Why aren’t foreign languages taught at elementary school age?

First, because there aren’t enough bilingual elementary/early childhood teachers qualified to teach a foreign language. You can’t teach a foreign language unless you are fluent–two semesters of a foreign language in high school and/or college does not make you fluent.

Second, it is not required by state standards.

Third, there is much more to learning a foreign language than just learning the words and definitions of the words. Different languages have different grammar rules. You cannot translate word for word from one language to another and have it make sense. Who would determine what languages would be taught and which dialect?

I would think it mainly has to do with money and priorities. Most elementary school districts do not have the money to hire a foreign language teacher. If students learn any foreign language, it is because the regular classroom teacher has some knowledge in one. States are adding foreign language goals to their standards, but it has yet to be backed with monetary funds at the state level, at least in elementary schools.

When I was 8, I attended school in Texas. That was back in the sixties. We did have Spanish instruction a couple of days a week. I did find it beneficial in this sense. It is easier to pick up the accent and pronunciation at a younger age. I think the tongue, in a sense, is more trainable. I didn’t remember the words, per se, but I certainly did the accent and pronunciation. Besides, kids, for the most part, find learning foreign words fun and different. I know because I am a regular classroom teacher and do teach Spanish words and phrases to my third graders. Unfortunately, after third grade, nothing happens with it. But then again, I am not in the state of Texas any longer.

My guess is time and money. To teach a foreign language they would have to add time to the school day or rearrange the schedule by taking time away from something else. Administrators really don’t want to to that, espcially with all the testing that needs to take place because of No Child Left Behind. The emphasis is put on reading and math. Recently, they have started testing science so that is getting a big push. I just don’t see where foreign language would fit in.

The other reason is the money. They would have to hire additional teachers. In a lot of areas they don’t have the money to hire the teachers they already have a need for, let alone additional teachers.

We did have foreign language in elementary school . . . it was only once a week, but it was there. By the time I got to middle school I had moved, but I had a basis for when I had to pick a language to study in high school.

By the way . . . I don’t remember most of what I learned in high school Italian, but I can still sing Jingle Bells which I learned in 3rd grade Italian!

It’s probably because they haven’t figured out how to properly teach their own language yet. How could they possibly be able to teach them a foreign one?

Plus, there is the issue of funding such a program and finding a teacher that wants to try and teach 6 year olds French or German or Spanish.

It’s nice in theory, but as of right now it would never work.

actually, in some elemantry schools, foreign languagues are taught. i went to one where one was taught, and it really hasnt had an impact on me. i even lived in mexico for a while when i was younger. i guess if you are exposed to a foreign language when you are younger for almost your entire elementray school career, it would help and give you a head start and a better understanding of it

hope this helps 🙂

I have always thought that considering that I’m in high school. I kind of wish that they did start that process when I was in elementary school because now I would almost be fluent but unfortunately they don’t.

I suspect it is because there are so few teachers. But then again it may be more important to teach the English language.

they teach in elementary school here…and I saw on tv where some other state is doing that too (one of the courses they are teaching is chinese). You could, of course suggest that to the principal of your school.