Language program helps Athens schools

by Kim Smith
THE POST

In the United States, study of a foreign language usually begins in high school. But for students in Athens City Schools, elementary school is the ideal time to begin.

All five elementary schools in the Athens City Schools District are working with undergraduate students from Ohio University to introduce younger students to foreign languages, said Barbara Reichenbach, coordinator for the Foreign Language in Elementary Schools program.

Students in kindergarten, first, fifth and sixth grades at East, Chauncey, Morrison, West and The Plains elementary schools are participating, said Pam Andrews, coordinator for gifted programs in Athens City Schools.

"In reality, even though we live in rural Ohio, we're not isolated anymore," she said. "Kids need to be exposed to other cultures. It's essential to their success and future."

Studies have shown that younger children are more receptive to learning foreign languages, Reichenbach said.

"Children are like little sponges," she said. "They do better on things like proficiency tests after doing a foreign language. It can only enhance their performance."

The program has been successful in Athens since starting last year, Andrews said. If the program continues to do well, hiring a full-time language instructor might be considered.

"It all comes down to money," Reichenbach said. "If we can afford a teacher, I'm betting we'd do it. This is not only for the kids, but the school system as well."

The elementary students learn the language by listening to the OU students speak it to them. Regardless of their age and learning ability level, they are very receptive to understanding the languages, OU sophomore Kelly Weinfurtner said.

"The benefits are amazing," she said. "I teach kindergartners, which is a challenge, because it's hard for them to remember. Phonetics mean nothing to them, but they are doing really well."