What are the class objectives? 

• To introduce a student to a second language 

• To promote a student’s awareness and appreciation of another culture 

• To help a student discover cultural similarities and differences 

• To enhance a student’s understanding of his or her native language 

• To motivate a student to continue the study of a foreign language

How do you teach languages? 

Instructors teach through drama, art, games, everyday situations, and choral repetition. We use music, songs and poems to help children remember the language.

What languages do you teach? 

Who decides which languages to offer and which days and times classes are held?  

School principals and parent groups usually determine which languages will be taught. The day and time classes are held is based on the availability of classrooms at your child’s school.

Who teaches the languages?   

Most Kids Like Languages instructors are native to the language and culture they teach. Some are formally trained educators. All receive Kids Like Languages training. Our instructors bring these abilities, skills, and knowledge to the classroom: 

• Vitality and enthusiasm when working with students. 

• Firm and fair classroom management skills. 

• Fluency of the target language, and cultural knowledge of the country of the language being studied.

Kids Like Languages instructors pass a background check administered by the Oregon Department of Education, Transportation Section. This is the same background check performed on school bus drivers, food preparers, parent volunteers and other school staff.

How many times will the class meet? 

Usually 20 weekly classes are offered, starting in the Fall, and ending in the Spring. If classes are held twice a week, students will attend 40 classes per school year. Some classes begin in the Fall or Winter with 10 weekly sessions.

Where are the language classes held? 

Most classes are held at schools. We also hold classes in homes, recreation centers and churches.

How are classes formed? 

• Pre-school, elementary and middle school classes are available. Classes are formed with students in compatible age and language experience groups. Most classes are held at schools and meet once a week.

• Our minimum class size is 10 students; our maximum is20. 

• A typical Kids Like Languages class includes 20 weekly sessions starting in the Fall and ending in the Spring. Sessions last approximately 50 minutes. Some classes begin in the Fall or Winter with 10 weekly sessions.

• Kindergartners can only enroll in classes after the Winter break when students have adjusted to a full school day. A class of kindergartners or a combination kindergarten-first grade class may be offered starting in January. We do not mix kindergartners in classes with second or third graders.

What is the class size? 

Our minimum class size is 10 students; our maximum is 20. Classes are formed with students in compatible age and language experience groups.

What if a student is disruptive? 

Excessive misconduct is not tolerated. Kids Like Languages has a three-step process to handle a classroom behavior problem. 

Step 1: If a student is disruptive in the classroom, the disruption will be discussed with the child and their parent. 

Step 2: If misconduct continues, the instructor or the Program Director will have a second conversation with the parent. 

Step 3: If disruptive behavior continues, the student will be dropped from the class, the school will be notified, and tuition will not be reimbursed.

What if a regularly-scheduled class cannot meet? 

During the school year a class may not be able to meet because of conferences, staff work days, weather, holidays or the teacher is sick. Class make-ups are held in the spring and continue until all classes have been made up.