Curriculum Department

FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary School) Program

Students in fourth through sixth grade participate in our FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary School) program where they engage in Spanish instruction.  This is a special area class that meets for 45 minutes once every 6-day cycle. 

The fundamental goal of the FLES program is to create opportunities for students to become active participants in communication, expression, and the negotiation of meaning in the target language. Instruction is consistently conducted in Spanish to expose students to the language and culture as much as possible. Comprehension of content is made possible through the usage of non-verbal cues such as gestures, mime, role-play, visuals, realia, intonation, and body language. Content is presented in real-life and content-related contexts. Language acquisition is fostered by communicative tasks including games, songs, rhymes, chants, and other hands-on activities. Topics are introduced in a way that appeals to different learning styles and addresses multiple intelligences. Instruction is differentiated and scaffolded in such a way that learners become increasingly independent. Instruction is age-level appropriate, taking into consideration the level of language experience, as well as student interest. Lessons are designed to address diverse learning styles and needs.

The North Bellmore UFSD FLES program is designed to provide a solid foundation for World Language learning in preparation for secondary study and beyond.  Instruction is delivered in the target language with an initial emphasis on speaking and listening, followed by reading and writing as students become more proficient.  Our program provides students with the opportunity to communicate about relevant and meaningful content in thematic units.  

Italian, French and Mandarin Language Experience Programs
Fifth and sixth grade students also have the opportunity to participate in virtual, afterschool language experience programs in Italian, French and Mandarin.  Classes meet in the fall, winter and/or spring for approximately 6 weeks.  Registration information is emailed to parents, accordingly.  

Benefits of FLES Programs
The early study of a second language offers many benefits for students, including academic achievement, positive attitudes toward diversity, flexibility in thinking, a greater sensitivity to language, and increases in self-esteem and creativity.  Many studies indicate that learning another language increases mental ability: cognitive and critical thinking skills, memory, concentration and verbal ability. Participation in a FLES program prepares students for a global, multilingual, and multicultural environment through acceptance, understanding and the ability to communicate across language barriers.