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Community Corner

Spanish for Toddlers Open House

Spanish Immersion Montessori
Preschool will be holding an Open House on Monday, August 19 from 6pm to
7pm.  If you are interested in attending please RSVP to Maria Van Dyke at
248-797-6947/248-597-9932 or email us at
spanishfortoddlerspreschool@gmail.com



Spanish
Immersion:   
 

Q. Is the program only for families with Spanish-speaking parents?

A. No.   In fact, the majority of our students have American and
English-speaking parents.



Q. What is the advantage of having a mixed age class?

A. Dr. Maria Montessori advocates the multi-age classroom as the younger children, who learn through imitation, can learn from the older
students, who in turn benefit from this experience of learning compassion and to
care for the younger ones.



Q. What is the best age to introduce a child to
a second language?

A. The earlier a child learns a language, the better.  Studies have shown that children, who learn another language before the age of five,
learn with the same part of the brain that they use to speak their mother
tongue.  Younger children are without inhibitions and so will speak

naturally and with native-like pronunciation.



Q. What are the benefits of knowing a second language?

A. Many children derive benefits from early second language instruction, such

as improved overall school performance, superior problem-solving skills, more

creativity and an improved approach to complex matters.  Furthermore,

learning a second language, like learning anything is a fantastic opportunity

to keep young ‘sponge-like’ brains active and stimulated, setting a good habit for later life.



Q. Will a second language
interfere with my child's English ability?

A. In most cases, learning another language enhances a child's English ability.  Comparing two language systems aids with the
understanding and use of each. Reports have demonstrated that children who have learned a second language earn higher
SAT scores.



Q. Is it harder for a child to acquire two languages at once?

A. There is no evidence to suggest this.  A child doesn't have to be

exceptional to become bilingual; as long as the child is exposed to two

languages throughout early childhood, he or she will acquire them both.



Montessori Method:
      

The following areas of activity cultivate the children's adaptation and ability

to express and think with clarity:



Practical Life
exercises instill care for self, for others, and for the

environment. Children learn to work at a task from start to finish,

developing powers of control & concentration.



Mathematics
activities help children learn and understand the
concepts of math by manipulating concrete materials.



Sensorial
materials
serve as tools for development. Children build cognitive skills, and learn to
order and classify impressions by touching, seeing, smelling, tasting,
listening, and exploring the physical properties of their environment.



Language development
is vital to human development. The Montessori environment
is rich in oral language.  Song and Movement are particularly effective
for practicing words and their meanings.



Geography, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Art and
Music
are presented as extensions of the
sensorial and language activities.  Children learn about people and
cultures in other countries with an attitude of respect and admiration. Lessons
and experiences with nature inspire a reverence for all life.



 

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