Author: Marc

Alafia Elementary
Welcome
FLES

foreign Language in elementary school

Opportunity
to know
about another
culture

Opportunity
for your child to speak a second
language

Francais
Pour les enfants
enfants

Call: 3535 Culbreath Road Valrico, FL 33539

Office:744-8190

Why FLES

According to language experts, learning languages helps increase listening ability, me-mory, creativity and critical thinking - all of which are thinking processes that increase learning in general in addition to developing thinking skills, foreign language study exposes children to other ways of looking
at the world. Starting early can translate into an advantage in the work force, too. Also, the work force has an increased demand for people who can speak foreign languages at a sophisticated level.

NATIONAL REASONS:
"Developing global competence is a long-term undertaking and must begin at an early age, especially foreign language acquisition" - Beyond September 11: A Comprehensive National Policy on International Education, p. 10, published in 2002 by The American Council on Education.

Alafia Elementary
Welcome

FLES
Welcome

French

Call: 3535 Culbreath Road Valrico, FL 3359

Office:744-8190

-To provide quality instruction of the sequential FLES curriculum, reinforcing the content of MCPS curriculum.
To generate an interest in and curiosity about another culture.
-To build confidence in hearing and speaking in another language.
-To provide a firm foundation for the continued study of language in middle and high school.
To impart enthusiasm and aptitude for participating in the increasingly global community and economy.

GOAL
of the FLES program

The study of a second language improves overall academic performance and encourages superior problem-solving skills; Yet, study shows that a second language is most when initiated during primary school and continued through second school;
Language instruction opens avenues to an increasingly global community and the successes that result from broad international exposure.

BENEFiT

has a positive effect on intellectual growth and enriches and enhances a child's mental development.
*Leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening
*Improves a child's understanding of his/her native
language and gives a child the ability to communicate with people s/he would otherwise not have the chance to know
*Opens the door to other cultures and helps a
child understand and appreciate people from other countries,
*Gives a student a head start in language requirements for college Increases job opportunities in many careers
*Americans fluent in other languages enhance our economic competitiveness abroad, improve global communication and maintain our political and security interests.

You should know

Learning a second language at an early age

ECONOMIC REASONS:
The global world of the 21st century needs individuals with strong skills in a second language to be able to work within a culturally diverse environment. Research shows that multilingual societies have a competitive advantage over monolingual one in the area of international trade.

SOCIAL REASONS:
The study of language helps the student develop an understanding and appreciation for the cultural perspectives, practices and products of different cultures.

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