Muy Bien (5 - 7 yrs)
Full -Immersion “Spanish as a Second Language” After-School Program
4 TERMS (2 YEARS) REQUIRED
1 HR. / WEEK
This is a very engaging and fun program that Kindergarteners, First and Second Graders love! It is our option for children ages 5, 6, and 7. In a fun and age appropriate way, this 4 modules course allows students to become acquainted with the wonderful world of Spanish sounds, language, and culture.
During the first part of the session students constantly listen and read the target language presented in a variety of ways. Children are introduced to the new language and structures through circle time activities that incorporate resources such as puppets, pictures, flannel boards, posters, games, flash cards, colorful visuals, word cards, and many other hands-on materials.
Language input (exposure) i.e., listening and reading (or receptive skills) are emphasized during this time. At this stage children have the capacity to process their receptive skills (listening and reading) well beyond their capacity to process their productive skills (speaking and writing). This is why the course’s level of language input/exposure at this stage is higher than the level of language production expected. Students are encouraged to repeat, but not to speak immediately.
Music, movement activities, and language games are the most important features during this first contact with the language. Our puppet friends, Vanessa and Carlos, turn the learning experience into a fun and engaging adventure each day. All these activities revolve around the theme of the day. (See our “Muy Bien” topic based syllabus for a complete list of the course’s thematic units and grammar contents: Parent’s Handbook page 19, Course progression level by level.)
During the last part of the session students reinforce the target language presented and practiced orally through the “Muy Bien” workbook activities related to the day’s theme. Sitting around the table students work, color, match, read, and even write the new language following the teacher’s guidance and instructions. Through their workbooks students are able not only to visualize and incorporate all the language presented (mostly just words and very simple sentences), but also to keep a record of their learning and even share it and review it at home.
Muy Bien - Daily Schedule & Activities
Language fun: During circle activities children are introduced to the new language words and structures to be taught according to the theme of the day using a great variety of language teaching resources such as learning games, concrete and fun materials, visuals and audio-visuals, flash cards, and instructional toys.
Music & singing: Music is used as another effective teaching tool since students learn many new words and structures through singing at this age. Children play instruments and learn songs, sing, and dance.
Storytelling and shared reading: Our specially designed reading corner was created to immerse kids in a fantastic world of creativity and imagination. Giant leaves, comfy cushions, and a very inviting setting creates the perfect environment for our storyteller characters to involve kids in their stories. Some of our reading techniques involve big books, shared reading, dramatization and characterization, flannel stories, and role playing. Reading and writing skills are also introduced during this activity.
Puppet show: Using puppets we incorporate many different, fantastic characters and objects into language learning. Students are not only listening and comprehending the language, they also role play with the characters, asking and answering questions, producing little dialogues, and hearing and repeating many words and structures.
Movement activities: These games give children the opportunity to work through gymnastics, movement, traditional games, and many other activities. Children are given space to run, jump, and have fun while learning the language.