First Graders at Tessa International School focused on their writing task.

Do Parents Need to Speak French, Spanish, or Mandarin to Raise Bilingual Children?

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This is one of the most common questions families ask about bilingual education: Can children become bilingual if their parents don’t speak the target language?

At Tessa International School, children learn through French, Spanish, or Mandarin immersion, while sometimes neither parent speaks the language at home. For many families, this raises an understandable concern: How can parents support their child’s language development when they might be not able to help with vocabulary, pronunciation, or homework in that language?

The good news is that you don’t need to be fluent in a second language to support your child’s bilingual development. Research on bilingual development and home literacy practices highlights the importance of supportive family environments, meaningful language experiences, and collaboration between families and educators. These principles can help children from a wide range of linguistic and educational backgrounds build confidence as they learn another language. 

Here are five practical ways to support your child’s French, Spanish, or Mandarin learning at home, even if you don’t speak the language yourself.

First Graders at Tessa International School focused on their writing task.

Even if your home isn’t bilingual, you can create an immersive language experience for your child.

You’re the biggest motivator. 

Parents and guardians don’t need to correct pronunciation or check vocabulary homework. Your job is different–and just as important:

Model a positive attitude toward the language and culture. 

Children notice how adults respond to learning. Expressing curiosity about the target language can encourage children to approach the language with a similar positive attitude.

Actively ask about what they’re learning, not just their grades. 

Questions such as “What new word did you learn today?” or “Can you teach me something in French?” give children an opportunity to share what they know and take agency of their learning.

Remember that making mistakes is a natural part of the process. 

Language acquisition is always non-linear. Children may understand more than they can express or use new words in one context before applying them in another. Consistent encouragement helps children develop confidence and a lasting interest in learning another language.

Let your child “teach back” what they learn

One practical way to reinforce language learning is to invite your child to become the teacher.

Invite them to explain a concept they learned at school in their primary language, then encourage them to share a related word or phrase in the target language. For example, after a STEM session, your child might explain the water cycle and teach you relevant French, Spanish, or Mandarin words and sentences.

This approach reflects the bilingual education at Tessa, where our English and target-language teachers frequently collaborate to bring dual-language skills and perspectives into their IB units.

This kind of teach-back activity encourages children to reinforce their learning through the protégé effect and use languages in a meaningful context. They also show children that you value what they are learning, helping foster a sense of achievement, pride, and enthusiasm for continued learning.

Build passive exposure into daily life

Children benefit from consistent exposure where they can hear and engage with a ne language. You don’t need to understand every word to help create purposeful bilingual opportunities at home.

Watch familiar shows in the target language.

Try a favorite children’s program dubbed in French, Spanish, or Mandarin. Familiar characters and storylines can help children connect new words with contexts they already understand. Choose age-appropriate content and consider subtitles when useful.

Read on for more ways to encourage healthy digital habits.

Listen to music together.

Add French, Spanish, or Mandarin songs to your family’s car-ride playlist or play them during everyday activities. Repetition, rhythm, and memorable lyrics can make new expressions easier to recognize.

Explore children’s books and read-alongs. 

Borrow picture books in the target language from your local library. Look at the illustrations together, discuss the story in your Primary language, and invite your child to read or explain familiar words.

Try language-learning apps and digital resources. 

Resources such as Duolingo, Lingokids, and Little Pim offer different ways to engage with languages. Choose tools appropriate for your child’s age and learning needs, and establish reasonable screen-time boundaries. For younger children, shared activities with a parent or caregiver can make digital learning more interactive.

Find purposeful language-learning resources curated by our experienced, native-speaking Spanish, French, and Mandarin teachers.

Make language part of play. 

Puzzles, picture cards, games, and familiar stories can give children additional opportunities to recognize and use words in a engaging way. 

Connect With Multilingual Communities and Resources 

Language learning doesn’t have to happen at home or in a schooling environment alone. 

Look for local cultural associations, family events, library programs, or age-appropriate conversation activities related to the target language. Cultural celebrations, music, food, and storytelling can help children connect language with real-world experiences.

At Tessa International School, our Afterschool and Weekend Language Classes also offer additional opportunities for children of different ages and levels to develop their language skills.

You’re not alone. Partner with the School and Teachers. 

Communication between families and educators can help connect classroom learning with everyday experiences at home.

At Tessa International School, our International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) provides a framework for inquiry-based learning. In a language immersion setting, children have opportunities to develop language skills while engaging with meaningful academic content.

Language, in this setting, becomes a tool for understanding ideas, communicating with others, and participating in classroom activities, rather than an isolated subject focused only on vocabulary and grammar.

Ask your child’s teachers which vocabulary, concepts, or unit themes you can reinforce at home. It’s also helpful to share questions or concerns with teachers through the school’s communication channels or during the parent-teacher conferences. A strong partnership between school and family helps create consistent expectations and gives children more opportunities to use what they learn.

 

Your child doesn’t need a fluent parent at home; they need a learning partner who is interested, encouraging, and willing to learn alongside them. With support from school, family, and community, children can grow into confident multilingual communicators who are willing and eager to continue developing their language skills both inside and outside the classroom.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can children become bilingual if their parents only speak English?

Yes. Children can develop another language through consistent exposure and meaningful opportunities to use it at school and in other settings. Parents can support this process without speaking the target language fluently.

How can I help my child learn French, Spanish, or Mandarin at home if I don’t speak it?

Try age-appropriate books, songs, familiar shows in the target language, simple games, and conversations about what your child learns at school. Ask teachers for suggestions that connect with current classroom topics.

Should I speak a language I don’t know well with my child?

You don’t need to force yourself to use a language you are not comfortable speaking. You can learn alongside your child, but you can also support their learning through encouragement, resources, and collaboration with educators.

How long does it take a child to become bilingual?

There is no single timeline. Development varies according to age, exposure, opportunities to interact with speakers, and individual circumstances. Understanding a language and speaking it confidently may develop at different rates.

 

Are you ready to discover Hoboken’s leading international private school?

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

 

A Mandarin-track Teacher is welcoming back her student at Tessa International School.

A Back-to-School Guide for Parents: What to Prepare for a Smooth Start

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The back-to-school season is always exciting, while it also brings a long to-do list for parents and guardians. Being prepared can help make the transition from summer to school more joyful and less stressful. With less than one month until the first day of school, we’ve put together a back-to-school checklist for families, covering everything from academics to emotional well-being, to help you start the year on the right foot.

C'est La Rentree! Welcome back to School.

Here’s to another enriching year ahead!

