West Columbia Launches Exciting Dual Language Immersion Program at Riverbank Elementary

West Columbia’s New Language Adventure: Dual Immersion at Riverbank Elementary

WEST COLUMBIA — In a vibrant corner of Riverbank Elementary School, something exciting is brewing this school year! The kindergarten classrooms are not just filled with the usual alphabet letters and colorful artwork — the air is buzzing with the sounds of two languages! That’s right! This fall, Riverbank is kicking off its first-ever two-way dual language immersion program, and it’s shaping up to be an incredible journey for about 40 eager students.

What is Dual Language Immersion?

So, what does this immersion program look like? Picture this: kids from both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking homes coming together to learn side by side. These young learners will spend half of their day immersed in instruction entirely in Spanish, led by the spirited Spanish teacher, Alma Mayborg. The other half? That’s where the talented English teacher, O’Neta Poovey, steps in to lead the instruction in English.

With a community of Spanish-speaking families growing in lexington school district, the program is a perfect fit! Did you know the Hispanic/Latino population in South Carolina has more than tripled since 2000? It’s a clear indication of how necessary and beneficial this initiative is for the students and the community.

Learning Through Laughter

You might think learning a new language can be tough, but it’s all about making those important connections — just ask Ms. Mayborg! “Kids are literally sponges,” she says with enthusiasm. The students already have a grasp on shapes and colors, and all it takes is a little guidance in Spanish to bridge those gaps. That’s the magic of learning in a supportive classroom!

One of the standout features of this program is the strict language separation. Spanish is Spanish, and English is English! So, when Ms. Mayborg is extending instructions or asking questions, it’s all in Spanish. Even when children respond in English, she gently redirects them back to Spanish, making sure they absorb as much as they can in this rich learning environment. Plus, her classroom displays help keep the Spanish language alive and well — there’s a vibrant assortment of words lining the walls, and it truly comes to life!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Collaboration is key for Poovey and Mayborg as they continuously communicate to ensure what is taught in one language complements what’s being reinforced in the other. Ms. Mayborg dives into math, science, and Spanish literacy, while Ms. Poovey covers English language arts and social studies. This teamwork not only enriches the curriculum but also cultivates a sense of cultural appreciation among the students.

Building Strong Foundations

The benefits of dual immersion programs are profound. It’s not just about fluency; students involved in these programs often achieve higher test scores and show increased graduation rates. They gain important leadership skills and develop a positive outlook toward diverse cultures. As Denise Quickel, director of bilingual services in the district, points out: “The goal of our program is for our students to be biliterate.” In simpler terms, the aim is not just to speak in a second language but also to read and write in it. How cool is that?

Looking Ahead

Although it might take some time for these students to become fully bilingual, the foundation they are building now will pave the way for future successes. The joy of learning is palpable in Riverbank Elementary, and the students are ready to embark on this enriching language adventure where they will not only gain new skills but also foster lasting friendships along the way!

Stay tuned to see how these young scholars blossom in their bilingual journey this school year! With every new word and sentence, they’re not just learning languages; they’re stepping into a world filled with endless possibilities.