Starting Language Immersion in Kindergarten?
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Anonymous
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My child is entering kindergarten next fall (currently in a public PK4 program in DC). Each year we've tried for one of the public charter language immersion programs, but with no lottery luck yet. We're thinking of ranking these programs one final time in this year's lottery to try for K.
Has anyone here had a child who started an immersion program in kindergarten with little to no prior experience with that language? How was the transition? I expect it would be challenging in the beginning, but was curious to hear others' experiences. |
Anonymous
| Mundo adds a lot of kids in K so you wouldn't be the only one, if you're going there. I think with support at home and making an effort the summer before, most kids would be fine. |
Anonymous
| My kindergartner started immersion this year. It’s taken her until just a few weeks ago to really adjust. Some adjusted quicker and we were caught by surprise. Granted she was sick most of the fall and probably feeling worse than we realized. Absolutely worth going for just be aware it can take a bit. |
Anonymous
| There are a lot more seats across the board in K. But definitely go in with a plan to work for the Spanish if you want your child fluent. I work at a dual language program in NOVA and there are so many 4th and 5th graders who have been in immersion since k and barely speak Spanish. I have some neighbors that go to DCB and it’s the same. I can’t believe they go to a school with bilingual in the name and they don’t actually speak Spanish. |
Anonymous
| I know many kids who started Mundo in K and are now in middle school. It’s fine. |
Anonymous
| Huge mistake unless you’re fine wasting your time with mediocre spanish at the expense of English and math. Sorry! |
Anonymous
| I don’t believe families really go for language, they go to socialize and find families like themselves. Language immersion charter are some what like private schools for educated middle class families. |
Anonymous
My 5th grader kid started in K and he is testing 2 grade levels above in math and English. He understands everything and watches movies in Spanish, can speak it to natives, etc… If you are not a troll then sorry that your kid did not do well. Immersion is not for everyone. If you have an above average kid where things come easily, it’s a great experience. If your kid struggles in core subjects then no, immersion is not for you because your kid needs more time in it |
Anonymous
| My now 2nd grader started immersion in K. He is above grade level in math and at grade level in English, and Spanish. He can read and write in both English and Spanish. |
Anonymous
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+1 to going for it
Kid is now a third grader and teacher says he’s one of the best at Spanish in his class. |
Anonymous
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It's fine if your child is neurotypical and above grade in reading and math.
Recently transitioned from an immersion to a DCPS. My DC was behind peers in math, spelling, and writing (although previously tested at grade level on MAP). So, if you do immersion be prepared to supplement in (English) spelling, writing, and math. |
Anonymous
| This is all very helpful! Thanks, everyone. |
Anonymous
This. It was a terrible choice for my ADHD kid. |
Anonymous
| I did it as a kid and it was intensely stressful. Felt very out of control and developed anxiety. I would do a ton of preparation if you go for it. |
Anonymous
But is your child literate in Spanish (reading at a 5th grade level). I find that parents think their kids are more advanced than they actually are in the target language. I work at a dual language school (English side) and the Spanish teacher always tells parents how advanced their child is in Spanish. I think she’s just being nice because the same kids are high risk on the Spanish MAP assessment. |