Introducing Dayton students to Spanish early paying big rewards at 1 school

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — One local school is trying something revolutionary with its students by introducing them to the Spanish language as early as preschool.

Dayton Christian rolled out its elementary Spanish program six years ago.

Stephanie Boyce, chair of the Spanish Department, said that for a program looking to start an Advanced Placemen Spanish class, and for students to be able to qualify for a state seal of literacy, starting early makes all the difference.

“The current pilot group is a seventh-grade class now,” said Boyce, “and so next year is the year that we’re very excited to see how they will do with Spanish one.”

Allison Misere, who teaches the lower elementary Spanish classes, has seen the impact learning a second language so early has on a child’s development.

“Research shows that a young child’s brain is more receptive to learning multiple languages when they’re younger,” said Misere. “By the time they get to high school, they can learn a foreign language but it’s a lot harder for them.”

She also pointed out how learning a second language can be beneficial in other scholastic disciplines.

“My son actually started learning Spanish when he was 2 ½, and he has excelled in ways we never dreamed possible,” said Misere.

Third grader Meredith Piper was surprised when she found out she was going to start learning Spanish in preschool at Dayton Christian. But now it’s one of her favorite parts of the week.

“What I like about Spanish class is that we get to learn another language and you get to do it in a fun way,” said Piper.

The students are learning not only the language, but also a culture.

“I like them to be able to see outside of their world so that they can see there are different ways to celebrate holidays,” said Misere. “Different types of food. Different types of music. Different ways of doing things. And they love that.

Fourth grader Davis Cornell still remembers his first conversation with a native Mexican speaker.

“He was a really nice guy,” said Cornell. “We talked a little bit in Spanish, so it was really nice and cool.”

He did have advice for other young Spanish speakers.

“It’s going to be hard at first,” said Cornell, “but you just need to keep practicing and keep reciting it. And it’ll get a lot easier and a lot more fun.”

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