Tip 1: Start the Year Healthy and Strong

A healthy child is a ready learner. As you prepare for the new school year, pay attention to the small, consistent habits, such as getting enough sleep and eating nutritious meals, that help children stay focused, energized, and eager to learn. If your child(ren) has any special medical needs, reach out to the school so that everyone is aware and well-prepared to provide the appropriate support.

Moreover, review your kid’s health documents to make sure everything is up to date, which can include: 

  • Annual physical exams
  • Dental Appointments
  • Vision exams
  • Allergy action plans
  • Any other specialist reports

Vaccination requirements vary by state. In New Jersey, children under age 5 are required to receive an annual influenza vaccine by December 31 to attend school or childcare. Check the latest requirements with your child(ren)’s school and your local health department, and plan ahead to make sure all required documentation is submitted on time.

Tip 2: Transition to School Routines

Help your child(ren) adjust by gradually re-establishing school-day routines, including waking up, getting dressed, and having meals at regular times. This makes the start of the school year smoother and less stressful for both you and your child(ren). 

For instance, you can find the schedule of a typical school day for a nursery student at Tessa here. 

Tip 3: Review the School Calendar

Take time to review the school calendar to stay up to date on events, holidays, and special activities. Knowing what’s ahead not only helps with planning but also strengthens your involvement in your child(ren)’s learning journey. Parental engagement is a crucial element to supporting both academic success and social-emotional growth.

You can find more about our upcoming school events here. 

Tip 4: Prepare School Supplies Early

Gather backpacks, water bottles, lunch boxes, extra clothes, and other essentials; be sure to label them with your child(ren)’s full name. 

For Tessa families, you can easily find a list of school necessities and dress code for different grade levels in our mid-summer emails. 

The right school supplies not only support learning but also build independence. Letting children help select or pack their items can help build a sense of learner agency and make them feel more excited to take on the new responsibilities that come with a structured schooling environment. 

Tip 5: Support Emotional Readiness

Strong social-emotional preparation helps children manage feelings of anxiety or frustration that can arise when starting school. Talk positively about school life, practice short separations for younger children, and role-play classroom routines. You can find more about how to support your child(ren)’s social-emotional wellbeing here. 

For families, starting school is also a big transition, especially when your child(ren) is starting school for the first time or adjusting to a new environment. It’s natural for parents to have questions, worries, or even a little separation anxiety of your own. Stay open to communication with the school, and share anything that may help them better understand your child. Keep in mind that children can pick up on the emotions of the adults around them, so try to approach the transition with calm and confidence.

At Tessa, we believe a positive and trusting relationship among families, educators, and the School creates a strong foundation for children’s learning experience. Our Buddy Family Program helps newly enrolled families feel connected from the start. The monthly meetings with the Head of School also give families a space to ask questions, share suggestions, and stay engaged with the school community.

Happiness is one of the three central pillars of Tessa International School’s mission.

Tip 6: Keep Learning Fresh

Summer can be a time of change in children’s learning. Research on summer learning loss shows that students may lose some of their academic skills over the less structured summer months, with math skills often more affected than reading. 

To make the most of summer and keep your child(ren)ren engaged in learning, consider these easy but meaningful activities: 

  • Read age-appropriate books they genuinely enjoy, whether it’s a novel, comic, magazine, or picture book.
  • Explore the bilingual language-learning resources curated by our highly credentialed, native-speaking teachers in Spanish, French, and Mandarin. 
  • Practice math through everyday activities such as cooking or shopping. 
  • Write postcards, keep a short journal, or create stories about summer adventures.
  • Visit libraries, museums, parks, and other places that encourage curiosity and exploration.

At Tessa Summer Camp, we support campers as they learn, play, and explore different weekly themes in an immersive Spanish, French, and Mandarin environment. These enriching experiences help keep children curious, engaged, and ready to learn when school begins.

Tip 7: Stay Connected with Your School

As the new school year approaches, make sure you know where to find important school information. Check your email and school communication platforms regularly for updates about schedules, events, class announcements, and important deadlines. Take a few minutes to review any parent handbooks, newsletters, or welcome materials shared before the first day. A little preparation can make it easier to stay informed and connected throughout the year.

Tip 8: Attend School Orientations

If your child(ren)’s school offers an orientation or back-to-school event, make time to attend with your child(ren). Take the opportunity to visit the school, meet teachers and other families, and become familiar with the classrooms and routines. Talk with your child(ren) along the way and listen to their thoughts and feelings about the new school year. These experiences can help children feel more comfortable and confident during their first few days.

It’s also an opportunity for parents to ask questions about important topics such as drop-off and pick-up procedures, afterschool programs, parent organizations, and communication channels. If you need more details, don’t hesitate to connect with teachers or school staff during the event.

 

Last but no least, enjoy the rest of summer with your child(ren)! Spend time together as a family, explore something new, and give your child plenty of time to rest and recharge before the new school year begins. Then, get ready to welcome the year ahead with fresh energy and excitement!

 

Are you ready to explore the only international leading private school in Hoboken?

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

 

Summer Break and Children’s Mental Health: What Parents Should Know

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May marks Emotional Health Awareness Month, a reminder that sustaining mental and emotional wellbeing deserves the same care and attention as physical health. For families, it arrives at a meaningful time as the school year winds down. With summer break lasting 10 to 11 weeks in many schools in the U.S., the long stretch away from familiar classroom hours and daily routines can create new dynamics in children’s overall wellbeing. Keep reading to explore how the summer months can influence young minds and how you can support your child’s wellbeing throughout the season.

Summer is upon us—how can we make the most of this season filled with opportunities and discoveries?

Mental Health in Early Childhood

Early childhood is a critical stage of development marked by rapid brain growth and formation of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical foundations. These early experiences can shape long-term outcomes in profound ways, both positively and negatively.

Research has debunked the belief that young children are “immune to the effects of early adversity and trauma because they are inherently resilient and ‘grow out of’ behavioral problems and emotional difficulties.” In reality, just like every age group, young children can experience mental health conditions: 

  • According to the CDC, one in six children ages 2-8 have a diagnosable mental health condition. 
  • Another large study suggests that at least one in ten children under the age of 5 have a significant emotional, behavioral, or relationship problem.

More importantly, mental health is not simply the absence of a mental health condition; it is also about a child’s ability to thrive. It is never too early to care about a child’s wellbeing.

A preschool teacher is teaching how to express different emotions in Mandarin.

It’s our responsibility to provide our children with positive social-emotional learning experience. 

How Can Summer Break Challenge Children’s Wellbeing?

Without structure and support, summer break can be disruptive to children’s growth. 

Loneliness

School is not just a place for academic learning but also a primary source of daily social interactions that are essential for socialization, resilience, and communication development. 

