Frequently Asked Questions

An important element to the success of children in immersion programs is a positive parent attitude toward Spanish and the program.

Is immersion the right choice?

In answering this question, it is important to weigh the opportunities that you are offering your child through exposure to the Spanish language and its culture.  Taking part in the Spanish immersion program is a unique learning experience.  We encourage all interested parents to talk with Adams parents and teachers to determine if Adams is right for your child.  It is important for parents to enter initial enrollment with the understanding that they are enrolling in a kindergarten-through-sixth grade program.  It is not in the best interest of the child or the program for students to be enrolled for a one or two year “interesting experience”.  The success of immersion education is best validated by sustained continuity and intensive experience in the immersion language.

Will the immersion students follow the same curriculum as the students in a regular English program?

The curriculum in immersion programs is the same as the curriculum in English only programs.  Students receive the same instruction in basic subjects:  mathematics, reading, language arts, science, social studies, etc.  Adams uses a thematic approach to education, in which in any given year, one theme unites instruction in all subject areas.

What about reading in English?

Your child will be taught to read first in Spanish.  You should not expect your child to read in English until instruction in reading and writing is provided in English, in the second grade. There is no problem reading and promoting the learning of the native language of the child's home. In fact, this type of work at home can increase the growth of the child. 

What eventual effect does an immersion program have on children’s verbal and math skills in English?

Although there are certain lags in English language arts for the first few years of the program, children tend to make up these lags after formal English instruction is introduced.  In addition, the research on this question is both voluminous and unequivocal:  studies have consistently shown that by the end of the elementary grades, immersion students generally perform as well as and may even surpass comparable non-immersion students on measures in English of verbal and mathematical skills.

What about the first days in an immersion program?

The first few days for kids can be hard, because their teachers are speaking only in Spanish. The majority of our students do not speak Spanish at home, and it can be hard, in the beginning, to be in a place where you don't understand what the adults are saying. Pretty quickly the kids learn the basics, and day after day the learning because easier. It is important to know that during this time the students are receiving the message that they are in a safe and loving place. This is done through the efforts of our teachers by way of their lessons. After a few days, or perhaps a few weeks, the kids forget that their teacher isn't speaking English. 

For additional perspectives, we encourage you to visit the CARLA website (part of the U of M).