Foreign Language Classes in Elementary Education

[JDRRowan]

Why is it that many other nations have embraced multilingualism, but the United States has not? Other nations place on emphasis on their “mother tongue plus two foreign languages” (Forbidden Language 2010) for various reasons, but the United States seems to be somewhat behind on the times. Yes, many districts offer foreign language class starting in pre-kindergarten, but how much of this instruction is developmentally appropriate?

[Patty Schuler]

Children seem to learn so readily at such young ages! My son had Spanish once a week from K through 5th grade and now in middle school has it as a 40 minute class daily. He'll have to take 2 years in high school. He hates it and knows no more Spanish now than he ever did. What a shame. And here's his old mom struggling to learn Spanish, but loving every minute of it! My daughter excelled in Spanish and stopped taking it as soon as she could as it didn't interest her. She knows no Spanish now either.

[Sally Olsen]

Are you serious about this discussion?

You must know your history and why the people of the US promoted the "melting pot" idea where everyone was expected to become the same. People are afraid usually to accept change. It will change when you get people with differences in the higher levels of government and you can see that happening.

Not every teacher in K will be good at teaching languages but most know their students and will tailor the activities to the age as best they can if the curriculum is not appropriate.

[ummsultan]

Children seem to learn so readily at such young ages! My son had Spanish once a week from K through 5th grade and now in middle school has it as a 40 minute class daily. He'll have to take 2 years in high school. He hates it and knows no more Spanish now than he ever did. What a shame. And here's his old mom struggling to learn Spanish, but loving every minute of it! My daughter excelled in Spanish and stopped taking it as soon as she could as it didn't interest her. She knows no Spanish now either.

I think that part of the problem is that even in districts where children are introduced to language early, they fail to see the value in being bilingual. It would also be nice, if children were able select which language they would like to take, rather than being forced to take one particular language.

[arp10]

I believe that another important factor is the location of the United States. Many of the multilingual countries are smaller and close together. Although we do share a large border with Mexico, it is not the same as the European countries. People move from country to country daily in Europe and learning the other languages is easier and becomes second nature. While I believe the US should encourage multilingualism, I think that it is much more difficult to obtain here, especially with our history.

[JDRRowan]

I do know my history. I was commenting on a book's take on the situation. Have you read Forbidden Language that was edited by Patricia Gandara and Megan Hopkins?