Screen time and technology overuse

Research shows that 68% of children use technology more during summer break than during the school year. Excessive screen time can hinder physical and mental development. It may also displace important developmental activities such as physical play, face-to-face interaction, and creative exploration.

Read on about how to help you child(ren) foster a healthy, balanced relationship with technology here.

Lack of Structure

Without the rhythm of the school day, the long unstructured time in the summer can contribute to the summer learning slide, a regression in skills that may affect both school readiness and confidence when classes resume.

Beyond academics, young children especially benefit from consistent routines, which help them build self-regulation and a sense of security. When daily structure is limited, some children may develop less balanced habits or experience increased anxiety.

How Can Summer Enrich Children’s Wellbeing? 

With intention, summer can be one of the most emotionally enriching seasons of a child’s life.

Outdoor play

Longer days and warmer weather naturally encourage children to spend more time outdoors, offering opportunities to explore beyond the classroom. According to a 2023 study, children who regularly engage in self-directed outdoor play demonstrate stronger social and cognitive development, increased physical activity, and improved vision.

Time outdoors also increases exposure to natural light, which supports Vitamin D production, important for bone health and serotonin synthesis, which plays a role in mood regulation and brain function. 

Family bonds

With more flexible schedules, summer creates valuable opportunities for families to slow down and connect more. Shared experiences, whether simple family dinners or dedicated trips together, help strengthen relationships, deepen communication, and provide family members with a stronger sense of emotional support and security.

Enrichment Activities

High-quality summer programs can offer meaningful mental health benefits by providing structure, social interaction, and opportunities to build peer relationships. For many children, these environments offer a sense of belonging and emotional renewal in a supportive setting. 

Tessa International School’s Summer Camp 2026

Tessa’s “Fun, Friends, and Adventures” Summer Camps provide an immersive language experience where fun, learning, and creativity come together: 

  • An immersive language environment: Whether just starting out or building on their language skills in Spanish, French, or Mandarin, learning a language alongside peers nurtures their communication skills and cultural openness to recognize and appreciate diverse cultures. 
  • A balance of fun academics & outdoor activities: Campers not only build language skills and academic knowledge in the classroom, but also sustain focus and strengthen emotional regulation through active play and social experiences. Team sports, such as soccer, provide meaningful opportunities to practice collaboration and strengthen social skills in an enjoyable setting.
  • Age-appropriate activities for ages 2-4 and 5-10: Extending from our Social-Emotional Learning approach, our camp activities and routines are tailored to each developmental stage, ensuring every child feels capable, confident, and appropriately challenged.
  • Weekly themes and guest speakers: Each week introduces a new theme connected to real-world concepts, such as the FIFA World Cup and the Fourth of July, keeping learning dynamic and relevant. Guest specialists further enrich the program by bringing fresh perspectives and expertise.
  • Art and STEM focus: Hands-on experiences from creative exploration to scientific inquiry encourage children to express their ideas and feelings in diverse ways while developing strong reasoning and problem-solving skills.

 

 

Primary Spanish-track students at Tessa International School do online research.

Social Media and Children: What Parents Should Know 

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The 2026 International Day of Happiness on March 20 is centered on the theme “Social Media & Happiness,” inviting people around the world to reflect on the complex influences between digital platforms and our well-being. For parents and guardians, this conversation raises an important question: How does social media affect children today?

Even if most young children (Ages 0-8) are not yet active on social platforms, they grow up in a digital environment filled with online communication, video sharing, and messaging. Keep reading for evidence-based suggestions to help families support children in developing healthy digital habits from an early age.

A Mandarin immersion school student learning with her teacher

Happiness is a key pillar of Tessa International School’s mission.

Children’s Use of Social Media in the US

Digital technology is now a regular part of childhood in the United States. Research shows that children begin interacting with social platforms earlier than many parents expect.

  • Early Exposure to Digital Media: Even very young children encounter digital media daily. A 2025 report found that 40% of children in the U.S. have their own tablet by age 2. 
  • Many Children Use Social Media Before Age 13: Although most U.S. platforms require users to be at least 13, nearly 40% of children ages 8–12 reported using social media in 2023. 
  • Teen Use Is Nearly Universal: By adolescence, social media use becomes nearly universal. Surveys in 2024 show that about 95% of U.S. teens ages 13–17 use at least one social media platform, with many spending significant portions of their day online.

What Are the Benefits of Social Media for Children?

When used thoughtfully and with adult guidance, social media can offer several meaningful benefits.

Access to Community and Connections

Messaging apps and platforms enable children to stay connected with friends and family across distances. Many of them also view digital spaces as a way to form and maintain social connections with others who share identities, abilities, and interests.

Encouraging Creativity and Confidence

Many social platforms offer opportunities for children to express ideas through texts, pictures, music, and videos. Creating and sharing content under parental or guardian supervision can help children explore interests, build confidence, and experience a sense of achievement. 

A Space for Personal Voices and Advocacy

For older children and adolescents, social media can serve as a form of public sphere to express opinions, support initiatives, and participate in discussions on topics they care about. Guided use can nurture empathy, civic awareness, and a sense of agency.

What Are the Harms of Social Media for Children?

Research highlights potential risks when children use digital platforms without guidance or boundaries.

Social-Emotional Challenges

Evidence suggests that social media has potential to harm the mental health of children and adolescents. Online spaces can expose children to hurtful comments or harassment. Excessive screen time and/or constant social comparison may contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, or feelings of exclusion.

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

While the internet offers enormous educational opportunities, algorithm-driven recommendations, mixed-age spaces, and unfiltered user-generated content (UGC) may lead children to encounter material that is confusing, frightening, or developmentally inappropriate.

Digital Addiction and Habit Formation

Some apps and personal algorithms are designed to encourage frequent engagement through notifications, likes, and endless scrolling. Younger users may find it difficult to regulate their time online, leading to habits that interfere with schoolwork, sleep, or offline activities.

Parenting Advice in the Age of Social Media

Helping children navigate digital spaces is less about strict control and more about communication, guidance, and modeling healthy habits.

A parent at Tessa International School co-views as their first grader codes.

Parents’ attitudes and behaviors around media are a significant influence on a family’s media use habits.

1. Start Conversations Early

Children today are immersed in media-rich environments. Even before children begin using social media, discussing online behavior, safety, and digital etiquette can help them develop awareness and responsible habits.

2. Model Healthy Technology Use

Parents and guardians are children’s most influential role models. By demonstrating balanced screen habits, such as setting phones aside during family time, children can see firsthand how technology can support life without taking over, and learn how to use it thoughtfully and responsibly.

