Spanish Immersion
Please be patient as we update the content on this page!
As part of Tyler’s reinvention, the school began its Spanish Immersion program, with one 3-year old class, during the 2005-2006 school year. Since then, as a result of the program’s success and the intense interest from both in-boundary and out-of-boundary families, the program has grown rapidly and demand for student slots is increasing. As of the 2009-2010 school year, the program serves approximately 90 children and includes 2 Preschool (3-year old), 2 Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First and Second Grade classes. DCPS has pledged its support of the program and plans to add one grade level each year up to 5th grade.
The immersion model at Tyler is as follows:
- Pre-school and Pre-Kindergarten: 90% Spanish and 10% English with Specials (Art, Science, P.E., Library) in English.
- K through 5th grade: 50% Spanish and 50% English (Specials in English).
The curriculum follows DCPS standards. Spanish books, educational tools, puzzles, games and music are used in all classes. Preschool curriculum follows the Creative Curriculum for Preschool based on the National Preschool Standards. Creative Curriculum entails the use of learning centers where children explore and learn through fun activities. All children have outdoor recess (weather permitting) at least once a day. Teachers also incorporate field trips and practical learning as frequently as possible.
Here are some Spanish/English short stories that you can print out and read with or to your child.
- La Visita a la Biblioteca
- El Libro en Blanco
- Hogar Dulce Hogar
- La Aventura en el Autobus
- Preparando la Cena
- Un Libro Antes de Ir a Dormir
Check out these Spanish/English coloring books to help build Spanish Vocabulary.
Here are some websites that offer Spanish resources or activities for kids.
Spanish for Kids * Learn Spanish Today * Online Free Spanish * English-Spanish Vocabulary Quizzes
Bilingual Books for Kids * Spanish Flashcards * Spanish Language Activities * Spanish Flashcard Maker
Bilingual Kids * Rayobooks * Spanish Toys * Spanish Educational Resources * Bilingos * Language Lizard
Whistlefritz * Culture for Kids
Check out these Spanish Immersion summer camps.
CommuniKids: A chance for your children to experience traditional summer camp fun – outdoor play, water play, music, arts and crafts – in a Spanish-language immersion setting (also French, Chinese & Hindi)! CommuniKids offers a half day program from 9:30am -12:30pm for kids ages 3-5. Sample daily schedule (4719 Wisconsin Ave. NW)
The Enrichment Center: This program offers fun customized small group Spanish summer language immersion programs (also French, Japanese, & Chinese). Using TPR (Total Physical Response), the world’s premier language teaching method, students utilize all of their senses to learn in a natural way. Camp runs from 9am-3pm. Extended care is available from 8-9am($75) and 3-6pm($95). Fees are $495/wk. Lunch is not provided. (Cavalary Baptist Church 755 Eight Street,NW or R.A.P. Internatinal Ministries, Inc. 3553 East Capitol Street, NE)
Washington International School: This Language Immersion Camp allow students to learn new vocabulary in Spanish (also French & Chinese) and apply their knowledge of the target language in a wide range of games, songs, dances, crafts, stories and dialogs. Students are divided by age into small groups (8:1 student-teacher ratio/5:1 for ages 3 & 4). All teachers are native speakers. Lunch (for an additional fee or you pack your own), recess, and a quiet/nap time conclude the morning session for ages 5 and under. Half-day students eat lunch and leave at 12pm, before quiet time. Children ages 6+ swim 2X a week at a nearby pool. (4:1 students to adults) Swimming instruction is included. Younger children have water play on campus. Camp is from 9am-3pm ($375/week for full day) or 9am-12:00 pm($250/week for half day). Aftercare is from 3-6pm($95). Students may begin arriving at 8am at no extra charge.(1690 36th St NW)
