by Jennifer Heathcock
TYLER (KYTX) - Tyler public schools are using a new way to teach Spanish. As CBS 19's Jennifer Heathcock reports, students as young as 5 years old are learning the language without taking a specific course.
These kindergartners at Bell Elementary are getting a science lesson in Spanish.
"Spanish is wonderful thing. We learn different kinds of words and something new everyday," said kindergartner Makayla Ford.
"Ms. Garza gets to tell us so much stuff. Whenever she says a word in Spanish, we say it after her," said Nayana Renteria. Students receive Spanish instruction once a week, mixed in with their normal studies, in each grade level.
"Studies tell us the younger they are, the easier it is for them to pick up a second language. We feel it's critical for them because it exposes them to another language, another culture," said principal Keri Hampton.
"I think it's a great start at such a young age, teaching them a second language," said parent Madolyn Wise.
With a growing Hispanic population in East Texas, and the largest demographic at the school, it seemed like a fit.
"Spanish is critical and just really a great chance for our students," said Hampton.
Students like Nayana can even teach fellow classmates.
"I get to teach them how to say words in Spanish - I teach them how to say I love you in Spanish. Escero mucho amor."
"I know how to count in Spanish and how to say thank you," said Makayla Ford.
A lesson to use in years to come. There are several other schools in the Tyler district that teach Spanish this way, too. For now, Spanish is the only foreign language they're teaching.
