Knoxville Preschool Offers Immersive Spanish Learning Experience for Young Children

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Unique Spanish-Speaking Preschool Experience

In the heart of Knoxville, a vibrant preschool named Inicios1.2.3 is making waves by teaching young children Spanish through an immersive and engaging curriculum. This incredible initiative was born out of dreams that two passionate educators, Karina Estrada and Nelly Garcia, have brought to life. Both hailing from Mexico, they recognized a golden opportunity to introduce East Tennessee’s youngsters to the Spanish language and culture.

Teaching the Basics

So, what does the learning look like at Inicios1.2.3? Well, according to Executive Director Karina Estrada, the program starts with the basics. “We just teach the basics at the beginning,” Estrada explained, which includes topics like days of the week, months of the year, and seasons. During a recent visit by WBIR, we caught up with the enthusiastic preschoolers as they delved into the world of seasons and colors.

Interactive Learning on the Playground

On this particular day, the little ones took a fun outing to the playground to collect fallen leaves from nearby trees. Estrada emphasized the importance of connecting learning with real-world experiences. “You have to have them out in the world to see, you know, to have the sense of what they’re learning,” she said, highlighting the hands-on approach the preschool embraces. This natural setting allows children to relate what they learn inside the classroom to their surroundings, reinforcing their understanding.

Connecting Generations

One delightful story that stood out was from a child named Ryland, who has been using the Spanish he learns to forge a deeper connection with his Chilean heritage. Estrada shared how Ryland can now converse with his grandparents back in Chile. “When he gets to speak with his grandparents who are in Chile, they are so grateful that he can have a conversation with them in their native language,” she recounted, beaming with pride.

Little Sponges Ready to Soak Up Knowledge

Karina truly believes that kids are like little sponges when it comes to learning languages. “They can pick up a new language easily,” she said, making a passionate case for the benefits of exposing children to different languages early on. The preschool offers a delightful opportunity for parents to immerse their kids in a second or third language, paving the way for a multilingual future.

Community Support and Gratitude

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this initiative is the support that Inicios1.2.3 has received from the Knoxville community. Estrada expressed her gratitude for the warm reception families have given the preschool. It’s clear that the community is enthusiastic about this unique educational opportunity and the benefits it can bring to the children and families involved.

Join the Language Adventure

If you’re interested in learning more about what Inicios1.2.3 has to offer, it’s worth exploring how they are shaping the next generation of bilingual learners. This preschool is not just about language; it’s about building connections, embracing cultures, and preparing little ones for a brighter tomorrow.

In a world that gets smaller every day, initiatives like Inicios1.2.3 are essential in bridging cultures and fostering understanding through language. Who knows? The future might just be a little more connected thanks to the little learners in Knoxville.