Tips for Creating a Spanish Immersion Program in Your School
Are you interested in bringing Spanish language education to your school?
Is the Spanish teacher shortage affecting your decision? Are you looking for a robust Spanish immersion program that students will actually enjoy?
Thankfully, Sarah’s Spanish School is your practical, personalized, and affordable solution! Our program will have students immersed in Spanish from the very first day of class. Outside of starting classes, here are some other aspects that you may also consider:
The Benefits of a Spanish Immersion Program
Spanish immersion programs provide a fast track to fluency. They blend language learning with cultural experiences, enhancing both your Spanish skills and cultural understanding:
- Cognitive Development: Early exposure to a second language, such as Spanish, enhances cognitive abilities. It also boosts problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking!
- Improved Academic Performance: Learning a second language has been linked to improved performance in other subjects, including math and reading. Students who study a world language tend to excel in standardized tests and develop stronger study habits!
- Cultural Awareness: Language learning fosters cultural understanding and global awareness. It encourages students to appreciate and respect diverse cultures.
- Enhanced Communication Skills: Learning Spanish helps students become effective communicators in both their first language and Spanish. This skill set is essential for success in future personal and professional contexts.
- Preparation for a Multilingual World: We live in a multilingual world where communicating across languages is a valuable skill! Learning Spanish equips students to thrive in a globalized society.
Things to Consider to Implement a Successful Spanish Immersion Program
Successful Spanish immersion programs are more than just learning a language. They involve creating an environment where Spanish is naturally used and understood.
Frequency
When selecting a program to offer for students, how often do you want them to take classes? Once a week for 30 minutes? Twice a week for 45 minutes? Every other day for a quarter? Every day for a whole year? With Sarah’s Spanish School, we accommodate your school’s unique and individual needs to fit Spanish into your schedule!
Class Types
Do you want students to take language classes together as a class or individually? Do you want the classes to be synchronous or asynchronous? With Sarah’s Spanish School, you could get both! Our asynchronous classes can be completed with a full group or independently. We offer asynchronous AND synchronous lessons. We know the value of having a certified trained teacher in your classroom, and we’re here to help! Not only do we offer varying class types, but we also offer fun weekly-themed units! These are seasonal and relevant, so you can encourage students to participate outside class for extra immersion!
Customizable Curriculum
We understand that every school has unique requirements and objectives. That’s why our curriculum is highly customizable. You can tailor the program to fit your school’s specific goals, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with your framework. Whether that includes having students of different grades and Spanish levels take classes together or meeting particular state learning standards, we’re here to help!
Cultural Integration
Do you want your students to learn the language and immerse themselves in Spanish-speaking cultures? Our program strongly emphasises cultural immersion and integration, filled with authentic stories, resources, songs, videos, and events that expose students to the rich diversity of Spanish-speaking countries.
Professional Training for Facilitators
Nervous about not having a Spanish-speaking facilitator to assist in Spanish classes? Worry no more! Supporting your teachers is a top priority. Most facilitators who support instruction with Sarah’s Spanish School do not speak Spanish. We offer professional training opportunities to help your educators proficiently use our online portal to ensure they can confidently help deliver high-quality lessons without needing to speak the language! (But they may learn a thing or two and improve their language skills along the way!)
Parent Involvement
Family involvement is fundamental to the success of any language program. To promote parental involvement AND language learning outside of the classroom, we emphasize communication. Through consistent communication with parents through emails, newsletters, social media, informational packets, and questionnaires, we can stay in touch and keep parents up-to-date about what students are learning in Spanish class! And the best part? We offer bonus lessons with materials for students to do at home for extra enrichment!
Measurable Outcomes
Do you need grades for a gradebook or simply want to track students’ growth? We offer clear and measurable outcomes so you can track the success of Spanish immersion and showcase its benefits! Each unit in our curriculum includes a pre and post-assessment to monitor growth. In addition, we have daily assessments embedded directly into each lesson with self-assessment options for students to check their comprehension!
Ongoing Support
At Sarah’s Spanish School, we’re not just a program provider but your language education partner! We offer ongoing support and resources to ensure your students succeed. We have a technology team dedicated to any and all technology requests that may arise. Our curriculum team assists with all things curriculum to make the program better for the students in your classroom! Need an enrichment activity? Need assistance with classroom management? Want extra differentiation offerings? Whatever the case may be, we are here for you!
Spanish Immersion Programs FAQs
How often should students take Spanish classes?
We recommend it as often as possible! The more students are immersed in Spanish language learning, the better!
Do all students need a personal device to take classes with Sarah’s Spanish School?
Nope! Our customizable curriculum is designed for students to participate in classes as a full group activity (where traditionally, the facilitator in the room sets up a SMARTboard to project the lesson/teacher) and/or individually, where students can complete lessons on their own with their device if they have one.
My school has specific state standards that need to be met. Can you help with that?
Absolutely! Whether you need a state-certified teacher to teach lessons, standards-aligned curriculum documents, or anything else in between, we offer solutions to accommodate each unique situation!
Spanish Immersion Programs with Sarah’s Spanish School
For School Administrators: Ready to bring a world-class Spanish program to your school? Request more information or book a discovery call with us today.
For Parents and Families: Eager to give your child the gift of bilingualism? Sign up for our 30-day free trial and start your family’s Spanish adventure now. Join us, and let’s make learning Spanish an unforgettable experience for your young learners!
Establishing a Spanish immersion program in your school will enrich your students’ education and prepare them for a diverse and interconnected world. Contact us now, and you can begin to include Spanish immersion in your school TODAY! Sarah’s Spanish School offers a completely customizable curriculum to promote a seamless integration, so your school can provide a robust and effective Spanish immersion program!