|
YOUTH PROGRAM
Does Your Child Have an Aptitude for Learning and Speaking Spanish?
Chances are, the answer is ¡Sí!
(Yes!)
Children have a natural ability to master foreign language learning
- they are able to mimic foreign sounds, and retain vocabulary more
readily than adults!
According to an article in Toddlers Today, studies show that babies
as young as 6 months old can start learning a foreign language, and
2 to 3 year olds are capable of learning and speaking several languages
simultaneously.
Why teach your toddler or preschooler a second language? Words and
phrases learned before puberty are stored in a different area of the
brain than language learned later in life. That's why adult learners
find it harder to get rid of accents. You're welcome to visit this
wonderful website so you can read the whole article!
http://toddlerstoday.com/resources/articles/trilingual.htm
Children are like sponges and have
the ability to acquire a second language in the same way they have
acquired their first language, without much effort and with a native
accent. Research also shows that children who are exposed to foreign
languages at an early age gain higher test scores in reading and
language arts, as well as more highly developed mental flexibility.
Most importantly, any initial shyness with the new language is quickly
overcome by the fun they have with our program!
Currently at DLA, we introduce your child to the adventures of the Spanish
language and its vibrant culture, through a creative blend of stories,
books, games, hands on activities, songs, audio-visual material,
listening, reading, role-play, speaking and more.
DLA has created it's own Spanish
curriculum for grades K-12th.
Our preschool and elementary curriculums include vocabulary and
structures the children will need for basic conversation. We have
over 30 themes: Greetings, colors, animals, numbers, shapes, action
words, family member vocabulary, food, occupations, means of transportation,
nature, community places, and more! Our classes are based around
games, songs and lots of repetition. In our classes, the children
gain meaning of the new language by listening, comprehending and
expanding vocabulary and phonological awareness. We believe in teaching
through play experiences and support A Beka, Creative
Curriculum as well as HighReach themes. Our lessons are based
around three kinds of play: Sensorimotor or functional play,
which allows the children to experience a second language through
their senses and through physical interaction with their environment
when possible. Construction play, which includes painting,
coloring, and some arts and crafts relevant to the theme. With more
advanced children we are able to do some dramatic play, and pretend
play using the vocabulary acquired in the second language. After
each lesson the child will receive an enrichment sheet including
some of the material covered in class. They are encouraged to take
it home to the parents so they can see what the child had learned
in Spanish class that week. This way the parents and teachers may
reinforce the vocabulary both at home and at school if desired.
Our program is designed to awaken the interest and appreciation
of a foreign language of the preschooler, as well as give the older
child a solid introduction to the language.
At DLA we are aware that concepts and curriculums are useless without
quality instructors and that is why all Spanish instructors are
native speakers, energetic, experienced professionals who can't
help but convey enthusiasm for the language! We are proud to have
outstanding qualified instructors from Spain, Colombia, Venezuela,
Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Mexico as part of the DLA team!
Join us at our DLA Spanish for youth program - para jugar, hablar
y aprender en español - to play, learn and speak in Spanish!
Our Program
With a Bachelor Degree in Education of Modern Languages, Virginia
Supreme Court Certification as Spanish/English interpreter, homeschooler and over 18
years of professional teaching experience, Maria Newkirk has developed a successful
program that allows children to learn the Spanish language while
having fun!
Ages
2 -14 Years
(Preschool, Elementary and Middle School students)
Class Size
The extra curricular class has an average of 10 to 12 students,
which allows for individualized attention that will ensure every
child's progress and quick results. Site class sizes are based on manageability and their current curriculum schedule.
Levels
DLA has a progressive language program consisting
of three levels: Beginner, intermediate and advanced. Each class
will progress at its own pace, with the instructor adapting the
curriculum to meet the needs of each particular class, according
to the ages and interests of the students.
Activities
Hands-on activities, visual aids, games, coloring, puppets, playing cards,
posters, role-playing, dramatic play, songs, coloring, dancing,
writing, interactive exercises, puzzles, poems, rhymes, listening,
speaking, reading, creating, repeating, spelling and lots of fun!
Many of the activities and games in class encourage students to
talk about themselves and their world in the target language, enabling them
to apply their newly equipped language skills to their every day
lives. All the activities and games are designed to appeal to children
and motivate them to continue expanding their language skills. Our
goal is to encourage our young students to communicate confidently
and to stimulate them to have fun with the instruction.
Class Environment
Our classrooms provide a warm and fun atmosphere created to motivate
children and foster the learning process. The rhythm of the music,
quality visual aids, and the sight of a glowing teacher make children
look forward to coming to class every week!
Teachers
Our teachers are native speakers with the experience and skills
that are required for the dynamics of a language class for children.
Not only will they make sure your child speaks the language, but
their expertise will make the child love coming to class! In addition,
we have full DCF background checks performed on all our instructors.
Cultural Development
Multicultural studies invite children to explore the global community
and to discover the unique and special role of each individual in
it. At DLA, the classroom becomes a microcosm of the world and the
society in which we live.
· As they participate in hands-on
activities using authentic materials, students can experience
a rich diversity of traditions and customs.
· Children can play instruments, sing songs and dramatize stories
native to the related countries.
· Students develop an awareness of their own heritage as well
as an appreciation of the customs and contributions of the people
all over our country and the world.
Registration
To register, please contact us by phone at (877)252-5429. We offer
after-school and summer programs in various locations. Please visit
our calendar for more information or email us at Office@DestinLA.com.
Adult classes are also available at several times and locations.
We Can Teach at Your Site!
Destin Language Academy has the
pleasure of working with many school, preschool and childcare facilities
offering Spanish classes that benefit all students
by augmenting the school's curriculum at great value! One of the
amazing accomplishments the directors have mentioned is how our
program has helped them increase enrollment. We provide our
certified Spanish curriculum, all the teaching materials, and the
instructor! Another option for our clients is to offer Spanish as
an after-school program. If you are a director or owner and
would like to obtain more information on our school-wide program or
request a DVD example of our instruction, don't hesitate to contact us.
Toucan Designed by Gabriela Palmitesta
|
|
