Do you have children?

Question

I don't, but I do know that children in my area that do not speak English do not attend classes with children that do.They have a separate class for those children.And THEY are the ones that fall behind because the major focus of the class is to teach them English above all else.So my question is...If they were to tolerate them speaking another language and teach them basic cirriculum in their native language instead of trying to beat English into them,and slowly teach them English,wouldn't it be much more beneficial?

Answer 1

YES I do my baby my DESTINY!!!

Answer 2

English is not beat into anyone who speaks Spanish in local schools. I have attended many PTO meetings and I can assure you that they have special programs to tutor Spanish speaking students to achieve higher standards in their language as well as teach them English. My child also learns Spanish because those classes are offered for students beginning from 1st to 6th grades. It is for diversity training. My father teaches my child Lakota, and He can tell you a thing or two about what a real beating is when you don't speak English. He also knows Spanish and French. It is up to an individual to learn other languages and keep their native tongue in their hearts and minds. But, if those children are attending a State run school, then, they need to learn English. Other immigrants who come here legally don't expect their children to be taught is German,French, Cantonese, Japanese, etc...

Answer 3

I agree that ALL children need basic curriculum. But I see it this way. IF I were to take my family to Japan, Germany, Mexico to any other country. My children WOULD HAVE TO Learn the language of that country... Period.
So, my answer is, no it would not be beneficial to teach them in they're native language, because out side of the class room... they need to know English. How to read it, how to write it, how to speak it, understand it when they are spoken to.

Answer 4

No, PANCHA, I don't...

But what does that have to do with your question?...

Your question proposes that we teach the basics to immigrant children in their native tongues, and allow them to slowly acclimate to learning and using the English language...

This would entail setting up classes for ALL immigrant children from all over the world to learn the 'basics' in ALL of their native languages: Spanish, Italian, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, etc...
(...and this is just a 'sampling' of the major world dialects...)

It would be an impractical solution, to say the least...

We've never had this problem with immigrants before,... and I don't see why we should have to address it now.

In short, if you want to live and work in the U.S. then attain a command of the English language, as it is this language in which all of this nation's laws are written.

That goes for the kids of immigrants, as well...

Answer 5

I'm not sure.
I have this little 9yr old girl named Stephie that says I'm her mommy and follows me everywhere. She even follows me home, and then I have to feed her, get her clothes & toys & stuff. I also have to take her to the doc.s when shes sick.

I keep asking her if she's sure I'm her mom and she just looks at me and laughs and says YES. I told her that if she wants to live with me that I would get her a dog house out back she can stay in and she just rolls her eyes at me and says MOMMY !

Darn the luck..... ( haaa haaa haaa )


And to aswer the rest of you Q. teaching the English is teaching them to be able to talk to the others around them. This is so they can say what they : need, want,or be able to tell others if they are in need of help, or just be able to talk to others, so that each of them will KNOW what the other is saying ! Thats very important to anyone and everyone. If we can't talk and understand each other we then can't get anywhere with anything.

If I went to another country and couldn't speak there language then I wouldn't know where a hotel was at to stay in or where I could eat at. So I would just be lost. See what I mean ?

I hope this helps but if not , then I sorry. It's the best way I could explain how important learning a language is.

Answer 6

I have children The children in the USA speak ENGLISH, OK. Their classes should not be slowed down in order to teach children from other countries the English language. Do you honestly think that is fair to them? They are in the country that speaks their language, why should they have to disrupt the flow of their teaching for those from another country? Those from other countries ARE going to be behind if they don't catch on pretty quick. The whole school should not have to slow down to their pace.

Answer 7

No, because if they don't speak English they won't go very far.
People here do not want to pander to them. If I moved to Mexico, does that mean I should expect them to learn English to accomodate me? Should I just move to Mexico and expect them to teach my children in English? Do you see my point?
If you move to another country, you learn their language, their customs, and their ways; you assimilate yourself into THEIR society if you wish to live there and do well. It is how the world works. Why should America be any different from the rest of the world?
I have a friend from Mexico who speaks English fluently. He is doing well, he has a degree and everything and is a functioning and useful member of society. He occasionally speaks Spanish with his other friends who speak the language as well. He didn't lose anything by learning English, if anything he is doing better because of it because he chose to live in America. He did it, why can't others?
If they are taught as young children, it will be easier for them later in life.

Answer 8

You are wrong!!!!!

This is a propaganda Question!!!

Actually children that are forced to speak English do better in school!!!!!

They adapt better than the ones who can not function later in life because the business world is English language based!

IF they don't learn English they turn out to be fast food workers, gardeners, or stand in front of home depot!!!



It is the fault of their parents for not getting involved with their education!!



All the immigrants should hold a rally attacking the Mexican government for being corrupt instead of thinking America owes them an education in their chosen language!

Answer 9

I agree with the Wanderer and Militantfairy here.

Pancha, if that is how they do it in your area, I only wish it was for "legal" immigrants, only, because I don't think the illegal immigrant children of illegal immigrants should be allowed to use the US school system, at all. However, I don't think it is right to cater to one language, such as Spanish, in such a way. How about the languages of all the other immigrant children? I don't think we should be offering our public schooling in both Spanish and English. Languages should be offered in high school as an elective for those so inclined, who want to learn a new language. We should have ESL classes for new legal immigrants only.

As well, I don't believe the way you say the education system operates in your area is the way it is in most other areas of the USA, from what I've read in this forum. Apparently, the Spanish speaking children are catered to in the general classrooms to such an extent that the English speaking children are dragged down and held back in their progress. This is NOT right!

I'm all for people learning more than one language if they want to, but I don't think US citizens should be forced to learn another language in their own country, other than English because that is the language of our government and of the majority of the citizens of the USA. I believe knowing a certain amount of English should also be a prerequisite for people applying for immigration to the USA as they should be able to read our signage and communicate with the government and businesses in English before being allowed to immigrate. I don't believe it should be the burden of legal American residents to pay for new citizens to learn English in our taxpayer funded school system. If people want to enroll their children in private schools that pander to Spanish speaking children or other languages, then they can do that and pay for it themselves.

Answer 10

If they are here because America is where they want to live, then English is our Language ! You can't have it both ways. You want to continue to speak Spanish, that's great ! Be bilingual. English first, Spanish second. I guess the parents of these Spanish speaking children should pay to have their children learn English before they are allowed to start in our school system. Why should we pay for it ! You want be be an American, it comes with a price to be free.

Answer 11

Pancha
When I went to school we did have many kids who didn't speak English. And they learned the language usually very quickly. Kids can do that. If you ask them I am sure they will say that it help with everyone talking one language for them to learn. And it had benefits.
Two languages divides always--history
It doesn't mean it isn't nice to know two-but one has purpose to use in a country.