Reply to Adjustment to Immersion programs

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[quote=Anonymous]I feel like I could have written your message! I have a kindergarten new to immersion at a HRCS.

Initially DC reacted to the shock of the spanish immersion by acting out ... behavior not seen earlier in PS3 or PK4.  Eventually DC was able to verbalize why- and the teacher has helped. Now a little more time has passed and adaptation is getting better.

Another important consideration is how is the whole class adapting? In our class, there was a mix of students new to the school, and kids who had been there. Some native speakers. In the classrooms where there are experienced teachers, and in particular with children acquiring new languages, a pairing up of friends, setting norms for behaviors has worked to integrate kids to this new environment. Unfortunately, if the kids sense there is not complete control, then behaviors are ignored, they escalate, kids copycat, and chaos ensues. (Our classroom.)

The Spanish itself while challenging, has led to all kinds of inappropriate acts- jumping on tables, throwing materials, chairs, pouring water- that is just not right in this setting.  According to our pediatrician, this could be kids who are anxious over some of the new demands (to do more academic work, less play, more writing etc.) in a foreign language ... and since they aren't able to verbalize in the new language, this occurs. Other kids might cry as their coping mechanism.

We're considering two options- in addition to staying. One would be to move to a more established immersion program. The other would be to go to the neighborhood school (no immersion.)  Hoping to make this school work, though, and waiting to see if it will.

Definitely challenging- and disheartening- after such high expectations.

Wishing you success- and a happier kindergartener, soon![/quote]

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