3. Set Clear and Age-Appropriate Boundaries

Young children benefit from clear and consistent boundaries around screen time and device use. The American Academic of Pediatrics (AAP) provides age-specific guidelines that families can reference. A range of parental control tools from built-in platform settings to third-party applications are available nowadays to ensure that children access age-appropriate content in a more structured way.

4. Introduce Quality and Reliable Content 

Rather than leaving them to navigate alone in the variety of online contents, guide them to recognize high-quality and trustworthy resources.

For example, our credentialed teachers carefully select language-learning materials (French, Spanish, and Mandarin) to support learning beyond the classroom in a fun way.

5. Stay Involved and Curious

When children feel comfortable sharing their online experiences, parents can provide guidance more effectively. By showing interest in the games, videos, or social media that children engage with, and asking open-ended questions such as:

  • Is this information reliable? 
  • Why might someone share this? 
  • How does this content make you feel?

These conversations strengthen digital literacy and social-emotional awareness.

6. Enrich Time Offline 

Creating meaningful offline experiences plays an important role in helping children develop a balanced relationship with technology. It is worth noting that children’s screen use often increases during afterschool hours and summer breaks when routines are more flexible. In this context, having access to structured, engaging activities can make a difference, especially to working parents. 

At Tessa International School, our afterschool activities and summer camp program are thoughtfully designed to enrich children’s time beyond the classroom. Through language, arts, sports, and STEM activities, students engage in hands-on learning experiences. Even in STEM-related activities where technology may be present, screen time is intentional and balanced with interactive, real-world exploration.

The Use of Screens at Tessa International School

At Tessa International School, our technology policies and procedures support learning without replacing hands-on experiences or physical activity.

For Nursery and Preschool Students(Ages 2-5): 

Our nursery through preschool classrooms are intentionally free of smart screens, encouraging children to play, explore, and learn in a face-to-face, interactive environment. 

For Kindergarteners and Primary Students (Ages 6-10): 

Screens and tablets are used for limited periods each week, always under teacher guidance and interaction. This practice enriches students’ learning while cultivating technology competence. A firewall ensures access only to appropriate content and software. While some state and international assessments are required to be completed online, all written homework is done with traditional pen and paper.

 

Supporting children to develop thoughtful and balanced habits with social media and technology helps them build skills that serve them well throughout school, careers, and everyday life. By fostering these habits early, we are helping children grow into mindful and happy individuals ready to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

 

Are you ready to explore the only international leading private school in Hoboken?

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

 

Three preschoolers excitingly check out the book from holiday gift exchange.

5 Ways to Make the Holidays Even Happier for Your Child

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The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate with family, whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply the joy of winter. For children, this season is full of excitement and curiosity. Here are five practical strategies to help your little ones make the most of it and create joyful, lasting memories.

Thoughtful Gifts for Holidays

Exchanging gifts can be one of the brightest moments of the season, sparking joy and creativity. Gifts that align with your child’s interests can open doors to learning and imaginative play. 

If you haven’t finished your holiday gift shopping, here are some ideas to inspire you:

  • Gift They Want: Something that brings a smile and excitement.
  • Gift They Need: Something that makes everyday life easier or more fun.
  • Gift to Wear: A cozy or stylish item they feel comfortable to put on. 
  • Gift They Can Experience: An activity, outing, or event that creates lasting memories.
  • Gift to Help Them Learn: A book, STEM kit, or educational game that encourages curiosity and growth.

Even more special, encourage your child to prepare a gift for family or friends, whether it’s a handmade card or a small craft. The process of preparing gifts nurtures independence and the joy of giving, creating endearing moments beyond material things.

Our students are always encouraged to partcipate in Holiday Book Exchange for an joyful, enriching break.

Get Your Child Involved in Holiday Moments

Holiday TV time can be cozy, but children love to participate! 

Involving them in holiday preparations makes the experience more meaningful. Decorating, baking, or creating cards together gives children a sense of contribution, helping them feel empowered and valued while developing a connection to their cultural identity.

Keep Routines with a Festive Twist

Routines help young children feel secure, but familiar habits can also be made festive. Bedtime stories about holiday traditions, special breakfasts, or creative daily rituals can make daily routines exciting while keeping a comforting rhythm.

Explore Local Child-Friendly Celebration Activities

Community events, holiday workshops, and family-friendly performances enrich your child’s holiday experience while easing the planning burden for parents and guardians.

In our neighborhood, the Holiday Artisan Market with Main Street Pops showcases over 75 artisan vendors, holiday music, bounce houses, and community performances on Sundays.

In our neighborhood, for example, The Holiday Artisan Market with Main Street Pops showcases over 75 artisan vendors, holiday music, bounce houses, and community performances on Sundays. Hoboken Public Library will also host a series of family-friendly activities such as Baby Story Time, Holiday Board Game Day, and the New Year Party. 

These activities entertain while introducing children to new experiences, helping them interact with more people and enjoy the season in meaningful ways.

Keeping Joy and Calm Through Holiday Excitement

Holidays bring excitement, but children also need space to process emotions and practice social skills. Times spent exploring emotions, noticing gratitude, and reflecting together can nurture understanding and strengthen family bonds.

Read more about how to support your child’s social-emotional development here.

Holiday Celebrations at Tessa International School

At Tessa, we prepare future global citizens to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, and our multicultural school community makes celebrating different traditions always at the heart of our education. 

Before holiday break, students explore traditions from around the world with teachers and families, learning about celebrations, symbols, and stories from over 70 cultures. This preparation fosters curiosity, respect, and understanding, helping children appreciate their own family traditions while gaining insight into others. They head into the holidays with excitement, knowledge, and joy, ready to celebrate meaningfully with their families.

 

When happiness guides the holiday season, every moment, big or small, becomes an opportunity for growth, learning, and cherished memories. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and meaningful holiday break!

A Tessa preschooler works on his writing assignment under his teacher's guidance and care.

How to Limit Children’s Screen Time: 5 Tips for Parents

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Did you know that the average U.S. child (ages 8-18) now spends over seven hours a day on screens? That number often jumps even higher during weekends, breaks, or afterschool hours. While technology can be enriching, many parents find themselves wondering: How much screen time is too much? And more importantly, how can I help my child build healthier habits with digital devices?

As educators and caregivers, we believe that helping children build a balanced relationship with screens starts with consistent routines and clear guidance. Keep reading to discover practical, research-backed tips which can guide your child toward more meaningful offline engagement.

A Tessa preschooler works on his writing assignment under his teacher's guidance and care.

