Chinese Immersion FAQs

What is an immersion program?

Language immersion is an educational approach in which students are taught the curriculum content through the medium of a second language.  In this way, immersion students not only learn the content, but also become functionally fluent in the language in which it is taught.  In full (total) immersion programs, children learn all of their core subjects (reading, writing, math, social studies, and science) in the second language.  Partial immersion programs are based on the same principle, but only a portion of the curriculum is taught in the second language. The main difference between an immersion setting, both total and partial, and a foreign language class is the approach to second language learning.  In an immersion program, language is a medium for teaching the content rather than the subject of instruction.

What do I need to know about the Chinese Immersion Program at Potomac?

The Chinese Immersion Program at Potomac Elementary School is a partial immersion program.  In Kindergarten, the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) curriculum in Math, Science, and Social Studies is taught in Chinese. The MCPS Reading/Language Arts curriculum is taught in English.  In 1st through 5^th grade, students learn Math and Science in Chinese and Social Studies and Reading/Language Arts in English.  The Chinese immersion students are taught the same curricula and participate in the same extra-curricular activities as the rest of the school.

Will two languages confuse my child or hinder his or her English language skills?

Some parents may be concerned that learning two languages will confuse their children or hinder their learning; however, extensive research studies conducted in Canada as well as in the United States have found cognitive and academic benefits of early bilingualism.   While the Chinese immersion program at Potomac Elementary School is relatively new and has not undergone an intensive study, standardized test scores at our school show that the Chinese immersion students perform as well as, if not better than, their comparable peers in regular English programs. 

Which students benefit from the Chinese Immersion Program?

This program, like any other immersion program, is suitable for learners of all abilities.  However, children with serious delays or those who lack proficiency in the development of the English language or with auditory processing, auditory memory or general auditory impairment may not be successful in an immersion program.

What happens on the first day of school?

The teacher is well aware that new students in the program do not understand what is being said.  Thus, the teacher uses a variety of techniques to convey meaning.  She may use many gestures.  She may exaggerate facial expressions and make use of models, concrete objects, and manipulatives in order to make students feel secure, comfortable and relaxed.  Initially, some students may experience frustration because the teacher will not speak English.  However, this frustration is quickly resolved.  The teacher will readily contact parents, as necessary, so any classroom concerns can be addressed immediately.

How can I help my child with homework?

The Chinese immersion teachers in all grade levels make a conscious effort to explain thoroughly the homework assignments.  In addition, each Chinese immersion teacher works closely with his/her counterpart who teaches the English portion of the program.  Whenever necessary, depending on the complexity of the material, both teachers review the homework. In primary grades in particular this is done on a systematic basis. Sometimes, teachers add an explanation at the bottom of the worksheet to help parents know the content of the homework assignment.  When requested, teachers send home a list of the most important math and science vocabulary words in pinyin and English along with a simple definition of each term in order to help parents keep up with everyday work.

If my child does not enter in kindergarten, can he/she enter the program in first grade?

Yes, if space is available and if the child is proficient in English.  In September, the Chinese Immersion teacher will review the targeted vocabulary in Chinese in the content areas from kindergarten.  As for the first grade curriculum, it will be new to all students.

Are the children expected to speak only Chinese in the classroom?

In the beginning of the kindergarten year, the students will be able to understand the language and respond in Chinese in simple one-word answers.  As time goes on, students will increase their Chinese response, but will speak mostly in English when asking the teacher questions or talking to peers.

Does the Chinese Immersion Program continue after 5^th grade?

Students who graduate from Potomac Elementary have the choice of continuing in the Chinese immersion program at Herbert Hoover Middle School. The Chinese immersion continuation program is composed of two subjects; the language and arts.  The middle school program with its rigorous language program builds on students' excellent comprehension skills to prepare them for the high school Chinese language program.  Throughout the middle school years, students master reading, writing, and speaking skills needed to be placed in level four when they enter the high school.