Spanish Immersion Preschool/Pre-K

Our Spanish Immersion Preschool/Pre-K program is designed to teach children (ages 3-6) a foreign language through "total immersion," while they learn skills that will prepare them for kindergarten. These skills include pre-reading, pre-writing, pre-math, and social skills. Most importantly, children will learn a second language...Spanish!  Additionally, in this stimulating and fun environment, children will gain increased awareness and appreciation for other people and cultures.

Using "PlayImmersion," children are immersed in the Spanish language through songs, games, stories, play, crafts, nursery rhymes, computers, etc. The focus of this class will be conversational Spanish and basic vocabulary. Themes may include: animals, colors, numbers, alphabet, daily routine, family, food, weather, calendar, basic greetings, clothing, transportation, seasons, cultural traditions and ethnic holidays.

Classes are offered September - May, and follow regular school holidays.
Class time is 9:00am-12:00pm, two days per week.

Locations
Caldwell: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Nampa:   Wednesdays and Fridays  

Curriculum
Each week or month, a theme is chosen based on: special dates (i.e. Valentine's Day), cultural holidays (i.e. Carnaval), seasonal events (i.e. winter), or normal preschool lessons (i.e. farm animals).  In addition, weekly classes and activities are centered around a specific book related to the chosen theme (i.e. "The Little Red Hen" for farm animals).  Learning greetings, colors, numbers, calendar, weather, alphabet, and other basic vocabulary will be a daily part of each class.  In order to expose children to the beauty of diversity, various countries, cultures, ethnic holidays and celebrations are also highlighted throughout the year. All of this is done in Spanish, while having fun!

What are the benefits of a Foreign Language Immersion Preschool?
Studies have shown that when children are introduced to a second language at an early age, they learn it easier, faster, and their pronunciation is more native sounding. Other researchers have discovered that children who learn foreign languages in preschool tend to have a higher level of success in other scholastic areas later in life. It enhances their own native language skills. They build stronger cognitive abilities. It increases their creativity in verbal and mathematical problem-solving skills. They also become more aware and open to other cultures, therefore, better preparing them for life in an ever-increasing globalized world. Finally, they will gain greater future career opportunities. Read about other benefits and see sources for these studies here.