​My son, Logan Hanson, has had quite a bit of experience in attempting to learn a foreign language in Kindergarten and ½ of 1st grade. He is currently 11 years old and in 5th grade. Midway through 1st grade he was identified as being dyslexic and dysgraphic.
We considered keeping him in his dual language program but ultimately decided that this might highlight areas in reading and writing that could be challenging for him. To learn to read and write in two languages simultaneously could be possible but also overwhelming.
Here is an interview I conducted with Logan to get his perspective on learning foreign language in elementary school.
Solitude learning is preferred by some, especially those that enjoy thinking their own unique thoughts. We shouldn’t force everyone to speak language as the only tool for learning. Quiet learners can create new ways of thinking.
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- Wired to Create Kaufman and Gregoire (2016) pg. 45
Interview with Logan
Kelly- “Did you ever attempt to learn a foreign language? Which language?”
Logan- “Yes, in kindergarten and 1st grade. Spanish.”
Kelly- “How did this go for you? Did you like it or not like it?”
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Logan- “Horrible. I didn’t like it and I couldn’t learn as fast as the other kids.”
Kelly- “Do you think this language could have been taught differently? Could you have been more successful?”
Logan- “No, not really. They taught it as best as they could but it just wasn’t right for me.”
Kelly- “Were you forced to speak in Spanish? In Kinder?”
Logan- “No, not really. Not in kindergarten or 1st.”
Kelly- “What if you were just taught this language conversationally versus learning to read and write it? Would that have been better or worse?”
Logan- “I think it would be easier but kind of harder too. Reading and writing might help you to learn it. I think it would be worse.”
Kelly- “What was your experience when you were pulled out of this Dual Language program in Mid 1st grade? Were you happy or sad?”
Logan- “It was kind of weird because most people weren’t speaking Spanish and instead English. I was HAPPY!”
Kelly- “Do your friends in Dual language often speak Spanish? At home or just in class?”
Logan- “Yes, to their friends in Dual language class. No, not at home, but it matters if they speak Spanish at home.”
Kelly- “How do you feel about being dyslexic? Is this a positive or negative experience for you?”
Logan- “It’s kind of cool because most of the other kids are not dyslexic, and I read maps better than them. It’s positive.”
Kelly- “Are your gifts respected in a school setting?”
Logan- “They don’t respect or not respect them. They don’t really talk about it.”
Kelly- “Do you think foreign language should be required to learn in a classroom setting? Why?”
Logan- “No, because it doesn’t really help me that much unless I move to a different country.”
Kelly- “Do you prefer to learn in a group setting speaking language or alone with your thoughts? Why?”
Logan- “Alone with my thoughts. It’s much easier for me.”