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Learn more about getting a before or after school language program started at your school!



Children in over 80 schools thoughout the Puget Sound region receive affordable instruction in many cultures and languages, including: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish. Classes may be either integrated into the school day as part of the school curriculum or as a supplementary extracurricular activity.

Teaching methodology:
The methods we use were first established 25 years ago by Dr. Stephen Krashen, Dr. Tracy D. Terrell and Dr. James Asher. Termed "The Natural Approach" and "Total Physical Response", these methods are supported by language professionals nationwide. As recommended by Krashen, Terrell and Asher, our classes follow the natural pattern of first language acquisition. With plenty of language input from the teacher, focusing on communication instead of language form, speech will emerge naturally, when the student is ready, much as it does with children learning to speak their native language.

The Five Elements:
Our lessons are constructed around five elements: Total Physical Response activities, songs, games, crafts and culture.

1. Total physical response is fun! Children learn new vocabulary through action.
2. Music triggers memory. Songs are an integral part of the language learning process.
3. Games foster excitement and cooperation. A multitude of action-based games reinforce the target vocabulary.
4. Crafts and hands-on activities give children a sense of accomplishment. They are also an opprotunity to teach new vocabulary relating to the acts of sharing, helping, and creating.
5. Traditions, history and customs of another culture are a vital part of language learning. We introduce children to special foods, daily habits, geography and holidays in a manner that is interesting and engaging.
   

Some of our clients include:

• Seattle: John Stanford International, Lafayette Elementary, Lowell Elementary, and St. Benedict.
• Bellevue: Lake and Hills Elementary, St. Louise, Medina, and Enatai Elementary.
• Tacoma: Roosevelt Elementary and St. Charles.
• Olympia: Black Lake Elementary, Pioneer Elementary, L.P. Brown, and East Olympia.
• Gig Harbor: Voyager, Purdy Elementary, Madrona Montessori, Artondale Elementary, and Harbor Heights.
• Issaquah: Cougar Ridge
• Kirkland: Lakeview Elementary
• Lake Tapps: Dieringer Heights Elementary
• Sammamish: Discovery Elementary
• Lacey: South Bay Elementary and Horizons Elementary
• Enumclaw: Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church
• Tumwater: Michael T. Simmons School

The rates of each World Language Program are subject to change but usually follow the outline of:

• $300 for the first child*
• $275 for each additional sibling

Contact the Your Area Coordinator Now!
Nicole Mercier- schelterdg@msn.com (Olympia Area)
Marita Paly- mpaly@centurytel.net (Gig Harbor/Tacoma Area)
Elaine Fowler- velainefowler@yahoo.com (East Side Area)
Maka Janikashvili- makaj@cultural.org (Greater Seattle Area)

Download the WLP Brochure for the Seattle area.

Comments from Parents:

"Becky is a very articulate and enthusiastic teacher. She speaks to the children in a respectful, intelligent way, but also with a sense of fun. The games and activities she brings to class are great!" Parent, Lowell Elementary (Seattle).

"We had a great French breakfast on the last day, it was a real treat for students and families. I enjoyed hearing French being spoken by the students." Parent, Broadview Thompson Elementary (Seattle).

"The teacher made learning Spanish fun. For example, she gave them names in Spanish and made them use and refer to this name while in class. Also, to help with name recognition of certain items in Spanish, she set up a grocery store (complete with checkout and cash register) to reinforce what she taught in class". Parent, St. Joseph School (Seattle).

"I have recommended your program to others. I feel it is very important for our children to speak more than one language, so they can be competitive in the world market. Mia has been very kind to my child, helped him "fit in". He is understanding more and remembering more Japanese all the time". Parent, Eastgate Elementary (Bellevue).

"My daughter loved learning Spanish. C. C. was very positive. My daughter talked about what she learned every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon." Parent, Sunny Hills Elementary (Issaquah).

"Marla's gentle, flexible style was helpful for my son -who often needs reminders to be on task or a break -she provides books, maps, etc. for him to use, keeping him within the Spanish atmosphere. Near the end of the course, our family visited friends in Panama. Our 7 year old and 4 year old were proud of themselves knowing some Spanish. The 7 year old bargained for souvenirs!" Parent, Issaquah Valley Elementary (Issaquah).