In Kinder 1 (K1) and Kinder 2 (K2), learning is almost entirely in the target language with the exception of three lessons each week in English (approximately 2 hours total) that include instruction for language arts, fine arts, and music.
In Kinder 3 (K3), ISDenver incorporates additional time in English to build the foundation for writing and reading in English, as well as in the target language. Linguistic research indicates that for bilingual education to succeed, both languages must have the same status for children, even if English is used less in the classroom. By incorporating both languages in the classroom, students view them with equal status – they are equally viewed as “languages of school.”
Children acquire bilingual skills through activities and play that set the foundation for future learning processes. Because the best time to acquire an additional language is between the ages of three and six, language acquisition is very natural at the K1-K3 stage. All subjects – math, science, art, English, history, music, physical education and social studies – are studied at age-appropriate levels in the target language, starting as early as 3 years old in this first cycle. Students are not simply learning French, Chinese, or Spanish, but rather, they are learning all traditional school subjects in and through French, Chinese, or Spanish.
