The pilot Chickasaw Language Immersion class will be offered during after school from 1:00pm to 5:30pm.  Only Chickasaw language will be spoken in this class.  The language will be introduced to the students in a very casual manner.  The students are not required to know any Chickasaw language to begin the class.  The students will learn many new phrases together.  Chickasaw culture will also be a focus during this class.  A basic outline of the class schedule is as follows:

1:00 -1:15 -       Playtime outside
1:15 - 1:30 -      Bathroom Breaks
1:30 - 3:30 -      Nap Time
3:30 - 4:00 -      Snack Time
4:00 - 5:30 -      Activities (Stories, Games, Cultural Events, etc)

As you can see, the class will be set up much the same as a regular after school class.  Immersion techniques have continuously proven to be the most effective manner of introducing language, therefore we have chosen to implement this new program as a pilot. 

During the majority of the summer immersion program we will be teaching the children through natural learning lessons while they do normal after school activities.  For example, when they come to the teacher and say “I want a drink of water” the teacher will say the phrase back to them in Chickasaw and then the child will be asked to repeat it in Chickasaw and then they will be given a drink of water. 

During a small amount of time each day however, we will have “Ho Afolopa Binili” or Circle Time where a pre planned lesson will be presented in which we will be trying to teach them a specific topical area.  The teachers will also be going back over the lessons previously introduced with the kids each day as play because we know that repetition is how they learn.  Parents and other are encouraged to attend the “Ho Afolopa Binili” and special activities with their child whenever possible.

Schedule

Click below to view photos of our events.

Chickasaw Headstart at Chickasaw Gardens June 14, 2007

Chickasaw Headstart Swimming Event June 7, 2007