An exploration of the reasons for the failure of former elementary school foreign language programs precedes the identification of issues that should be addressed to ensure the effectiveness of current and future programs. The three basic FLES program models, Foreign Language Experience (FLEX), sequential FLES, and immersion, are described. (CB)

Describes a Hawaiian language immersion program classroom (a second- and third-grade combination classroom) that acknowledges both the language and culture of students while supporting the development of a culturally grounded community of learners. Notes historical information, discusses ownership and authenticity, and describes aspects of…

An elementary school Spanish-as-a-foreign-language immersion program in Social Science is described. Explanations for the teacher are offered, and activities are described in detail. Exercises and evaluations are also offered. Different aspects of the Japanese way of living are used to practice the Spanish language. Some of the aspects presented…

This handbook, designed to assist foreign language teachers in planning and executing a language immersion/homestay program for their students, is based on a successful program in Switzerland undertaken by Northport (New York) High School French teachers in 1980. The material is presented in three parts: (1) preparation of the exchange, including…

This paper focuses on teaching varieties of French spoken outside of France, examining how best to introduce American students to French spoken in many francophone communities. Highlighting the notions of functional competence and pedagogical norm as central criteria for developing effective, but realistic, curricula for introducing Quebec French…

A presentation of a study and evaluation of a late-immersion French program in British Columbia. Grade Ten students took one semenster in which French was the only language of instruction. Proficiency of these students increased significantly. The findings, along with previous research, suggest that late immersion is a feasible option. (AMH)

For children at Victor Berger Elementary School, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, African-American culture is the foundation of all instruction. Attempting to bring quality education to a de facto segregated student population, this immersion program features an integrated curriculum, high expectations for staff, school uniforms, and newfound pride among…

Although drama has been used successfully in English as a second language and has been shown to have positive effects on achievement and on self-confidence and motivation in various studies, it has received little attention in French immersion context where subjects are taught in French, the second language of students. The objective of this study…

The purpose of this manual, which accompanies a video program, is to provide general background information for foreign language teachers who are, or soon will be, teaching in total, partial, or two-way immersion classrooms. Part of a series of video programs, this manual highlights special considerations for immersion teachers about deciding what…

This introductory paper reviews the development of Maori language total immersion courses for adults, based on the author's own experience. Total immersion courses were established as part of the Maori mission under the Whakatupuranga Rua Mano-Generation 2000 tribal program. The program supports Maori people who can "karanga" (do a…

Suggests that in certain regions of the country such as Iowa, two foreign language goals should take precedence over the goal of language proficiency in elementary schools: (1) to introduce children to other languages and cultures, and (2) to show that they can learn to communicate successfully in another language. (SED)

Examines the self-assessed proficiency, language-related attitudes, and French use patterns of former immersion students. Early French use and contact with francophones outside the classroom correlate positively to the development of higher French proficiency and to greater use of French in daily life. (26 references) (Author/CK)

Foreign languages help advance the three key middle-level concepts of individualization, exploration, and articulation. In content-based, experiential foreign language instruction, students are immersed in the language while learning the content of other academic areas and discovering how to inquire, hypothesize, associate, and synthesize across…

Interest in foreign-language instruction in preschool is growing, both among parents and early-childhood educators trying to meet the demand. The interest, though, comes at a time when some districts are scaling back on such programs in the elementary grades in order to spend more time on reading and mathematics--the subjects currently tested to…

Considers different approaches to teaching culture within foreign language (FL) classes in Great Britain with the object of making a realistic suggestion on how to integrate language and culture. Particular focus is on FL students at the lower and intermediate levels, where cultural input is often omitted. (six references) (CK)