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Is language immersion worth it?
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Anonymous
| I'm wondering whether the tradeoffs (delayed learning in English, lack of classroom involvement unless you speak the language, iffy writing/spelling in English) are worth it. Speaking a foreign language is a fantastic thing. But is it worth what you give up? |
Anonymous
| I went through MCPS French immersion many years ago and think it was definitely worth it. So sad that my kids didn't get in through the lottery (too bad no alumni preference there!) |
Anonymous
|
I am the product of total language immersion (abroad) and I believe it is the greatest gift my parents gave me. I can't think of anything I "gave up". I still learned to read and write in my native language and can speak and write a second (and third) language like a native.
All the recent studies suggest that there is no significant delay and that if there is, kids catch up fairly quickly and go on to have higher test scores in areas like math. |
Anonymous
|
Is this a full language immersion program for the duration of the child's schooling? Or is it bilingual (e.g., Oyster) or immersion followed by bilingual (e.g., WIS)?
Regardless, why assume that delays are inevitable? Our experience is with WIS, and I'm sure others can chime in on Oyster. There aren't any students in my children's classes who have delayed English language skills; in fact, many, if not most, are quite accelerated. FWIW, children in other countries seem quite capable of acquiring two, three, or more languages. Why not here? |
Anonymous
perhaps because those are multi-language countries and the US is largely mono-language? |
Anonymous
|
Just wanted to throw my .02 in here - immersion seems to be all the rage these days but I acquired a second language by beginning to learn it a 2-3 times a week class environment in elementary school, continued studying it in middle and high school, college, and through a study abroad experience. I consider myself bilingual with near-native fluency.
Not to toot my own horn, but to remind people there are other ways of studying/acquiring foreign language skills that are just as valid and may, in some cases, have the added benefits of reinforcing grammar and spelling over time.... |
Anonymous
Agree, except that it may be harder. Plus I know some adults who just can't do this. But many like you can, and that's a good thing! |
Anonymous
If the immersion starts in kindergarten, and you continue to speak English at home, then there won't be delays in speaking English. In fact, ultimately your kid will probably have a better sense of English by dint of having another language to compare it with. There will likely be delays in English spelling and grammar, however. The second point is certainly true of our kid. We've heard that this can be fixed during english-language (MD public) middle school, but we're not there yet so I can't say this is true from personal experience. |
Anonymous
| My child went to Oyster. It was worth it. It wasn't always easy for DC. DC is currently in Middle School and is so appreciative of the experience. DC is thrilled to know so much Spanish compared with peers who went to one-language schools. There were no English delays. There might be in a full immersion program, but not in a dual immersion program. So my answer is a resounding yes. |
Anonymous
Depends on the language, though. French and Spanish? Easy (for the native English speaker.) Mandarin or Cantonese? Not so much... |
Anonymous
| Mono-lingual is the new stupid. |
Anonymous
Cantonese is yesterday's language. don't waste your time on it. |
Anonymous
still smarter than low math or reading skills. |
Anonymous
I don't agree with this. I went to school outside of US, we started learning English in 1st grade (2nd language) and French in 3rd grade (3rd language). I speak both now in addition to my native language. Though not immersion, we had both languages on daily basis. Instruction time for English was allowed same time as that of native language, while instruction time for French was allowed bit less time. The result is that I speak fluently English, in addition to the native language, and French - though with less degree of fluency. The country I was in is not multi-language - all was the result of school instruction. |
Anonymous
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still smarter than low math or reading skills.
My child (Oyster) has amazing math and reading skills. DC is in the highest level English and Math classes at an area independent. This was after eight years at Oyster. No tradeoff whatsoever. |