It’s obvious that learning a foreign language enables students to appreciate a different culture, but there are several other indirect benefits:
- Studying a foreign language improves Math and Language test scores (Armstrong, P. W., & Rogers, J. D. (1997). Basic skills revisited: The effects of foreign language instruction on reading, math, and language arts).
- Students who receive 30 minutes a week of language instruction score significantly higher on standardized tests (Rafferty, E. A. (1986). Second language study and basic skills in Louisiana. U.S.; Louisiana, from ERIC database).
- Learning a foreign language helps increase listening ability, memory, creativity and critical thinking – all of which are thinking processes that increase learning in general (2004 Foreign Language Study, Wake Forest).
Students at Prairie receive Spanish instruction 2-3x a week through the Young Spanish program.