Print this pageSpanish Language Programs
"Early childhood is, in fact, the age in which language is formed and in which the sounds of a foreign language can be perfectly learned." - Dr. Maria Montessori
Spanish Immersion Program
The best way to learn a second language is through "total immersion" at a young age. In learning a second language, children increase their attention span, reinforce their listening skills, and improve native language development. Being able to speak a second language opens many doors. Here in Texas, Spanish is very important!
Mrs. Gabriela Wilcox is a lead guide at the primary level (Bluebonnet room) and the coordinator for the Spanish language programs at Pebblecreek. She is bilingual and a native speaker of Spanish.
There are currently three Spanish immersion classrooms at Pebblecreek:
Bluebonnet (primary level)
Rosebud (primary level)
BOLD-Los Girasoles (toddler level)
B.O.L.D. Program - Bilingual Oral Language Development for Toddlers
Bilingual
Daily instruction is given in both English and Spanish.
Oral
Sequential presentation of vocabulary through the use of oral language development tubs.
- First in English and then in Spanish
- Large Objects
- Touch Spanish Vocabulary Picture Cards
- Daily Conversation
Language
The Development of Visual and Auditory Discrimination and the Development of Receptive and Expressive Skills
- Sequential Phonemic Awareness Development in both languages
- Sequential Sound Discrimination Development in both languages
- Indirect teaching of Expressive and Receptive Language Skills through Daily Conversation and Social Interaction
Development
Developing the child’s ability to understand, express and manipulate both languages with ease
- Presentation of Montessori lessons first in English and then in Spanish
- Daily Review and Repetition of vocabulary, simple sentences
- Daily Conversation
Touch Spanish
The Spanish immersion program at Pebblecreek complements Spanish instruction in all other classes. Pebblecreek utilizes a hands-on program called Touch Spanish, with a specific sequential order of skills from vocabulary to conversation to grammar structure. Mrs. Wilcox developed Touch Spanish within the Montessori philosophy.
The average Spanish language program for young children teaches isolated vocabulary. Yet, conversation is the key! Touch Spanish facilitates conversation using an approach that is entertaining and exciting to capture children's attention. From the very first lesson in which isolated vocabulary is presented to the child, a series of questions and answers also forms part of each lesson. As the child progresses with the oral aspect of the program, reading skills are introduced, preparing the way for writing. Touch Spanish carries the student from the basic skills, all the way to the equivalent of an eighth-grade level language ability.
In addition to their structured Spanish lessons, students have access during their individual work times to Level One of Touch Spanish, which includes 84 hands-on language exercises.