Wasatch Chinese Newspaper Further Implements Dual Immersion

March 29th, 2017 /
Shauna Sprunger /
Alternative Language Services, Language Services, News, Schools, Wasatch

A group of Wasatch sixth grade students decided to publish a school newspaper, but you have to be able to understand Chinese to read it.

As surprising as it may seem, many students at Wasatch are able to both speak and understand the Chinese language. This is all because of the Wasatch Chinese immersion program. This program is one of five dual language immersion programs offered in Provo City School District (PCSD).

The way it works is each dual immersion classroom has two teachers that speak two different languages. The teachers split classroom instruction by the English- speaking instructor teaching both English language arts and science and by the other alternative language instructor teaching math, social studies and health topics. Each teacher speaks only in their specified language, but students are still able to understand and learn because the teacher communicates using engaging strategies such as pictures, songs, body language, games, expressions, etc.

These programs have proved to be highly effective in teaching students a second language and have provided many other long-term benefits, such as improved standardized test performance, enhanced cognitive skills and increased cultural sensitivity.

By creating a Chinese newspaper, these students were able to utilize their Chinese skills and provide an opportunity for their peers to further practice their Chinese language skills outside of the classroom.

Any interested student can apply to join one of PCSD’s dual immersion programs. Chinese, Spanish, French and Portuguese are the language programs that are offered at this time. This is a great program that will provide your child with high levels of second language proficiency and have a positive impact on their future.

Sample of Wasatch Chinese Newspaper