Language Stars FAQs
Questions about FunImmersion®
Questions about Early Childhood Language Learning
Questions about Enrollment
Other Questions
Questions about FunImmersion
What is FunImmersion?
Is this really just more schooling?
What is your method?
What is full immersion?
Questions about Early Childhood Language Learning
Why learn a second language so young?
Will learning a second language confuse my child?
Is it too early for my child to start a second language?
What happens in a FunImmersion class?
Aren't two languages enough? Is it really that beneficial to adda third?
I don't want to overwhelm him. Should we wait to add a third language?
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Questions about Enrollment
Will my child be behind if they enroll midseason?
What ages do you teach?
What languages do you teach?
For how many days per week should I enroll my child?
Can my child learn more than two languages at a time?
What days and times do you offer programs?
Can I start anytime?
When does the next session start?
How often should my child attend?
What is your pricing?
Can I try a free class?
How can we add another class or language when our schedule is already so full?
Other Questions
How can I reinforce Language Stars at home? Is there homework?
Who are the teachers?
How long will it take my child to learn?
Are all children in the program at the same level?
What is the student teacher ratio?
Which language should I choose?
How do you track progress?
How long are your classes?
My child only speaks one language, or doesn't speak yet at all, will my child understand?
What is FunImmersion?
FunImmersion is the most effective method for teaching children a foreign language. It ensures that native-speaking teachers immerse children entirely in the target language through music & movement, games, projects, treasure hunts and other activities that we have carefully tailored to each age group to maximize learning and fun. FunImmersion is 100% IMMERSION and 100% FUN! Because children absorb a foreign language similarly to the way they learn their native tongue, their unique window of opportunity to absorb a foreign language naturally is maximized by a curriculum that is fun and engaging.
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Why learn a second language so young?
Children's brains have a unique "window of opportunity" to absorb a second language naturally through consistent exposure and enjoyable activities. As a child grows, his/her ability to flawlessly imitate new accents and sentence patterns diminishes significantly. Children who learn a foreign language young absorb the language and use it spontaneously without translating through their native tongue. A child's learning process fundamentally differs from how adolescents or adults learn language. They learn quickly and effectively, similarly to how they pick up their first language, avoiding the pain of learning through grammar, memorization and verb conjugation. They also gain cognitive benefits, as studies demonstrate that children who speak more than one language accelerate their verbal and math skills and score higher on the ACT and SAT.
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Is this really just more schooling?
Language Stars is NOT just more schooling. Benefiting from top-quality foreign language education actually requires departing form a school curriculum. While our effective FunImmersion method achieves extraordinary results, children also enjoy the very activities that maximize their language learning. We have developed tailored music and movement, games, stories, puppet shows, arts & crafts, cooking projects and more to maximize a child's absorption of and enthusiasm for language. Not only is this more fun than traditional academic learning, but it provides the most natural & easy way for children to learn.
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Who are the teachers?
The unique dynamism, compassion and results-orientation of Language Stars teachers is the single greatest driver of the quality of our programs! Language Stars carefully selects our native-speaking teachers from all over the world for their language skills, teaching talent and effectiveness with young children. Parents consistently reinforce that while FunImmersion is uniquely effective, it is thanks to our extraordinary teachers from 20 countries that their children thrive at Language Stars. From a Language Stars Parent: "The Language Stars teachers who have worked with my children are absolutely amazing! I have worked in and conducted research in over 100 elementary school classrooms over a period of about 20 years. It is without exaggeration that I can tell you that my children's Language Stars teachers are really the best of the best! Their energy level is constant and contagious, their affective for the children is genuine, and their implementation of the curriculum is fantastic. If only they could teach my children in EVERY subject!"
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How long will it take my child to learn?
While each child is different, a typical child will react spontaneously and consistently to various simple requests very quickly. With the completion of each program, children feel increasingly capable of understanding and expressing themselves in the foreign language, creating irreversible skills for the rest of their lives. After six or more seasons of Language Stars FunImmersion, many of our young Language Stars already speak with spontaneous proficiency, suddenly stating "I'm thirsty... I would like some water please" or "There are two blue elephants in my jungle."
Are all children in the program at the same level?
The FunImmersion method is based on the principle of multi-level learning. Children in a FunImmersion setting benefit from peer partnerships and individualized learning within small groups. Children of all levels thrive on the FunImmersion method. Read more.
Will learning a second language confuse my child?
