- Pueblo Elementary School
- Academics
- Dual Language Immersion — Spanish
Dual Language Immersion - Spanish
-
Learn to speak, read and write in two languages!
Pueblo Elementary is proud to provide children in Scottsdale and the surrounding community with an opportunity to develop multilingual expression through the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. This public school program offers parents an opportunity for their child to learn Spanish as a second language, at a time when children learn best.
The DLI program is designed to use the language strengths of two teachers to co-teach curriculum in their target languages. Students spend half of their time in English learning reading, writing and content skills such as social studies. The other half of their instructional time is spent learning content such as mathematics and science through Spanish as taught by a native speaker. When the students get into the 4th and 5th grade, math is taught in English and social studies is then taught in Spanish.
Pueblo DLI Night - Grade Level Proficiency Targets PDF Presentation
Pueblo Dual Language Immersion FAQs
-
What is a Dual Language Immersion Program?
English speaking students spend half of the day learning subjects in Spanish and the other half learning in English. Students are taught the appropriate curriculum for their grade, but will hear the subject matter in Spanish.
Both English and Spanish curriculums are in alignment with state testing. Students are provided with ample English instruction in all subjects to prepare for AIMS assessments.
Our world is rapidly shrinking, and we are increasingly dependent upon communication and understanding among people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds. By choosing an immersion program, you are challenging and stimulating your child’s cognitive, social and linguistic development, giving them a unique advantage for tomorrow’s world.
-
Why should I consider a Language Immersion Program?
Research has shown immersion to be the most effective way to learn language. For more than 20 years, research in Canada and the United States has documented the impressive development of second language fluency and academic achievement of children in immersion programs. At the same time, immersion students maintain and enrich their native language and literacy skills. Studies have also shown that bilingual students perform better than monolingual students in tasks that call for divergent thinking, pattern recognition and problem solving. Research shows that students who learn a second language at an early age meet or exceed state AIMS standards.
-
How do DLI students perform academically compared to their peers?
Research has consistently shown that beyond the second year of language learning, students will perform as well as or better than their non-language learning peers.
-
Who can apply for the DLI Program?
We now offer DLI in Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade at Pueblo.The program will continue through middle school and high school. Open enrollment students are encouraged to apply. Pueblo invites student transfers from other programs. Reserve your child’s space by enrolling early. Parents are asked to commit a minimum of seven years to the program to gain maximum benefit. This dedication is necessary for students to be able to read, write and speak in two languages by sixth grade.
-
Will I be able to help my child with homework if I don’t speak the language?
Many homework assignments are provided in both languages. Online textbooks are available in English for parent reference. Teachers communicate regularly and are available for questions.
Parents are asked to continue reinforcing English language development skills at home by reading and discussing books with their child.
-
How quickly will my child begin speaking Spanish?
There may be an initial adjustment or “silent” period as children begin listening to the new language. A combination of activities, including singing and games, help children feel more comfortable and competent in the program, and they begin speaking by the second grade.