Dual Immersion Classes Come to Utah

Utah’s Granite School District is implementing a new program to help kids learn another language while still in elementary school. The program called Dual Immersion, works by giving kids, starting as early as 1st grade, 50 percent of their instruction in English and 50 percent in another language. Reading and Language arts classes are taught half of the day in English. While classes like math, science, or social studies are taught in their targeted language. Art, music, and P.E. can be taught in either language.

The project coordinators at Granite School District  "because of the teaching strategies used, the students learn the concepts and skills for the subject area and develop the ability to read, write, speak, and listen in another language.” The Dual Immersion program has been implemented for over 25 years in the United States; Granite School District will be using all those years’ research and experience to bring this program to Utah.

It is interesting to note that students who learn a second language increase their brains' ability to solve problems and there is no better time to learn a second language than when children are in elementary school.
The goals of this program are to “develop literacy skills in both English and the target world language such as Spanish, French, or Chinese while attaining academic achievement that is at or above their grade level as measured by Utah core testing.”

Along with teaching children another language, the program helps students create cultural sensitivity, making them more aware of the different cultures and people that share the world they live in. According to Granite School District web site the school strives  "to prepare Granite School District students academically, linguistically and socially for the challenges and needs of our global community.”

The success of the program can be previewed by the Chinese Summer Camp program, held in two of the district's schools. This program called “Startalk” is a collaboration with fluent BYU Chinese teachers. The program works in the same way, with half-day classes in Chinese during eight days.  Recreation and P. E. activities are also based on the Chinese culture to help kids better understand Chinese traditions and practices.  

Studies have shown that children who learn a language before their teen years have higher chances of acquiring a native-like pronunciation, plus introducing children to new languages broadens their view, prepares them for their future careers by sharpening their communication skills and gives them opportunities to understand people with different backgrounds and absorb more of the cultures.

For more information about Granite School District Dual Immersion Classes visit their Web site.