Why Excessive Screen Time Can Be Harmful

Technology has its roles in learning and leisure, but when screen use begins to dominate a child’s daily routine, it can interfere with their healthy development in several ways:

Screen Time Guidelines by Age 

To help parents set realistic boundaries, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends:

  • Under 18 months: Avoid screen media except for necessary video calls. 
  • 18–24 months: If screens are introduced, choose high-quality content and watch alongside your child to help them understand what they are watching. For example, you can find online language learning resources recommended by our highly credentialed, native-speaking educators on our Resources pages (Spanish. Mandarin. French.)
  • Ages 2–5: Limit screen use to one hour per day of educational content.
  • Ages 6 and older: Encourage consistent limits and promote healthy tech habits. 

Current statistics, however, reveal a growing gap between recommendations and reality. A 2019 survey of over 1,600 US families found that children aged 8–12 in the U.S. use 4–6 hours of recreational screen time per day, while teens average 7.5 hours, not including time spent on screens for schoolwork. Bridging that gap starts with awareness, followed by supportive, age-appropriate strategies.

What Parents Can Do to Manage Screen Time Effectively

Small, consistent shifts can gradually lead to a healthier rhythm with digital tools. Here are some thoughtful strategies for parents to consider:

1. Set Clear and Consistent Boundaries

Establish routines around screen use. Whether it’s 30 minutes after school or limited use on weekends, children respond well to structure. Many devices now also offer built-in parental controls and timers to help reinforce these habits.

At Tessa International School, our nursery and preschool classrooms are intentionally free of smart screens, encouraging children to play, explore, and learn in a healthy, interactive environment. For primary students, all written homework is done with pen and paper. Screens and tablets are used only during limited time each week for educational purposes, under teacher guidance and supervision.

Two first graders focus on their tasks at Tessa International School.

Writing by hand is a scientifically proven method to enhance students’ memory and learning.

2. Acknowledge and Guide Your Child’s Relationship with Technology

When children feel heard, they are more open to collaboration. Ask your child what they enjoy about screen time and how it makes them feel. Use this opportunity to introduce age-appropriate, inspiring content, like creative games, educational videos, or digital storytelling. Watching or playing alongside your child can also build your connections.

3. Create a Healthy Family Environment

Children tend to reflect what they see. If parents check emails during meals or scroll during conversations, kids are likely to adopt the same habits. Set the tone by creating screen-free zones (like bedrooms or the dinner table) and screen-free times (such as during family meals or before bedtime). When the whole family embraces these habits, children are more likely to internalize them. 

4. Encourage Offline Interests

Sometimes, the easiest way to reduce screen time is to offer something better. Keep a rotating collection of books, board games, art supplies, or outdoor equipment easily accessible. Let children take the lead and exercise their agency. By creating a home environment rich in hands-on activities, they can spend their free time meaningfully without relying on screens.

5. Explore Enrichment Programs

If you’re looking for offline experiences that go even further, high-quality enrichment programs can offer children engaging, hands-on learning in a screen-limited setting. 

At Tessa International School, our rich auxiliary programs, including afterschool activities across  STEM, sports, music, and the arts, open-to-public language classes, as well as summer camp programs, allow children to explore new interests and develop social-emotional skills. These thoughtfully-designed experiences help children unplug with purpose in a safe, engaging environment while supporting working parents to coordinate their busy schedules.

Limiting screen time doesn’t mean avoiding technology altogether. It helps children use it in ways that support their development rather than distract from it. Finding that balance may take time. Start where you are; make one small change; work together with your child’s teachers and the School whenever you need help. With each effort, we are supporting our children into responsible, independent individuals. 

 

Are you ready to explore the only international leading private school in Hoboken?

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

A preschool teacher is teaching how to express different emotions in Mandarin.

How to Support Your Child’s Social-Emotional Health

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In today’s conversations around health and safety in child care, we acknowledge not only reducing or eliminating physical threats to our children’s well-being but also promoting their social-emotional health. Social-emotional health is the ability to understand and manage emotions, form secure social connections and relationships, and engage with the world around us. 

A child’s social and emotional health directly influences their ability to grow, learn, and lead a fulfilling life. Below, we explore how parents can actively support their child’s social-emotional development, and how Tessa International School lays the foundation for confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals.

A preschool teacher is teaching how to express different emotions in Mandarin as part of social-emotional learning at Tessa.

It’s our responsibility to provide our children with positive social-emotional learning experience.

5 Ways to Support Children’s Social-Emotional Health for Parents

Keep track of how your child is doing.

Pay attention to changes in your child’s behavior, mood, or energy levels. These often provide clues to their emotional state, even when they’re too young to articulate their feelings. Regularly checking in allows you to stay attuned to their needs and respond proactively.

Encourage your child. 

Positive reinforcement builds confidence and resilience. Celebrate your child’s efforts—no matter how small—to help them feel valued and capable.

At Tessa International School, our assessment culture emphasizes individual strengths. Through positive assessment, we aim to cultivate a growth mindset and reinforce each child’s belief in their own potential.

Help your child recognize emotions and address anxiety. 

Support your child in identifying and naming their emotions. This is the first step toward learning how to manage them. Create a safe space to talk about their feelings and introduce calming techniques, like deep breathing or drawing, to help them navigate anxiety.

Share important information with your child’s teacher. 

Teachers are key partners in your child’s growth. By sharing insights into your child’s personality, routines, or any recent life events, you enable teachers to better support their emotional and social development throughout the school day.

Don’t hesitate to seek support! 

Seeking support is a sign of strength and care. Connecting with school counselors, pediatricians, or child development professionals can provide guidance tailored to your child’s needs. 

How Tessa International School Ensures Children’s Social-Emotional Health

At Tessa International School, we nurture the whole child. With happiness as one of the three pillars in our school’s mission, we prioritize emotional well-being alongside academic growth. Therefore, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is integrated into every aspect of school life, helping students gain emotional intelligence and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Why Social and Emotional Learning Matters in Education

The benefits of SEL are well-researched, with research consistently demonstrating that promoting SEL yields positive outcomes for students, adults, and school communities:

Tessa International School’s SEL Approach: RULER

To design and implement our SEL techniques, Tessa International School applies the RULER model, developed by Yale University’s Center for Emotional Intelligence. This research-backed method teaches students to:

  • Recognizing emotions in oneself and other people; 
  • Understanding the causes and consequences of those emotions; 
  • Labeling emotions with precise words; 
  • Expressing emotions; 
  • Regulating emotions.
Teachers at Tessa International School frequently have professional training on social-emotional learning model, RULER.

At Tessa, we prioritize students’ social-emotional development alongside their academic progress.

RULER is an approach, as opposed to a program. In this light, it is about infusing the principles of emotional intelligence into everything that happens in and out of our school, from how the leaders lead, to how the teachers teach, to how students learn, to how families parent. 

