Dual Language is a form of education that provides content instruction and literacy to all students through two languages, English and Turkish. We use an immersion technique in which instructions are conducted strictly in the English language.
It is now clear that we are moving into a multi-cultural and multi-lingual world. English looks set to remain the universal language; however, being able to speak and write in only one language is no longer sufficient.
Dual Language Programs have been in existence for nearly 40 years, but the recent growth and popularity is due in part to research demonstrating its effectiveness and the recognition.
It is never too early or too late to learn a new language, but it is true that the younger the child, the easier it will be to become more fluent in the second language.
The latest researches show that children in dual language programs score higher on standardized tests. They have greater cognitive flexibility, advanced problem solving skills, and higher order abstract thinking abilities. Bilingual children possess advanced abilities to connect meaning between languages and cognitively make “more room” in the brain for new information.
Çayyolu Pre-School dual language model:
- Both literacy and content are taught in Turkish and in English over the course of the program. Instruction is delivered in one language at a time without translation.
- Teachers maintain separation of languages for instruction (no translation).
- Skills taught in each language are coordinated to maximize cross-linguistic transfer and support learning in content areas.
- All students learn to read in both languages simultaneously.