How? Our goal is to give children the opportunity to start learning a foreign language at a young age. FLY teaches basic skills in a foreign language through a variety of fun and stimulating listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. Teachers are (near-) native speakers from the ranks of the University’s Foreign Languages and Literatures faculty and are trained in teaching foreign languages to youngsters.

When? Classes are held on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., in 12 fall classes from September 18 to December 11, and in 12 spring classes from mid-February to mid-May, provided the enrollment minimum of 10 students is met.

 Why? Most experts agree that the earlier a child is introduced to a second language, the greater the chances are that the child will become truly proficient in the language and will develop a more native-like pronunciation, In addition, studies have shown that learning a second or foreign language at an early age…

• enriches and enhances a child’s intellectual and mental development,
• leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening,
• improves a child’s understanding of his/her native language,
• gives a child the ability to communicate with people s/he would otherwise not have had the chance to know,
• opens the door to other cultures and helps the child understand and appreciate people from other countries,
• gives the child a head start in language requirements for college,
• increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.

 

To find out more about why, how, and when your child should learn a second language,  click here to read the ERIC parent brochure on line or call 1-800-LET-ERIC to get your free copy.

 More information? Please contact the Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures at 831-4385, or Dr. Katrien Christie, Dept. of Foreign Languages and Literatures, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716-2550, tel: (302) 831-2183, e-mail: katrien@udel.edu

What is offered in 1999 fall?
Level I - first semester - for 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students. No previous French experience necessary.

Register for FLY? Just print out the following registration form and return it with your check to the address below. Or call the Dept. of Foreign Languages & Literatures at 831-4385 or Dr. Katrien Christie at 831-2183 to be sent a registration form.
 
 

Student's first name: 

Birth date: 

1999-00 school: 

Grade level: 

Previous exposure to French: Yes or No (Please circle)

 If yes, please explain: 

Parent/guardian's name: 

Mailing address: 

City and Zip: 

Home phone: 

Work phone: 

Please make your check for $170 payable to the University of Delaware.

Send form and payment to: FLY Program, University of Delaware, Dept. of Foreign Languages & Literatures, 326 Smith Hall, Newark, DE 19716-2550