Although they don't speak much, students certainly can understand. Researchers have found that people can grasp a new language most easily at a young age. Simply put, that's because the brain, as it learns English, also can process a second language. Experts say that foreign-language instruction in the early grades should take place largely in that language, with young children learning a new tongue the same way babies learn their first. The focus is not on verb endings or tenses, but on constant exposure to words and sounds.
Powers visits each class once a week.
The regular classroom teacher, who doesn't speak French, reinforces her lessons by using the words throughout the week. Experts say foreign-language specialists should be used exclusively to teach a new tongue, but Fair Lawn educators say the lessons are so basic that the regular classroom teacher can reinforce them throughout the week. They start with bonjour and au revoir and progress to the words for colors, numbers, and family members. Even so, Powers asked questions and issued commands in French, and students had little trouble understanding. At the end, as Powers prepares to leave the classroom, one girl wants to say goodbye to Pierre the Frog.