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Spanish Immersion Program, Kindergarten - Grade 4
Learners Create Cultural Connections while Developing Spanish-Language Fluency
Moravian Academy’s Spanish Immersion Program (SIP) offers students a unique opportunity to experience the school’s excellent curriculum while developing Spanish-language fluency and cultural connections from kindergarten through Upper School. Beginning in kindergarten, students receive core instruction in Spanish—math, social studies, science, and language arts—while specials such as music, art, and gym are taught in English. Lunch, recess, and field trips are shared with English-speaking peers, fostering a cohesive academic and social atmosphere. As students progress, they transition into the post-immersion program with Spanish language arts and social studies in Middle School, ultimately entering Upper School above Spanish Level 3 and prepared for advanced electives or history courses conducted in Spanish. To ensure students grow as confident communicators, the program incorporates AAPPL (ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages) tests, which measure listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in real-world contexts and provide insights that help teachers tailor instruction. This immersive journey empowers students to broaden their global perspectives, deepen their appreciation for diverse cultures, and thrive as inclusive global citizens.
Students who are given the opportunity to express themselves in more than one language can experience many advantages if they begin to develop these skills early on. The importance of learning a language at a young age is crucial for tapping into improved cognitive skills and to hone the basic capacity to fluently speak them.” - Melika Matlack, Grade 4 Spanish Immersion teacher
Elevating Language Proficiency Through Immersive Learning
At Moravian Academy, the AAPPL (ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages) Target Proficiency Tests are used to assess students' proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in various languages. These assessments provide critical insights into students' ability to apply language in real-world situations, helping teachers adjust instruction to meet each student's needs. As part of our Spanish Immersion Program (SIP), the AAPPL tests play a key role in fostering personal growth and ensuring students become confident communicators. By using these tests, we prepare students to become empowered, inclusive global citizens who can thrive in diverse, multicultural environments.
EXPLORE SIP FOR YOUR CHILD
Research from the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition at the University of Minnesota reveals that bilingualism enhances divergent thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills in young learners. Dr. Ellen Bialystok, a neuroscientist and professor at York University, further shows that bilingual individuals develop a stronger executive control system in the brain, enabling them to focus more effectively and manage distractions. These insights, along with other studies, have influenced the development of Moravian Academy’s language immersion program, shaping our approach to fostering cognitive and cultural growth in our students.
