Parks And Recreation Department Offers Early Foreign Language Education

Last year, the Newtown Parks and Recreation department launched a very successful program that enrolled more than 400 students in grades K through 6 in instruction in Spanish, French, and Italian. Classes for the 2004-05 year begin the week of September 27.

Lessons, taught by native speakers eager to share their love and knowledge of their language and cultures, will be held at Newtown Middle School and Reed, Sandy Hook, Hawley and Head O’ Meadow elementary schools.

Newtown’s specially designed program for children will focus on developing linguistic ability while fostering appreciation for foreign culture.

Though the course is designed to be fun and enjoyable, it is fairly rigorous academically. Students will gain a clear head start in their foreign language development skills. The course can also assist rising Newtown Middle School students with their decision to choose a foreign language to study.

School districts around the state have come to appreciate the value of early foreign language education.

According to the national College Board, SAT scores and ACT scores were higher for foreign language students than for students who had taken four or five years of study of any other subject. Educators agree that the early study of foreign language is very beneficial to students. A Connecticut principal recently commented in The New York Times, “This is not enrichment; this is important learning that all children should have.”

For more information, or to register, contact the Parks and Recreation department at 270-4340 or visit its website at www.newtown-ct.gov to download a registration form.