Tag Archives: language class

Let’s Go for the Gold!

April 3, 2019

Every year ParentMap presents their annual Golden Teddy Awards, highlighting the best Puget Sound resources for parents. We hope you’ll spread the love by nominating Sponge in the following categories under Camps+Classes this year:

  • Engaging Infant + Tot Class
  • After-School Enrichment

Sponge is a Golden Teddy finalist/winner for eight years in a row!

  • 2018 – Finalist (Engaging Infant + Tot Class, After-School Enrichment)
  • 2017 – Winner (Passport-Ready Language or Art Class), Finalist (Engaging Infant + Tot Class, After-School Enrichment)
  • 2016 – Finalist (infant & Toddler classes, After school enrichment)
  • 2015 – Finalist (After school enrichment)
  • 2014 – Winner (After school), Finalist (Infant & Toddler classes)
  • 2013 – Finalist (Infant & Toddler classes)
  • 2012 – Winner (Infant & Toddler classes)
  • 2011 – Finalist (Infant & Toddler classes)

Along with showing your support, you’ll be entered to win over $1,000 in fabulous prizes. Round 1 (Nominations) run from April 3 to 14, and Round 2 (Finalist Voting) will be from April 24 to 30. Visit https://www.parentmap.com/2019-golden-teddy-awards to cast your vote!

A Big Teddy Hug from us for your support!

A Golden Opportunity

February 20, 2019

Research shows that language learning increases cognitive ability for senior learners. Aside from the social benefits of exploring a different culture and learning new ways to communicate, learning a new language delays the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s as it increases the strength and agility of the brain.

Sponge partners with retirement communities to bring the joy of language learning to senior learners through our regularly scheduled French, German, Japanese, and Spanish classes. 

All of our classes are designed to be engaging and effective. We think the best way to learn a language is to be immersed in it and having fun. Our students learn a new language and discover world culture through exploration and hands-on activities.

Let us know of your interest through the form below:

 

Highline Public Schools Licenses Sponge Curriculum for Spanish, Mandarin Classes

February 20, 2019

Sponge has been chosen by Highline Public Schools (HPS) to provide Spanish and Mandarin language curriculum for use across twelve HPS elementary schools as part of the district’s new afterschool language enrichment program.

Highline Public Schools serves around 19,000 students in grades K-12 in the communities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac and White Center in Washington state. The district has 32 schools, including 18 elementary schools and serves a highly diverse population of students.

“We wanted to provide our students with a strong, research-based language curriculum with a flexible and customizable instructional approach. Equally important, we wanted language learning to be a fun experience for our K-6th graders, and were looking for a proven, turn-key afterschool language program”, said Dr. Kristin Percy Calaff, Director of Language Learning, Highline Public Schools.

Sponge’s curriculum is based on current research and an immersion approach with emphasis on learning and communicating via games, songs, and drama. Program materials include coursebooks with activity sheets, language journals, and self-assessments, picture cards, storybooks based on unit themes, and a strong alignment with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages.

“We are thrilled to partner with HPS and bring language learning to its elementary schools. HPS staff and language program teachers have been great partners. We are getting valuable feedback based on usage of our curriculum and will use these learnings to evolve our curriculum to better meet future needs’”, said Heike Missal, Sponge President.

As part of the Sponge-HPS agreement, Sponge is

  • Delivering curriculum training for Highline bilingual para-educators and teachers to lead the afterschool language classes.
  • Delivering Teacher Guides with detailed lesson plans for K-6 Spanish and Mandarin afterschool enrichment classes at Highline elementary schools.
  • Providing classroom materials and associated student coursebooks.