FIRST CLASS IS FREE!! So you can see how we work!
To get you first class, you only have to fill out our waiting list with very basic information about you, your child and your interests.
For Bilingual and Heritage Speakers, we offer two types of Spanish classes:
Classes taught by a professional teacher: These classes are taught by a certified teacher and are currently offered to school-aged children in the Bilingual and Heritage program to reinforce literacy skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in Spanish. Instruction is 100% in Spanish and builds on the existing base that students come with from speaking and hearing Spanish at home. While these skills are a main focus in the co-op classes as well, some parents don’t feel as confident teaching a classroom of children, or simply don’t have as much time to plan a class, which is why this class is now offered.
Classes taught co-op style by the participating families: These classes are exclusively organized among the participant families co-op style with each family participating in a rotation, taking turns planning, preparing the materials, and teaching the class following certain guidelines and structure. We keep the instruction 100% in Spanish and we follow an educational program tailored for each group of age in an informal way. The purpose of this class is to immerse bilingual children in a 100% Spanish environment where they can improve and enhance their language skills. Children are encouraged to speak only in Spanish to get more comfortable with their heritage language and feel proud about their roots. Parents are encouraged to include their culture diversity in the organization and preparation of the class and events.
We currently host the following classes for bilingual and heritage speakers of Spanish:
- O to 5 years old (co-op style): In this group parents teach the children popular songs and basic vocabulary like colors and shapes. Babies, toddlers and young children have fun with songs, rhythms and games while Spanish is introduced. Class starts at 10:15 am.
- Kindergarten & 1st Grade (professional teacher): In this group the teacher sets the base to introduce the children to read and write in Spanish. We teach them basic grammar concepts and new vocabulary through games, storytellers, songs and exercises to develop and improve their fine motor skills. Class starts at 10:15 am.
- 2nd to 5th Grade (professional teacher): In this group, children are beginning to or can already read and write in Spanish and the work is focused on improving their skills and broadening their vocabulary to boost their self esteem. Class starts at 11:15 am.
- Kindergarten to 5th Grade (co-op style): In this group parents teach and reinforce literacy in Spanish through reading and writing. Activities are adapted to ensure they are accessible for all students. Class starts at 11:15 am.
We understand that the first years of life are critical for children to develop the necessary skills to assimilate and speak their heritage language. Many bilingual children end up refusing to speak Spanish because they are mostly immersed in an English environment. They feel different because they have a cultural and language mix they cannot find among their friends at daycare or school and they see it as a barrier to be accepted by their social group. They risk becoming passively bilingual, meaning they can understand their heritage language but they barely speak it because they did not practice it enough. In Bilingual Families of SJ we nurture a social environment where our children can feel comfortable speaking and learning their heritage language because there are in the same class with other bilingual children like them and they have the support of a strong community that makes them feel confident about their language and their roots.
If you have any doubts and questions about how to participate in this class, we are here to help! Contact us at info@bilingualfamiliesofsj.org
