Glastonbury Foreign Language

Foreign Language Advocacy:
Glastonbury Program Brochure

Why study a foreign language?
Benefits of Knowing a Second Language
Benefits of Learning Another Language at an Early Age
How can I help my child study a foreign language?
Our Staff
Program Highlights

Brochure was Created by:
Kimberly Haggerty and Amy Little, University of Connecticut

Brochure was Edited and Published by:
Meghan Falconer and Melissa Testani, University of Connecticut

Why study a foreign language?

The study of another language leads to communication . Our goal is to teach all students to communicate beyond their native languages in order to participate effectively in this world.
The study of another language leads to understanding other cultures . Our goal is to recognize what is common to all human experience and to accept that which is different.
The study of another language leads to critical thinking skills . Our goal is to enhance the ability to analyze, to compare and contrast, to synthesize, to improvise, and to examine cultures through a language and a perspective other than one's own.
The study of another language leads to an interdisciplinary view of the curriculum. Our goal is to have every student begin language study as early as possible in an interdisciplinary environment.

Benefits of Knowing a Second Language

Students who study foreign languages score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English.
Students who study foreign languages have access to a greater number of career possibilities.
Students who study a foreign language develop a deeper understanding of their own and other cultures.
Children who receive second language instruction are more creative and better at solving more complex problems.
Americans fluent in other languages enhance economic competitiveness abroad, improve global communication, and maintain political and security interests.
Learning other languages broadens a child's outlook and gives him or her the opportunity to communicate with more people.

The Benefits of Learning Another Language at an Early Age

Earlier sequences of language instruction enable students to achieve much higher levels of proficiency in the second language.
Children who learn a language before the onset of adolescence are much more likely to have native-like proficiency.
The critical period for learning a foreign language comes at an early age. If a foreign language is not learned at this time, the ability to master the language may be lost.

How can I help my child study a foreign language?

Encourage your child's interest in a foreign language.
Share the importance of learning a second language with your child.
Support extracurricular activities which promote learning a second language or learning about other cultures.
Give access to materials in or about the language.
Learn a language with your child and practice it together.
Travel abroad, if possible.

Our Staff (current staff list)

FLES Teachers:
The FLES program is taught in five elementary schools. French and Spanish are also taught in the sixth grade, which is located in one building. All FLES teachers are certified in Spanish and/or French and half of the FLES teachers are also certified in elementary education. They all have their master's degrees, most have traveled abroad and some are native speakers

Secondary Teachers:
Our secondary Foreign Language teachers teach Spanish, French, Russian, and Latin. The majority of our teachers have at least a master's degree and have traveled abroad or lived abroad. Some of our secondary teachers have also published works or presented at conferences. A percentage are also native speakers of the language they teach.

Program Highlights

Intended for all students
Spanish 1-12
French 6-12
Russian 7-12
Japanese I and II (GHS)
Chinese (GHS)
Beginning Spanish, French, Russian & Latin 9-12 (GHS)
Language Lab in junior and senior high school and Computer Assisted Instruction.
Focus on development of speaking skills, use of real-life reading and listening materials including international satellite T.V. broadcasts.
Interdisciplinary teaching; special education, and history-social studies.
Travel and exchanges abroad.
Advanced Placement and University of Connecticut Cooperative credit at the sixth year level in French and Spanish.