Why isn’t Spanish being taught to our 1st graders?

As an early childhood educator I believe in teaching children other languages. Children are more receptive to a second language when they are younger. However, the argument usually is that there is no time in classrooms (I personally find the time). The other argument is what is an appropriate second language to teach. I am in Ohio currently, so spanish is not a popular langauge. However, as a born and raised Californian, it is almost neccasary for a child to know English and Spanish there as well as in surrounding states.

The problem is that many teachers do not have the support of administration or the time. Currently programs are being cut in sciences and social studies in the earlier grades. These subjects are are vital to education, so is it feasible to add on another subject, when we are already taking away so much?

On the same note: Looking at how classrooms are starting to integrate children with disabilities (one of which is hearing impaired) wouldn’t it be a good idea to teach sign language as well?

Well I think that’s a very good point. I have a lot of mixed feelings on the subject so it’s hard for me to speak freely. I understand that it is an obvious reality that our country is also becoming a spanish speaking culture. I also understand that many other countries speak different languages and it is a fact that English is the top spoken language in the world. While I do agree that they have to learn proper English first because it is most important, I also understand that the developmental window for children is in their earliest years. Therefore it makes the most sense to teach it early. I will say that I took it in my high school years and can speak it just fine. I do not however agree with the statement “why can’t it be chinese” because the facts and statistics show that Spanish speaking people are growing fast in our culture, not chinese. It would be silly to learn Chinese at this point when we are in no need to adapt to them. I don’t see Chinese people skipping the fence to cross the border.

So I guess I agree that it should be taught early…but maybe not first grade. Perhaps starting in the 3rd grade would be a good start, or even 4th.

That is a very good idea.

A lot of Americans feel that America is an ENGLISH speaking nation (and I agree) but you cannot ignore the fact that the Spanish language is getting more and more popular. If you look to history you will see that the Spanish language has continued to grow worldwide. In fact the majority of the worlds population is Spanish speaking (numerous forms of Spanish) and many cultures descend from Spain.

Americans should learn Spanish as a second language because of the immigrant issues we are facing now. It is the nearest of foreign languages to us, just go to south Florida or some parts of South Texas and you will even be able to shop without knowing at least a little Spanish.

Well our education system has a lot to be desired and I think you have a great point. English is one of the hardest languages to learn and having a second or third language is awesome. In addition, some other countries might push a few languages because English is the most widely spoken language. Imagine only knowing Cambodian! However, I do not believe that knowing Spanish will further your career. I took Chinese all through high school and my employers are more impressed with that than some of the spanish speaking employees.

Because spanish is a difficult language to learn. First graders need to be taught the basic subjects first. I believe it would be pretty hard to learn another language before you know how to add 2 digit numbers or that you need to put a period at the end of a sentence.

I think it has a lot to do with where you reside. In my city there are a lot of school that teach bilingually or have Spanish classes as early as Pre-K. I think it’s great to teach children another language! I’m bilingual and in he process of learning a 3rd! It’s great fun and it does help in the job market. You’re absolutely right!

The english language is so difficult that the young kids will probably pick up the second language way better and never learn correct english.

the reason why Spanish isn’t being taught to first graders is because they can’t understand it. it would also be hard for them to speak it as well and it would be hard for them to learn it and it would be hard for you to touch it. they are really young. so i think the grades they are teaching Spanish should stay that way. Because kids should have a choice on what they want to learn different laugue.

Because they have to learn decent English first.

Actually, teaching kids a second language early is a good idea. But it could be Chinese, not Spanish.

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