| How is Bilingual Tots different from other language schools?
Bilingual Tots' teaching method is language based. This means that it offers a lot of speaking on the teacher's part and language is accompanied by actions and visual aids. The context, actions, and visual aids make comprehension possible. Repetition is a key element in this method. Our teachers use well-known second language teaching methods of Total Physical Response and Sheltered Instruction, which is one of the latest methods in language teaching today.
The teacher develops a personal relationship with each student, as there are not only group activities, but also one-on-one interaction with the students. This is made possible by only accepting a maximum of 6-7 students per class.
Our teachers are native speakers. We would like the children to capture the authentic and correct sound system of the given language. In the first years of life, children have the ability to hear and distinguish sounds that later in life they will not be able to hear. Children are born with exquisite hearing. It is unfortunate that we slowly lose this capability as we age.
We offer one song and rhyme during our classes. The songs and rhymes are repeated many times during the course of the 12 weeks. Each class also includes music from the target country that the children dance/move to.
Each class has a specific topic and introduces new words. The vocabulary list is handed out to parents at the end of each class for at home reference. The different age groups and language proficiency determine the length of the vocabulary list. The vocabulary is periodically repeated, as repetition is key for learning at a younger age. (Think about how many times your child wants to read the same story!)
You will see story-time during each class.
There is snack time in each class so we can talk about food and practise every day expressions related to meals.
We have age-appropriate games and toys for each class. We use a lot of pretend play to reinforce vocabulary.
In summary, we are different from other language schools not only because we offer language instruction at a very early age, but also because our program combines bilingual and second language education methods. In addition, we do not rely on just songs to teach the target language, but on delivering topic-based, spoken language instruction to the children. Please remember: A parent or caregiver has to be present with their child/children during classes.
|
"At first Armen was shy - but he seemed to start to like it + using Spanish at home, especially counting" Lisa Boulder Spanish Class
|
|
|
|
