experience many advantages if they begin to develop these skills early on. The importance of learning a language at a young age is crucial for tapping into improved cognitive skills and to hone the basic capacity to fluently speak them.” - Melika Matlack, Grade 4 Spanish Immersion teacher
Elevating Language Proficiency Through Immersive Learning
At Moravian Academy, the AAPPL (ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages) Target Proficiency Tests are used to assess students' proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in various languages. These assessments provide critical insights into students' ability to apply language in real-world situations, helping teachers adjust instruction to meet each student's needs. As part of our Spanish Immersion Program (SIP), the AAPPL tests play a key role in fostering personal growth and ensuring students become confident communicators. By using these tests, we prepare students to become empowered, inclusive global citizens who can thrive in diverse, multicultural environments.
EXPLORE SIP FOR YOUR CHILD
Research from the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition at the University of Minnesota reveals that bilingualism enhances divergent thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills in young learners. Dr. Ellen Bialystok, a neuroscientist and professor at York University, further shows that bilingual individuals develop a stronger executive control system in the brain, enabling them to focus more effectively and manage distractions. These insights, along with other studies, have influenced the development of Moravian Academy’s language immersion program, shaping our approach to fostering cognitive and cultural growth in our students.
