Spanish

The acquisition of the second language during early childhood is part of the sensorial experience, as is developmentally appropriate.  The goal of the Spanish program at Abintra is exposure to the Spanish language, not the expectation of fluency.

Student uses the Movable Alphabet to build Spanish words.

Research shows that when children are exposed to a second language before the developmental window closes, they enhance their own native language skills as well.  They also increase their creativity, enhance their verbal and mathematical problem solving skills, and acquire advantages in concept formation ("Early Childhood Bilingualism in the Montessori Children's House," Montessori LIFE, Spring 1998).  These skills contribute profoundly to a child's self-esteem and his or her sense of values.  They also prepare the child for life in the multi-cultural, multi-lingual world of the 21st century.

In our Elementary classrooms, Spanish as a second language becomes a part of the curriculum, and children make the choice of how deeply to engage in that area.  Our continuing goal is to provide Spanish instruction throughout our Elementary program.  It is our goal at Abintra to provide our children with positive exposure to a language which has had, and will continue to have, much influence in our community artistically, historically, and culturally.