Practice of RULER Approach in Tessa International School’s Curriculum

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we integrate the practice of RULER with our Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework. 

  1. IB Learner Profile: The PYP encourages ten attributes—including being caring, principled, balanced, and open-minded—that promote emotional awareness and social confidence. These traits are taught explicitly and modeled across the school day.
  2. Learner Agency: Unlike conventional curriculums dictating exactly when, where, and how a student should carry out an activity, the PYP allows learners a degree of freedom to make meaningful choices on their own. From toddlers choosing their learning center during free play to older students leading their own conferences, the self-effacy enables students to develop their social-emotional skills. 
  3. Transdisciplinary Themes: The PYP is a transdisciplinary curriculum framework that offers authentic learning experiences. Through inquiry-based learning connected to real-life contexts, our students explore issues like identity, relationships, and community, enhancing their social understanding and emotional intelligence across traditional subject borders.

 

Recognizing the significant impact of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) on students’ well-being and academic success, we aim to create a nurturing environment where children can develop positive relationships and essential self-management skills. Through this evidence-based approach, our goal is to help every child feel safe, supported, and happy. Parents and caregivers are essential collaborators in this journey. By fostering these skills early in life, these qualities empower children to grow into emotionally intelligent, socially responsible, and well-rounded individuals.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the signs that my child may be struggling emotionally?

Children often express emotional challenges through behavior. Common signs include sudden mood swings, withdrawal from social interactions, changes in sleep or appetite, frequent tantrums, or difficulty concentrating. If these behaviors persist or interfere with daily activities, it may be beneficial to consult with a pediatrician or child psychologist for professional guidance. ​

Q: How can I support my child’s social-emotional development at home?

Supporting your child’s social-emotional growth at home can start with:

  • Observing changes in your child’s behaviour, mood, or energy level to stay attuned to their emotional needs. 
  • Offering positive reinforcement to build their confidence and resilience. 
  • Encouraging open conversations about feelings in a safe environment. 
  • Modeling healthy emotional responses.
  • Teaching coping strategies like deep breathing or drawing. 

Q: How does Tessa International School support social-emotional learning? 

At Tessa, we integrate Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into every aspect of school life. Using the evidence-based RULER approach from Yale University, our educators teach students to recognize, understand, label, express, and regulate emotions. Combined with our International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, we foster a welcoming environment where students develop well-rounded, social-emotionally healthy learners.

 

Are you ready to discover Hoboken’s leading international private school?

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

 

 

A boy hugging his father after his performance in nursery school

Nursery School vs Daycare: What’s The Difference?

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Terms like “daycare,” “nursery school,” and “preschool” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. While both provide care and supervision for young children, it’s important to understand the key differences when selecting the right option for your child. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between nursery school and daycare, as well as what you can typically expect from each type of program.

Nursery School vs. Daycare: Terminology

Child care center means any home or facility, by whatever name known, which is maintained for the care, development, or supervision of six or more children under 13 years of age who attend for less than 24 hours a day. 

– New Jersey’s Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers (N.J.A.C.3A:52)

According to state laws in NJ, both nursery school and daycares fall under the broader category of child care centers. However, different terminologies used to describe them indicate their different focus on education, age group, curriculum, and methodology, helping families understand what each program offers.

A nursery school, as its name suggests, refers to a schooling program for toddlers with a formal curriculum on early childhood education. In some regions, a nursery school may be considered as part of the preschool. It commonly serves younger children (around 2) compared to preschool programs, which generally accommodate children ages 3-5 as an introduction to kindergarten. The educational environment, likely led by highly-trained teachers, creates a dynamic and enriching environment that introduces children to a classroom setting and lays a foundation for building pre-academic skills. 

Daycares, on the other hand, commonly focus on care and nurturing for a wider age range from infants to young teenagers. While some daycare centers incorporate learning activities, their primary purpose is to provide a safe space for children like babysitting rather than structured educational instruction. Caregivers ensure children’s well-being but are not necessarily required to engage them in developmental or academic activities.

Nursery School vs. Daycare: What are the Similarities?

Both nursery schools and daycare programs must be licensed by state regulators and are usually subject to the same laws and regulations for child care centers. These regulations cover aspects such as director qualifications, safety protocols, staff-to-child ratios, and recordkeeping requirements. You can find all licensed child care centers in New Jersey here. 

Both preschools and daycares make safety a top concern, ensuring that children are well cared for while supporting their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

Nursery School vs. Daycare: What are the Differences?

Understanding that child care programs have different goals and areas of focus, let’s examine some key differences between nursery school and daycare. 

Educational Focus

As mentioned earlier, nursery schools tend to be more learning-oriented. Although daycares may provide opportunities for children to develop life skills through spontaneous, self-directed learning, nursery schools design stimulating learning experiences, such as group play and conflict resolutions, encouraging socio-emotional and intellectual growth under teachers’ guidance. 

Moreover, nursery schools prepare children for the next stage of learning by introducing foundational skills in math, language, music, and art through engaging, play-based activities. Teachers in nursery schools are more likely to be well-trained in early childhood education. There should be a set educational curriculum such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Montessori, or Bank Street, with a framework focused on different learning outcomes. 

For instance, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Tessa International School’s nursery program offers an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum framework. It promotes play-based learning that fosters toddlers’ curiosity, creativity, and confidence, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive both now and in the future.

Little boy marvels as a volcano science activity

Nursery education paves the way for greater learning capabilities as early brain development brings rapid cognitive, emotional, and physical growth for a child.

Services

Nursery schools generally follow a daily schedule similar to that of a kindergarten classroom, helping children develop a sense of routine and reducing anxiety when transitioning to the next educational phase. Varied by school, options such as half day or full day programs, before and after school services, and summer programs may be available to accommodate working parents. 

Daycares, by contrast, often offer more flexible services, including drop-in child care. Some daycares operate year-round, including during the summer and on weekends. However, the flexible hours and less structured environment can sometimes lead to inconsistent interactions among children and a lack of continuous staff supervision, which may unfavourably impact young children’s social development.

While some daycares are home-based, nursery schools are mostly center-based, accommodating a larger size of students with school facilities. Nursery schools also tend to have lower teacher-to-child ratios to allow for more personalized learning experiences.

Age Requirements

Nursery schools typically serve children starting around age 2, while daycare centers may enroll children from infancy up to school age. Some daycare centers use a mixed-age model, where children of different ages interact with one another. While this model can foster social development, it may also lead to conflicts or challenges in addressing each child’s developmental needs. In contrast, nursery schools provide more age-appropriate learning opportunities tailored to their specific curriculum and methodology.

