Learn By Doing Spanish

What is Dual Language Immersion? The Utah Dual Language Immersion program began in 2008 under former Governor Jon Huntsman with the approval from the state legislature.  In 2010, Governor Herbert pushed for implementing 100 dual language immersion programs throughout the state by 2015.  Utah’s six year old dual language immersion programs are the model for other states.

The purpose of the program is to teach children to be bilingual in English and Spanish.  Some important facts about this program: Students learn through being immersed in each language. Through this program students encourage and teach each other, and eventually all become bilingual. Discovery Elementary School is a 2-way model in which half of the class is made up of native speakers of English and the other half is made up of native speakers of Spanish. Students are taught the curriculum 50% of the time in English and 50% of the time in Spanish by native speaker of each language whenever possible. The homework should be a review of what was taught in class, therefore something that your child is familiar with. When everything is translated, children begin to rely on the translation rather than learning through context.  Please do not expect homework to be translated beyond directions. A few of the benefits of dual immersion are: Students become proficient in two languages.Spanish-speaking students actually learn English more quickly than those in English-only classes. Students learn and appreciate different cultures. If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to contact us in the main office or at 435-781-3146. If you wish your student to participate in the Dual Immersion Program at Discovery Elementary, please fill out the application and parent commitment form. Please  return the commitment form to the school office.

For more information on the Utah Spanish Dual Immersion Program The Utah Immersion Project-  Helpful Dual Language Immersion video-