Fles*

Foreign Language at the Elementary School

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The overall "umbrella" term for all types of elementary school foreign language programs in grades K-8.

Sequential FLES*- An introduction to one foreign language for two or more years, with a systematic development of language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture) within the parameters of themes, topics or content areas. Good theme-related fluency is expected (scheduled 5 times a week, 30 minutes or more a day) in four or more years.

Immersion - The use of the foreign language throughout the program by teachers and students, for teaching the various subjects of the elementary school curriculum. Good fluency in the foreign language is expected after four or more years.

Why FLES*

We know that children before the age of ten pick up languages easily. The optimum is a long sequence of foreign language learning beginning in the early grades which promotes proficiency, allows pronunciation to be learned effectively, and helps to produce appreciation of other cultures.

Why French FLES*

French is considered the second the most influential language in the world.

French is spoken on five continents.

French is the second language on the Internet.

Children gain authentic French pronunciation easily before the age of ten.

Children have higher standardized test scores in reading, math and language arts.

Children have higher cognitive development and mental flexibility.

Children develop a sense of cultural openness to other people(s).

Brain researchers cite the window of opportunity for foreign language learning before ten years of age.

Greatest long range results on AP French Test (1995) for those beginning in grades 1-3.

Here's what FLES* can do...

It creates interest in other languages and the people who speak them, here and abroad.

It helps to create more interest in school work in general.

It serves as an intellectual challenge for children.

It improves students' command of English through crossover derivations and contrasts.

It prepares for successful secondary school foreign language experience, since foreign languages are now nationally recognized as a core subject.

It helps students develop a positive self-image as they become successful in day-to-day language communication.

It helps students prepare for traveling, working, and living outside the United States.

For more information contact:

Dr. Gladys Lipton
Lipton@UMBC@UMBC2.UMBC.edu
University of Maryland, Baltimore Co., MLL
Baltimore, MD 21250

Discover a New World With The Gift of Languages, Why FLES*?
Prepared by the AATF The American Association of the Teachers of French

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