Second Language Learning at the Elementary School in the Westlake City School District

After a two-year process, the Westlake City School District will be offering second language learning at
our four elementary schools.  The program’s purpose is to provide students with a foundation for future
learning of second and/or third languages.  Our emphasis is not on one specific language, but rather
on the attainment of second language skills and the brain development benefit that results from this
emphasis; the nature of how it broadens cultural understanding and the fact that attaining a second
language has been shown to greatly increase the probability of expanding to further languages.

Students will learn sounds, sound combinations, vocabulary, and the inflections and nuances of the language taught at their school. This foundation will create new pathways for future language learning, making it easier for students to transfer skills and concepts learned in the elementary school to the language they later choose.

Philosophy on teaching a second language in grades 1-4
What do we want for our students?
We want our students to develop their capacity for second language attainment beginning at an early
age.  Our emphasis is not on one specific language, but rather on the attainment of second language
skills and the brain development benefit that results from this emphasis; the nature of how it broadens
cultural understanding and the fact that attaining a second language has shown to greatly increase
the probability of expanding to further languages.

We know research supports that students are better able to speak and understand second, third and
fourth languages better when a foundation for bilingualism is built in the younger years.  Research also
demonstrates that second language learning at an early age supports higher academic achievement,
provides cognitive benefits to students, and impacts their beliefs and attitudes about language learning
and other cultures.

http://beta.westlake.k12.oh.us/schools/ElementaryPDFs/Second%20Language%20Learning%20in%20Elementary%20School_Branding.pdf