Learning multiple languages is NOT confusing to a child! In fact, research shows that children can learn a second and even a third language as easily as they learn their first. Adding a third language will stimulate the brain even further, creating additional neural pathways. Research has also shown that learning languages young enhances overall verbal development, even in English! A child's brain processes multiple languages in separate parallel paths, building a second language system alongside the first.
Will my child be behind if they enroll midseason?
Language Stars' curriculum challenges each child at his or her own level in the full immersion environment so your child will be able to jump right in at any time!
What ages do you teach?
Language Stars offers programs for children ages 12 months to 10 years, grouped in Parent & Tot programs for ages 12 to 36 months, and Kids Only programs for ages 3-5, 5-8 and 8-10 years.
What languages do you teach?
Language Stars currently offers programs in Spanish, French, German, Italian and Mandarin Chinese. Read about our languages.
Can my child learn more than two languages at a time?
Yes! Because a child's brain is uniquely suited to language learning, and because it processes new languages on separate, parallel paths, children are capable of learning many languages at once.
- Now is the perfect time! Take advantage of your child's natural ability to learn a third language easily!
- Children will learn a third language even faster than they are learning their second
- Adding a third language will not confuse your child or slow their progress in the second language. In fact, adding a third language will enhance their skills in all languages.
- Research shows that multilinguals have enhanced memory, planning, and multi-tasking skills. When learning multiple languages young, the brain is trained to attend to salient information and to disregard non-pertinent information, a skill that later supports better focus, memory, planning and multitasking abilities.
- Research shows that multilinguals use more of their brains than monolinguals and outperform monolinguals on creativity tests.
- Multilinguals are shown to have heightened intellectual empathy and cultural integration skills. In short, they are more open to differing world views and experiences, and are more culturally sensitive.
- Look ahead 20 years or so...imagine the social and career opportunities that will be available to your child if they can speak three languages!
- See examples of Language Stars students who have successfully added a third (and fourth and fifth!) language.
How can I reinforce Language Stars at home? Is there homework?
Your child will not be assigned homework at Language Stars. However, Language Stars has available many resources for families to reinforce language learning at home if they choose to. Each enrolled language Star receives a learning pack which provides information on all topics of our curriculum. It is complemented by our online pronunciation guide. Other resources include our Around the World with Language Stars CD, featuring our curriculum's songs, and a Bring Home the Fun list of recommended learning products.
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What days and times do you offer programs?
Language Stars offers programs Monday through Saturday through out the day. Our first class begins at 9am and our last class ends at 5:30pm.
Can my child start anytime?
We are happy to enroll your child at anytime and welcome your family to begin reaping the many benefits of learning another language immediately!
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When does the next session start?
Language Stars offers programs year-round and you are welcome to join at any point in time. We typically divide our year into three seasons: Fall, which usually begins in September; Winter/Spring, which usually begins in January; and Summer, which usually begins in June. We are happy to enroll your child at anytime and welcome your family to begin reaping the many benefits of learning another language immediately!
How often do children attend?
Children are welcome to enroll as many days per week as they choose. Children will progress in their language learning attending once per week; however, attending more than once per week will increase their exposure and practice and will accelerate their progress.
Benefits of coming twice a week, or attending a 3 hour session:
- More than double the progress! We have found that students who come for three hours a week progress leaps and bounds beyond children who come for just 85 minutes. Being able to double the exposure time with native speakers, and double the amount of practice time allows children to accelerate their learning both actively and receptively.
- Double the fun! A second class won't just be a repeat of the first. Within the same weekly theme (such as Mad Science! or I Spy:Treasure Hunt) children will experience different games, art projects, and activities. They'll have twice as much fun!
- Double the enthusiasm! Children who come to Language Stars twice a week learn the language faster and feel even more confident in and connected to their new language. We have seen that they participate with greater enthusiasm in class and feel more comfortable using the language outside of Language Stars.
What is full-immersion?
Full-immersion is a style of teaching that fully immerses a child in the new language. During a typical FunImmersionclass, the teacher will ONLY speak in the new language. Read more.
What is the student teacher ratio?
We limit our classes to 8 students maximum per teacher.
Which language should I choose?
Choosing a language is a personal choice. Whichever language you choose, you will be providing enormous benefits to your child beyond just the practical ability to speak another language. If there is a particular language that your child is interested in, she will be more motivated to learn it. If there is a family member or friend who speaks another language, your child will be able to take advantage of her Language Stars learning outside her class. In addition, children who learn a second language find it easier to learn a third or fourth language.
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Is it too early for my child to start a second language?
