Washington Dual Language Kindergartners Soar in Spanish

Jessica Bermudez’ dual language kindergarten class continues to “Soar in Spanish!” at Washington Primary School.

The youngsters worked on identifying the central idea and details using familiar, everyday topics. Students were given a sentence in Spanish and took turns sharing their ideas with their group. They used oral language and discussion to work together and decide what the central idea was. After practicing as a group, students applied the skill to the text they were reading in class by identifying the central idea and details.”

Throughout the activity, students were supported through partner talk, group discussion, and language scaffolds to help build comprehension and confidence in Spanish.

Huntington’s dual language program was initiated at the kindergarten level at Southdown Primary School in 2002.  The following year it expanded to Jefferson Primary School. In 2006, the first cohort moved on to Woodhull Intermediate School.

In creating and organizing the dual language program, Huntington carefully followed guidelines established by the State Education Department’s Office of Bilingual Education. Classes are comprised of a mix of native English and Native Spanish students/speakers. The goal of the program is for both groups to become bilingual and bi-literate by the end of fifth grade.”