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About
The Chinese Immersion Program begins in kindergarten, where 50% of the day is instructed in Mandarin and the other 50% is instructed in English. The 50/50 model continues through 5th grade. The program teaches students to become bilingual, bicultural and biliterate in Mandarin. Click here to watch an informational video.
Goal is for our students to graduate with a “Seal of Biliteracy,” a certification by the State of Illinois indicating proficiency in Chinese that will appear on the student’s diploma or transcript.
How it Works
- Two teachers share two groups of students.
- One teaches in Chinese, one teaches in English.
- For each child, 50% of the instructional day is in Chinese & 50% is in English.
- Students study grade-level content and meet objectives in English and Chinese.
- In Kindergarten: Math, Science & Chinese Language Arts are taught in Chinese; English Language Arts and Social Studies are taught in English. Kindergarten is half-day.
- In First Grade and Second Grade: Math and Chinese Language Arts are taught in Chinese; English Language Arts and Social Studies are taught in English. Science is taught in both English and Chinese.
- In Third Grade and Fourth Grade: Chinese Language Arts, Science and Social Studies are taught in Chinese; English Language Arts and Math are taught in English.
- In Fifth Grade: Chinese Language Arts, Science and Social Studies are taught in Chinese. English Language Arts and Math are taught in English. The Human Body Reproduction Unit is taught in both English and Chinese.
- Specials (Art, Music, PE) are delivered in English.
Program Entry
Students may enter through the kindergarten cohort. Empty spaces may be filled up to Grade 2 if a student possesses the requisite background knowledge as determined through assessment by the program coordinator.
Contact
Becky Wiegel
Director of Language Programs
Email: rwiegel@barrington220.org
