Splash is a program with 20 years of language immersion experience. It provides a comprehensive package to develop and maintain consistent, high-quality K-8 world language programs. http://www.vifprogram.com/programs/world-language-programsservices • Students receive 90 percent of their instruction in Spanish. • Students learn how to read and write in Spanish. • Students learn the entirety of the Common Core and Essential Standards in Spanish, (Math, Reading, Social Studies and Science. ) • Formal reading instruction in English begins in the 2nd grade. • Students develop inactive brain areas when they learn more than one language, increase creativity and problem solving skills. (Drs. Thomas and Collins) • Students will be bilingual by 5th grade (in many cases before) • 21% higher reading scores than their monolingual peers • 95% passage rate in math, which is 11% higher than their monolingual peers. • Splash began in 2012 year in our school with the opening of 2 kindergarten classes. • We now have 4 classes; 2 kindergarten and 2 first grade. http://vimeopro.com/user9016383/parent-perspectives • Beginning of the year is difficult for the Splash students. They can be cranky or even try to refuse to come to the school because of the effort their brain has to make. • Students refuse to speak in Spanish to their parents: Speaking in another language is one of the most difficult aspects of mastering a second language. • Towards the middle of the year, students will begin to talk more and mix the languages. (Normal process). • Reading and writing process will begin. • By the end of the year, students will know125 sight words (most of the cases). • Students will be reading and writing in Spanish. • Students will be comfortable using their Spanish skills with other people. • The state requires that students be assessed with a specific program. • The assessing in math is also a State requirement. • Spanish is assessed as well at the end of the school year. • Encourage your child to tell you what s/he is learning, but do not force them to speak in Spanish. Speaking is the last skill students develop in this process. • Read at home daily with your child. It does not have to necessarily be in Spanish. The habit of reading is a great skill to help your child develop. • Practice math. • Check the links that teachers post on their websites. • High frequency words need practice. Phone apps • Google translator • You Tube videos • Apps, translators can help with the Spanish: Universal translators, speak text for iPhone. • Spanish for kids. http://www.aasd.k12.wi.us/staff/boldtkatherine/spanishf orkids.htm