What Is The DLI?
Utah's Dual Language Immersion program offers a rich bilingual experience for young learners at an age when their minds are developmentally best able to acquire a second language.
Each day, instruction is divided between two high-quality, creative classrooms. Half the day is spent learning in English and the other half is spent learning in the second language - either Portuguese or Spanish. The second language teacher only speaks in the second language and communicates using a range of engaging strategies (pictures, songs, games, body language, expressions, pantomime, drama, etc). Children are adept at picking up language in meaningful contexts and will learn to speak only the second language while in the DLI classroom.
There are many proven benefits to Dual Language Immersion including:
Second Language Skills: Students achieve high proficiency in the second language.
Improved Performance on Standardized Tests: Immersion students perform as well as or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests.
Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Immersion students typically develop greater cognitive flexibility, demonstrating increased attention control, better memory, and superior problem-solving skills, as well as an enhanced understanding of their primary language.
Increased Cultural Sensitivity: Immersion students, in general, are more aware of and show more positive attitudes towards other cultures and an appreciation of other people.
Long Term Benefits: Immersion students are better prepared for the global community and job markets where a second language is a valuable asset.
