5 Responses to “why do our kids need to learn spanish in middle schools?”
cindy c on 19 Nov 2008 at 4:55 am #
that’s because if you learn another language you get a better job in the future!!
tonalc1 on 22 Nov 2008 at 1:11 pm #
I agree that immigrants to the US should learn English.
However, I also agree that children should learn Spanish; it’s the second-most spoken language in the country. It can only help them in their future communications and job prospects.
And I’m guessing that your school has a language requirement for all students, and that Spanish is just one of their choices.
shelly on 23 Nov 2008 at 8:31 am #
I think its wrong, This is America and you came here so learn english
Beth on 23 Nov 2008 at 1:10 pm #
Schools teach foreign languages as a means of enriching kids’ minds and expanding their knowledge base. It’s actually beneficial for them to increase English grammar skills as well. If you’ve really got an issue with it, take it up with the school board and/or other parents. It has NOTHING to do with ANY political issue. Let me ask you this: would it bother you as much if it were say, French or German instead of Spanish?
Brittany D on 23 Nov 2008 at 7:55 pm #
Well, learning another launguage is actually REALLY good to know! It’s not like they’re gonna forgot English or anything…
Most colleges recommend a student take atleast two years of a language to enter their college.
Also, it’s been proven that students taking another language have really excellent SAT scores. Which, as you probably know, are really important for getting into college.
I wish I was in a language in Middle School. So, I’m jealous of your kids XP
In the long run you’ll be glad they did it :]
Acai_ on 27 Nov 2008 at 4:21 am #
not just from mexico, but from spain. have you studied history? plus, if they learn it, theyll broaden their horizons AND get better job opportunities in the future!!!!
Horsefreak<3 on 29 Nov 2008 at 7:49 am #
In most countries, students know how to speak another language. It would be ignorant to ignore this and not teach children a seconondary language. And besides, if your going to another country, not everyone speaks English, it would be helpful to know some Spanish.
Tad W on 30 Nov 2008 at 5:42 am #
In a classical educational philosophy, foreign language requirements, like algebra requirements, exist to expose students to alternative ways of thinking. Because other languages have different ways of expressing ideas, differences in syntax and congugation, and different word origins, the practice of learning an alternative language forces the student to see things differently, and therefore broadens the student’s knowledge. Each language represents a different way of thinking. Most people will make little to no use of a foreign language, just as most people don’t use formal algebra, after they leave school, but the process, by creating alternative ways of looking at things and thinking, enhances the students ability to succeed, and to participate in the great conversation.
In a vocational philosophy of education, the foreign language is taught as a tool, something that the student will be able to make use of as he or she enters the world of work. As the world becomes smaller and smaller, the ability to communicate with people outside of one’s native country becomes more and more important. Spanish is the most frequently offered language because it is the most spoken language, not just in the US but throughout the Americas.
A charter school I’m involved with offers a choice of two languages: Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Each student has to take a year of one or the other. In the Chinese program, they actually have an Internet link with a teacher in China.
Beth on 3 Dec 2008 at 12:52 am #
Let’s look at this another way…
In almost every other country of the world, ENGLISH is required beginning at just about the same way. Do you have a problem with that? It’s the same thing — learning another language to strengthen your skills and cultural awareness.
Also, the younger you start, the easier it is to learn. I applaud your school for being progressive!
Americans are very “language challenged” and it doesn’t help our image in the world one bit!
Frankly I think this question just shows bigotry on your part … because you certainly DO sound ******!
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that’s because if you learn another language you get a better job in the future!!
I agree that immigrants to the US should learn English.
However, I also agree that children should learn Spanish; it’s the second-most spoken language in the country. It can only help them in their future communications and job prospects.
And I’m guessing that your school has a language requirement for all students, and that Spanish is just one of their choices.
I think its wrong, This is America and you came here so learn english
Schools teach foreign languages as a means of enriching kids’ minds and expanding their knowledge base. It’s actually beneficial for them to increase English grammar skills as well. If you’ve really got an issue with it, take it up with the school board and/or other parents. It has NOTHING to do with ANY political issue. Let me ask you this: would it bother you as much if it were say, French or German instead of Spanish?
Well, learning another launguage is actually REALLY good to know! It’s not like they’re gonna forgot English or anything…
Most colleges recommend a student take atleast two years of a language to enter their college.
Also, it’s been proven that students taking another language have really excellent SAT scores. Which, as you probably know, are really important for getting into college.
I wish I was in a language in Middle School. So, I’m jealous of your kids XP
In the long run you’ll be glad they did it :]
not just from mexico, but from spain. have you studied history? plus, if they learn it, theyll broaden their horizons AND get better job opportunities in the future!!!!
In most countries, students know how to speak another language. It would be ignorant to ignore this and not teach children a seconondary language. And besides, if your going to another country, not everyone speaks English, it would be helpful to know some Spanish.
In a classical educational philosophy, foreign language requirements, like algebra requirements, exist to expose students to alternative ways of thinking. Because other languages have different ways of expressing ideas, differences in syntax and congugation, and different word origins, the practice of learning an alternative language forces the student to see things differently, and therefore broadens the student’s knowledge. Each language represents a different way of thinking. Most people will make little to no use of a foreign language, just as most people don’t use formal algebra, after they leave school, but the process, by creating alternative ways of looking at things and thinking, enhances the students ability to succeed, and to participate in the great conversation.
In a vocational philosophy of education, the foreign language is taught as a tool, something that the student will be able to make use of as he or she enters the world of work. As the world becomes smaller and smaller, the ability to communicate with people outside of one’s native country becomes more and more important. Spanish is the most frequently offered language because it is the most spoken language, not just in the US but throughout the Americas.
A charter school I’m involved with offers a choice of two languages: Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Each student has to take a year of one or the other. In the Chinese program, they actually have an Internet link with a teacher in China.
Let’s look at this another way…
In almost every other country of the world, ENGLISH is required beginning at just about the same way. Do you have a problem with that? It’s the same thing — learning another language to strengthen your skills and cultural awareness.
Also, the younger you start, the easier it is to learn. I applaud your school for being progressive!
Americans are very “language challenged” and it doesn’t help our image in the world one bit!
Frankly I think this question just shows bigotry on your part … because you certainly DO sound ******!