It is never too early for a child to begin a new language. Children have a unique capability that allows them to learn languages naturally. This capability exists within a unique "window of opportunity" from birth to adolescence. After adolescence, children lose this ability to learn a language naturally and then must translate their first language in order to learn a new language. The earlier a child begins a new language, the better.
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How do you track progress?
We track progress using our Learning LadderTM and set goals and expectations for each child daily. Twice a year, parents are given a progress update and invited to come and see their children's progress first hand.
How long are your classes?Parents & Tots classes for our 1-3 year-olds are an hour long and Kids Only classes for our older stars are 85-minutes long. Kids Only children may also opt to double the fun with a 3 hour extended day class. During the summer we offer 3-hour half day camps in the mornings or afternoons.
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What happens in a FunImmersion class?
A typical class features fun games and activities presented in a familiar structure including drama, board games, puppet shows, movement, snack time, and an arts and crafts. Activities are presented entirely in the new language.
Read more.
Aren't two languages enough? Is it really that beneficial to add a third?
Research shows that multilinguals have enhanced memory, planning, and multi-tasking skills. When learning multiple languages young, the brain is trained to attend to salient information and to disregard non-pertinent information, a skill that later supports better focus, memory, planning and multitasking abilities.
- Research shows that multilinguals use more of their brains than monolinguals and outperform monolinguals on creativity tests.
- Multilinguals are shown to have heightened intellectual empathy and cultural integration skills. In short, they are more open to differing world views and experiences, and are more culturally sensitive.
- In addition to the enhanced linguistic and cognitive benefits of being multilingual, imagine how many more doors will open if they have a third language -- the career opportunities, the travel opportunities, the expanded worldview and greater cultural understanding…not to mention the tremendous confidence they will have being multilingual!
I don't want to overwhelm him. Should we wait to add a third language?
We understand where you're coming from! However, all the research that has been done points to the fact that children have a rare ability to learn multiple languages naturally, an ability that decreases with each passing birthday. Starting young means taking advantage of their ability to pick up a native accent, learn to speak without rote drills and boring grammar exercises, and reap the multiple cognitive benefits of building additional neural pathways. Language Stars places a huge emphasis on fun and games, so that the learning does not get overwhelming for a young child.
My child only speaks one language, or doesn't speak yet at all, will my child understand?
Our amazing teachers use toys, props, and visuals along with movement and nonverbal communication to impart meaning in the new language. With lots of repetition and patience, we make sure that every child can understand, participate and have a great time.
Read more.
What is your method?
Our method is called FunImmersion. FunImmersion is Language Stars' carefully developed method which ensures that children enjoy themselves through games, projects, treasure hunts and other activities in an atmosphere of full foreign language immersion. FunImmersion is 100% FUN and 100% IMMERSION!
Read more.
What is your pricing?
Pricing is seasonal and varies from season to season. Tuition for a season is dependent upon your child's age and the number of times per week they attend. We offer several discounts including discounts for siblings, for seasonal prepayment and an academic passport savings discount for prepayment of two seasons or more. You can enroll at anytime and tuition is prorated if you join us midseason.
We completely understand that any investment that provides tremendous lifelong benefits will come with a price. We are happy to offer 10% off your entire tuition (including your first program!) when you add an additional language. We also provide flexible payment plans for all our families. See your Center Director and they can work with you to create a plan that fits your budget.
Can I try a free class?
We would love you and you child to visit one of our center to attend a no obligation free class. We are confident that once you see our programs in action and your child experiences FunImmersion first-hand that you will jump at the chance to enroll with us. During a free class we encourage your child to participate as if he is enrolled. In a Parents & Tots class we encourage you to participate too! In a Kids Only class, parents are welcome to stay in the class for its duration or to watch from outside the classroom; which ever you feel will give your child the best experience and give you the best picture of what Language Stars is all about. If you would like to try a free class, click here, fill in the requested information and someone will give you a call to schedule your trial session.
How can we add another class or language when our schedule is already so full?
- Let's take a closer look! We offer programs in the mornings, after school, in the evening, and even Saturdays! We even have many families who will take their third language in another center if it better accommodates their schedule. If you are truly interested in adding a third language but are concerned you cannot fit it in, talk with your center director and we can almost always find a successful arrangement.
Is it expensive to add another language?
- We completely understand that any investment that provides tremendous lifelong benefits will come with a price. We are happy to offer 10% off your entire tuition (including your first program!) when you add a language. We also provide flexible payment plans for all our families. See your Center Director and they can work with you to create a plan that fits your budget.
