Grade school in Phoenix, AZ. Any help my 6yr old daughter speaks only German.?

Question

I was wondering if anyone has any advice on what to do with my daughter while we are visiting Phoenix for 3 months? I would like to put her in a Kindi or gradeschool, but have no idea what to with her language barrier, she understands English but refuses to speak it! I was hoping putting her in a school of some kind would encourge her to speak English. Seeing that she is 6 yrs old I dont know what level she should be at. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks! k

Answer 1

if you are visiting over the summer (June through August), you can sign her up at a local park or community center program. Alot of them have 'day camps' that would be fun for her, and she would learn new skills too. Churches have 'Vacation Bible school' usually running for a week for a couple hours a day. And as for her speaking only German, don't worry, this stage will pass. If you visit late August and on, then you can enroll her in the local public school.

http://phoenix.about.com/od/summer/Kids_Summer_Camps_in_Phoenix_and_Arizona.htm

Answer 2

Kiddies love the thrill of something different. I'm sure your daughter will make many friends on the first day, and the language barrier will be all that more exciting for the little ones. As you have indicated your daughter understands English, she will not be extremely isolated. But as the US kiddies will in all likelyhood not speak German, there is only one way to communicate between the class and your daughter - English, so she will soon realize that, that is the way to go. A few months of seeing and hearing everything in English will rapidly improve your daughter's English skills, and being in school will help even more.

Answer 3

Hello!
I think it's a great idea that you want to expose your child to English even if only a few months. It's a pleasure to know that a foreign visitor to any country has enough respect for that country to want their child to do this! Thank You for the show of respect. Unlike many immigrants who want to permanently reside here you are certainly aware that learning the language of the country you are in, even if only a short time is important!
I would enroll her in a school that is very progressive. She will be forced to speak the language a bit if anything- especially if she understands it. I would say place her in a grade 1 level and request English as A Second Language clasess --ESL or some other program for non English speaking students.
Not all Public Schools in a District have this type of service. However, in Arizona they might as there are many Mexicans who attend school there. Check with the school district where you are visiting for assistance. ESL is usually for all languages not just Hispanic speaking students. They may have another program for students who speak a language other than Spanish, however.

Hereis a link that may be of help--
http://phoenix.gov/EDUCATN/schdist.htm

One other thing to keep in mind is that public schools usually begin closing for the summer months sometime in June in the United States. Perhaps you might want to look into some private schools. They tend to promote diversified language speaking even if they do not have the funded prorams for non English speaking students. Also, they usually are opened 12 months out of the year. The Montessori schools accomadate 2 and 1/2 to 6 year olds or older . Here is a link to one in your area. It might be one you really might consider!
http://www.khalsamontessori.org/

Good luck and enjoy your visit here in America.!

Answer 4

1. Ignore the person who said you should slap her.
2. Find lots of opportunities for her to play with 1 or 2 other children at a time before subjecting her to a large group.
3. If you decide to put her in school have her placed with kids her own age.
4. Relax. She'll be more comfortable speaking English when she is more comfortable in the social situation.