Community Corner
Spanish for Toddlers Open House
Spanish for Toddlers preschool and daycare will host an open house on February 5 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. During the open house you will be able to tour the facilities and learn about how Spanish Immersion and Montessori education are implemented in this unique program. It will also feature the newest addition of an infant room which will expose infants as early as 4 weeks old to Spanish in a loving and safe environment. For reservations and information, call 248-597-9932, 248-797-6947 or email 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.
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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.
