Does it confuse ESL students that they have to learn English and German at the same time?
In general it does not confuse them. There is research which suggests that the brain can acquire and store two languages at the same time with no problems except the occasional switching of words. In fact there are compelling reasons why even beginning learners of English should also take German at our school. Firstly, it is most important that they learn the language of the host country so that they can make friends in their neighbourhood and make the most of their shopping and other social or sporting experiences. Children who feel alienated from Germany because they do not know any language are more likely to be unhappy and unsuccessful in school. Secondly, it is very important for ESL students to have at least one subject in school in which the native English speakers do not have the special advantage that their command of English bestows. Provided the teacher speaks German most of the time in the German lesson, ESL students have an equal opportunity to be successful. This is good