Nursery Program at Tessa International School

At Tessa, our nursery program provides students as young as 20 months with a unique introduction to the school experience, initiating toddlers to a second language, fostering creativity through play-based activities, and laying the foundation for lifelong learning. 

Unlike traditional daycare centers, our nursery program offers: 

  • A Bilingual Program: When it comes to bilingualism, the earlier the better. The majority of instruction is conducted in the target language–Spanish, French, or Mandarin–helping students build strong language foundations.You can learn more about the benefits and suggestions of raising a bilingual child here. 
  • A World-Class Education: Guided by the IB and the French, Spanish, and Chinese Curricula, our program provides a foundation for lifelong learning. Children are introduced to key concepts in literacy, math, the arts, and physical development. These early experiences are carefully designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and prepare them for deeper learning in the years ahead.
  • A Play-Based Curriculum: By balancing structured activities with free play, we encourage children to learn through exploration and discovery while having fun. Learn more about how we prioritizes happiness as a key pillar of the school mission here. 
Our Spanish Nursery teacher guides toddlers in language learning.

Learning a second language earlier and for a longer period is most likely to lead to proficiency.

 

Are you ready to discover Hoboken’s leading language immersion summer program? 

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

 

 

A parent feels proud for her twin boys' Mandarin Chinese development through Tessa Summer Camp.

How to Plan Ahead for The New Year: A Parent’s Guide

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Planning ahead can help set a positive tone for a prosperous year. As the primary role model for your child, parents and family members’ visioning exemplifies how to create a roadmap for achieving meaningful goals and fostering new opportunities. Goal-setting also serves as a hands-on opportunity for children to develop a sense of direction, focus, and self-regulation in their process and progress. Here are some practical tips to help you get your goals, dreams, and visions on paper and turn them into a reality. 

Involve Your Kid into Family Goalsetting

Encourage your child to participate in family goal-setting conversations and make it a collaborative effort. Even at a young age, children benefit from feeling heard and included and becoming active participants in decisions that shape their routines and aspirations. 

Ask what they would like to accomplish, try, or learn this year. For younger children, this might mean drawing pictures of their dreams, while older kids might enjoy writing or talking about their ideas more detailedly. Always consider these simple, open-ended questions:

  • What would you like to learn this year?
  • What activity makes you more happy?
  • What new skills do you want to try?

These questions open doors to understanding your child’s inner world, transforming planning from a task into a meaningful dialogue.

Create a Family Calendar

Why not transform boring scheduling into a creative family project? You can use a large calendar to map out key events and milestones for the year, including holidays, birthdays, school events, extracurricular activities, and family trips. For younger children, visual markers like stickers or colors help them easily understand the calendar and anticipate special moments. 

A clear family calendar fosters organization and shares an idea of direction with every family member. Be sure to leave space for spontaneous activities, unexpected joys, and unplanned adventures! 

Breaking Down Big Goals into Actionable Steps

Rather than setting goals for the entire year all at once, consider breaking the larger goals into smaller, manageable steps for your kids to build confidence and maintain enthusiasm. 

Take language learning, for instance. Instead of pressuring for fluency, celebrate:

  • Accumulating basic vocabulary and greetings, 
  • Enjoying fun language games, songs, and books, 
  • Engaging in daily conversations with native speakers, 
  • Expanding conversational skills gradually. 

This step-by-step approach builds perseverance and helps your child see progress, keeping their motivation strong throughout the year.

Another straightforward way to promote your child to stay engaged is to divide the year into seasons and pair with unique learning opportunities. For example, winter might inspire indoor creative activities, while spring beckons outdoor exploration. Summer, in particular, becomes a playground for skill-building and trying something new. 

Children engage in physcial activities at Tessa Summer Camp.

Planning valuable seasonal goals help your child focus their energy and prevent anxiety.

Invest in Enriching Activities

Providing enriching experience for your child helps expand their understanding and nurture lifelong skills. You can find many enrichment activities online and within your local community. It’s worth dedicating time to find the ideal options that meet you and your kid’s goals. 

Participating in activities that expose them to different languages or cultures can spark curiosity and global awareness. Tessa’s “Fun, Friends & Adventure” Summer Camp offers campers aged 2-10 an immersive language experience with a perfect balance of academic challenges and outdoor fun. Through ability-appropriate activities for different age groups, Tessa Summer Camp enables every camper to feel supported, inspired, and excited to learn and grow in a way that’s just right for them—all while immersed in Spanish, French, or Mandarin.

Tessa Summer Camp 2026 will open for registration in later January. Book mark the link for more details coming soon! 

Stay positive

As you navigate the year, revisit your goals and adjust them as needed. Regularly check in with your child, celebrate every milestone, and help them view challenges as exciting sources for learning.

Most importantly, the journey weighs the same (or even more!) as the destination. A positive mindset will help you and your kid approach new opportunities, such as learning a language or trying a new skill, with enthusiasm and patience.

 

FAQs About Planning for the New Year

Q1: How can I help my child in goalsetting? 

A: Start small and break big goals into achievable steps. For example, if your child wants to learn a new skill, set weekly or monthly milestones. Celebrate each achievement to sustain their passion.

Q2: How to balance structure and flexibility in planning for the year? 

A: Children’s interests and energy levels are always evolving, so a loose framework that allows for adjustments tends to work more effectively than a rigid schedule. Tessa Summer Camp, specifically, provides weekly registration for full or half days with extended hours available, which alleviates parents’ stress of coordinating schedules during the summer break. 

Q3: How does Tessa Summer Camp differ from other summer programs? 

A: The immersive language experience of Spanish, French, or Mandarin guided by native-speaking instructors sets Tessa Summer Camp apart. Children aged 2-10 will embrace a perfect mix of fun academics and outdoor activities. Each week, campers explore new adventures in different fields–either being pilots, vets, astronauts, or more! Each theme features creative age-appropriate activities, an exciting visitor, a special end-of-week show, as well as plenty of physical exercise with a dedicated sports teacher! 

 

By planning ahead with clear goals and enriching experiences, you can help your child thrive in the coming months. Enjoy this incredible time of exploration and collaboration with your child! 

 

Are you ready to discover Hoboken’s leading language immersion summer program? 

Contact Tessa International School to learn more! 

 

Our Spanish Nursery teacher guides toddlers in language learning.

Raising a Bilingual Toddler: FAQs and Expert Tips for Success

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Can young children handle exposure to two languages? Absolutely! Research shows that bilingual infants – as young as 20 months – are capable of processing two languages efficiently. Bilingual acquisition is a natural and rewarding journey for our toddlers that not only enriches communication but also brings unique cognitive and developmental advantages. Below, we have addressed common concerns parents have about raising bilingual toddlers, backed by research and expert insights.

