Comments on: The Bilingual Debate

By: admin

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:38:14 +0000

LOL..well said!
Let’s create those positive experiences by lovingly teaching our own children a second or more language(s). They will lead by example.
You are all doing such a great job at it already. I’m constantly inspired.

By: Ana Lilian

Ana Lilian — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:35:44 +0000

Wow…that’s a strong comment to hear. Specially being said to you that you’re such an advocate of bilingual (Spanish/English) education.
I have a hard time understanding the mentality that if you add one language to the mix you take another one away.
Children will and are learning English, we just advocate for them to have more second language opportunities. To have languages peacefully co-exist together, if you may

By: Ana Lilian

Ana Lilian — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:31:58 +0000

I completely agree with your point. I think the Spanish language issue is just being used for political reasons.
Why deny your children the right to learn a second language, whichever one it may be? Spanish is being debated because it’s the language of the majority number of immigrants at this time and because Latinos are becoming the largest minority. We can’t make decisions about our children’s education based on fears and not facts.

By: Brendan

Brendan — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:45:10 +0000

I think the USA should be applauded for its efforts on promoting bilingual education. This type of education opens minds and pulls down the walls of insular thinking. There are many nations in this world, in which children learn two languages and some cases three or four!
Here´s to a bilingual furture!

By: Deanna Lyles

Deanna Lyles — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:13:03 +0000

I’m disappointed that the main focus of this debate is often whether or not Spanish/English bilingual education is the best way for Hispanics to be successful in school. While the academic performance of Hispanic youth is an extremely important issue, why does no one speak of the great disadvantage many American children will experience by not being exposed to Spanish language education at an early age? There is virtually no mention of the benefits these dual immersion programs provide for the many native English speakers who participate. In addition to the many cognitive and developmental skills gained by children educated in multiple languages, what parent wouldn’t want to give their child the gift of communicating in as many different languages as possible in this increasingly globalized world? Until the focus of this debate changes and parents realize that their fear is actually depriving their children of a better education, this issue won’t be resolved.

By: SpanglishBaby-Ask an Expert::Will a Language Immersion Program Work for Us?

SpanglishBaby-Ask an Expert::Will a Language Immersion Program Work for Us? — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:12:22 +0000

[...] we saw last week in this controversial video aired by NBC, there are still so many questions and misconceptions regarding the advantages of bilingual [...]

By: SpanglishBaby - Great links to all things bilingual & multicultural

SpanglishBaby - Great links to all things bilingual & multicultural — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:05:51 +0000

[...] Definitely true, although as the article says, we must give credit to NBC for exploring issues like bilingual education and what our outdated immigration laws are doing to [...]

By: livesimplylovestrongly

livesimplylovestrongly — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:47:07 +0000

This frustrates me as well. I used to teach in a dual language program, and I saw good results for the Spanish-speaking and English-speaking students. They were all learning two languages! Isn’t that a good thing.?! Some people just can’t grasp English plus another language as being “American.” I almost get the feeling that some people think that speaking more than one language is not patriotic. Like I’m being a traitor to my country for teaching my child Spanish in our home? Hopefully, things will continue to change for the better. The more people that have had personal positive experiences with dual language programs, maybe the more support they will get.

By: Beth Butler

Beth Butler — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:41:10 +0000

Ahhh – the joys of this continued debate and the prevailing ignorance of United States citizens who just do not get it. I had my best friend’s new boyfriend say to my face only two weeks ago, “Why do you train teachers on how to teach kids Spanish and English? Our kids need only English, and they better learn it when they move here.”

I did not even give him the time of asking who ‘they’ are because I knew who he meant.

Please let my children grow up surrounded by more open minded peers than my generation has had to deal with.

It’s no wonder our country is behind in academics – we give them no jump start on learning a second language which stimulates early reading skills, advanced cognitive development and higher standardized test scores.
.-= Beth Butler´s last blog ..Fiesta Friday with Boca Beth – Winners Announced and Summer Bilingual Activity Fun =-.