|
Christine Mahr
October 23, 1997 Dear Ms. Mahr: I am currently attending a training course in Indio, California. This letter is concerning the article about the bilingual classes that will be dismantled in the future. I am a Hispanic female. I was enrolled in a bilingual class when I was in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in elementary school. Being the first born of four children, my mother thought it would be best for me to be in a bilingual class. She thought a bilingual class meant you could be bilingual, learn English and Spanish. I attended a bilingual class for three straight years. Once my mother noticed that the subjects that were taught in the class weren't teaching me English, she immediately changed me to an English only class. I can't say the bilingual class did any good or bad for me. Being a descendent of Mexican parents, they taught me how to read, write , and speak Spanish. Thanks to my parents, the Spanish I know now is because of them and not a bilingual class. I don't really think that some of the bilingual classes that are offered in schools are of any use to students, because if they have parents who speak a foreign language, most likely, that child will learn that language at home. My opinion is that it's better to learn your native language from your parents, than at school. Sincerely, Selene Alonzo |