Commonly Asked Questions

1. Is it too early to start teaching my 2-year-old a second language?

No, starting early is highly advantageous. Early language acquisition is strongly supported by the way children’s brains develop. Toddlers naturally absorb languages without consciously realizing it. A study shows that even babies as young as 4 months can differentiate between language inputs, emphasizing the potential in cognitive development from dual language exposure. 

According to the U.S. Department of Education, children who begin learning second languages before the age of six will have an easier time:

For more insights, watch the last webinar by Kathleen Visconti, our Head of School, on the benefits of bilingualism. You can download the recording of the session here.

2. Will learning two languages confuse my child?

No. Research for decades has debunked this common misconception. In fact, children who have regular and rich exposure to both languages achieve the same milestones in language development at roughly the same pace as monolingual children. Additionally, evidence proves that bilingualism enhances children’s cognitive abilities, such as understanding others’ perspectives and improving problem-solving skills. 

 

Two French Track toddlers actively engage in bilingual learning.

Early exposure to another language ignites children’s learning.

3. How do I balance exposure to two languages?

The “One Parent, One Language” (OPOL) strategy offers a great way to ensure balanced exposure, where each parent consistently speaks only one language to the child. While popular, OPOL can be demanding to maintain. 

Alternatively, to ensure later bilingualism, many experts recommend providing more early input in a minority language and promoting children’s interaction with peers who speak the same language. In this light, a high-quality nursery school program is greatly beneficial, forming a supportive language-immersed environment. 

This is what Tessa International School’s Immersion Model is about. In our nursery program, toddlers start learning French, Spanish, or Mandarin with 80% of the communication and learning activities in the target language. The 80:20 immersion stage builds a strong foundation for bilingual fluency. 

4. What if I don’t speak the second language fluently?

That’s okay! There are still numerous ways to foster second language development. Books, songs, and other resources can be utilized to create an environment that encourages language exploration and learning. 

Don’t know where to start? We curate an array of language-promoting resources for you. For example, you can find French resources recommended by teachers from Tessa French track, accredited by the French Ministry of Education, on our school website. Learning another language with your child will be a unique parenting experience and strengthen your role in their educational journey. 

5. What are the long-term benefits of bilingualism for young children?

The advantages of mastering another language are crystal clear: around 60% of the world population knows more than one language as of 2018. Therefore, bilingualism broadens communication skills, fosters cultural awareness, and opens doors to academic and professional success. 

More importantly than a higher annual salary bracket, there are fascinating and meaningful findings that bilingualism appears to delay the onset of degenerative cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The cognitive stimulation for managing two languages activates multiple aspects of brain activity and compensates for cognitive decline, promoting our children a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life. 

6. What should I do if my child mixes languages?

Language mixing, or code-switching, is a natural phenomenon among non-monolingual learners. It signifies active usage of both languages and bilingual thinking rather than confusion. 

Some researchers suggest that code-switching reflects an intellectual advantage by demonstrating the comprehension of different cultures as well as an understanding of the fundamental structures and functions of language systems. Therefore, the key to supporting your child through language mixing is to encourage appropriate expression and celebrate their bilingual development.. With the right support, your child will learn to separate languages sooner than you can imagine. 

7. How can I make learning two languages fun for my toddler?

Toddlers thrive on playful interactions. There are numerous fun and engaging opportunities for language building through play, music, and books. You can learn more about play-based learning activities practical at home here. 

A parent feels proud for her twin boys' Mandarin Chinese development through Tessa Nursery Program.

At Tessa International School, we provide a bilingual education based on happiness.

8. How much exposure does my child need to become fluent?

There is no exact formula for fluency. Factors like the quality of exposure, age, and family background all play a role in children’s language development. 

“Finally, there is no good measure of ‘enough exposure.’ “

– Dr. François Grosjean, a Professor Emeritus and former Director of the Language and Speech Processing Laboratory at the University of Neuchâtel.

Like any other skill, language learning takes practice and time. Evidence above shows that children who experience two languages from birth consistently have the potential to develop into native speakers of both languages. 

At Tessa International School, our nursery, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary programs provide children with everyday opportunities to practice both languages, fostering natural and lasting fluency.

9. Will my child eventually prefer one language over the other?

The notion of perfectly balanced bilingualism is ideological. In other words, bilingualism is not static, existing on a continuum in which one’s proficiency is constantly changing over time. Bilinguals often have a dominant and a minority language based on complex strands of social, cultural, and educational influences, so it is understandable for people to display language dominance. 

However, Tessa’s Immersion Progression Model is thoughtfully designed to help your child maintain a balance instead of losing these valuable language assets. 

  • 80:20 Immersion Stage: At Tessa, from Nursery through Kindergarten, the majority of instruction (80%) is conducted in the target language to ensure sufficient exposure of the minority language, allowing students to build strong, life-long foundations in the language.
  • 50:50 Dual Language Stage: Starting in Grade 1, students will receive instruction and absorb knowledge in English and the targeted language equally in order to gain proficiency in both. 

You can learn more about the Model here. 

10. Are there specific programs or schools that support bilingualism for toddlers?

Yes! At Tessa International School, we offer world-class bilingual education for ages 2-10. Differing from other schooling programs, our nursery program provides a special introduction to initiate your child to a second language, develops their creativity through various play-based activities, and prepares them to become lifelong learners.

  • A Bilingual Program: When it comes to bilingualism, the earlier the better. Daily exposure to dual languages builds children’s confidence and communication skills, preparing them to become bilingual, adaptable, and active citizens.
  • A World-Class Education: Guided by the International Baccalaureate, our nursery program provides a “roadmap” for toddlers to travel, with options for detours when their curiosity is peaked or the need for student-initiated action occurs. 
  • A Play-Based Curriculum: Balancing structured activities and free play, we encourage children to learn while having fun, inquire and make discoveries for themselves, aligned with one of the three educational pillars of our school mission – Happiness. 

You can download our Nursery Curriculum here. 

 

Are you ready to discover Hoboken’s leading international private school?

Contact Tessa International School to learn more! 

 

Join us at Tessa International School

Discover why our bilingual curriculum is recognized as one of the best. Learn how we combine academic excellence with engaging, interactive experiences that foster global awareness.

Inquire Tour Apply

Join us at Tessa International School

Discover why our bilingual curriculum is recognized as one of the best. Learn how we combine academic excellence with engaging, interactive experiences that foster global awareness.

Inquire Now

Office: (201) 755-5585

Location: 720 Monroe St. Hoboken, NJ 07030