World Languages

Beginning in 2011-12, all Prekindergarten students at Laurel will be exposed to Chinese, French and Spanish. The languages will be taught once a week and will rotate with a curriculum that connects to the themes already explored in class. Each language unit will be centered on a certain theme. The instruction will be almost entirely in the target language, with the use of many visuals and gestures to enhance comprehension.

At this phase of instruction, children will be expected to do more listening rather than speaking, as they are in the input phase of language learning. We will be using a methodology that incorporates the practice of Total Physical Response, which allows for movement and facilitates retention. Auditory, visual and kinesthetic learning approaches are all included in our teaching methods. Children will be encouraged to take risks and participate when they feel comfortable and they will experience language learning as something that is engaging and fun.

Chinese: The Chinese Zodiac

  • The Chinese Zodiac is comprised of 12 animals. Each week, the children will learn about a different animal of the Chinese zodiac.
  • Children will be exposed to parts of the body, animal habitats, colors, big vs. small, numbers, actions associated with the animals (swim, climb, fly, etc.), as well as certain songs in Chinese.

French: The Natural World Around Us

  • This will be a literature-based unit that explores the natural world and how it affects our lives. In this theme, the children will learn about seasons, food, numbers, days, months, weather, senses, life cycle and colors.
  • The literature in use will be Premiers Printemps (First Spring) and La Chenille Qui Fait des Trous (The Very Hungry Caterpillar). Children will learn the popular rhyme Pomme de Reinette.

Spanish: We Are a Rainbow

  • This unit will explore themes of multiculturalism and identity. Through this study, children will create self-portraits and be exposed to colors, numbers, parts of the body, actions, emotions and family members.
  • Somos un Arco Iris (We Are a Rainbow) and Mis Colores, Mi Mundo (My Colors, My World) will be the books that help to guide this theme. The children will also learn the song De Colores, a traditional song about the colors of the world.