Weaving Sustainability into Education: Tessa International School Earns EFE3D Level 1 Certification

We are thrilled to announce that our school has achieved the EFE3D (Établissement Français à l’Étranger en Démarche de Développement Durable) Level 1 certification! This distinction recognizes our ongoing commitment to integrating sustainable development goals and practices into our educational approach.

Here’s a glimpse into how we have embraced sustainable development and the initiatives that earned us this certification.

Cultivating a Culture of Sustainability:

At Tessa, sustainability is a community effort. We have a dedicated Green Committee that initiates impactful projects such as our comprehensive recycling and composting programs. Right in the middle of our school, there’s a tower garden where students can learn about plants, animals, and how to garden without hurting the environment. Hands-on experiences complement classroom learning, where subjects like dental hygiene and healthy eating are addressed through engaging activities.

Our School Tower Garden

Students Earth Artwork. “Little hands can change the world”!

Weaving Green Initiatives into the Curriculum

Sustainability is not just an afterthought at Tessa. We actively integrate green initiatives across the curriculum, fostering environmental awareness from a young age. Here are some examples from this year:

  • Primary Students and the Water Cycle: Students learned about the water cycle, understanding the importance of water conservation and responsible waste disposal.
  • Preschool Waste Collection and Upcycling: PK classes participated in clean-up initiatives on the school plaza, instilling a sense of responsibility for their environment. Additionally, some classrooms learned how to reuse materials, transforming them into valuable resources or creative art projects.
  • Nursery Birdhouse Creation: Even our youngest learners get involved! Nursery classes designed and built birdhouses, promoting an appreciation for wildlife and habitat creation.

This is just a glimpse of how we integrate sustainability into our curriculum. We are constantly developing new and innovative ways to engage students in environmental stewardship.

Water Cycle Primary Science Class

Pre-K4 Students Reusing Scrap Paper

Fostering Well-Rounded Global Citizens

At Tessa, we believe that sustainability goes beyond environmental responsibility. We cultivate well-rounded global citizens who embody the values and attributes of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile

  • Promoting Civic Responsibility: Citizenship education emphasizes respect, cooperation, and cultural awareness, encouraging students to actively engage in community projects. Additionally, we cultivate an eco-conscious mindset through environmental education initiatives. These practices nurture the IB Learner Profile traits of open-mindedness, care, and being knowledgeable, encouraging students to understand diverse perspectives, act with compassion, and apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.
  • Encouraging Energy Conservation: Students are educated on the importance of energy conservation, promoting habits like turning off lights when not in use. This fosters thinkers who can analyze information and make responsible choices for the environment. It also cultivates informed citizens who understand the consequences of their actions.

 

Empowering Student Sustainability Leaders:

We believe in empowering our students to be responsible citizens. Our student council, in collaboration with the NGO “Pass the Bricks,” recently organized a Lego collection drive, promoting plastic waste reduction and global recycling efforts. Additionally, the annual food drive, led by our parent organization, fosters a spirit of community and social responsibility.

Student Council Lego Drive

Building Partnerships for a Sustainable Future:

Recognizing the importance of ongoing education and collaboration, Tessa actively seeks partnerships with local organizations. Working with the Community Compost Company and the North Hudson Sewerage Authority has provided valuable learning experiences for students and staff, demonstrating practical applications of sustainable practices.

 

Looking Ahead: Deepening Our Commitment

The EFE3D Level 1 certification is just the first step on our sustainability journey. As our school grows, we plan to expand our initiatives. This can include introducing student eco-delegates who will champion sustainability efforts within the higher grades. We’re also committed to deepening our engagement with the local community, leveraging partnerships to further our environmental and social goals.

Together, we are not only educating the future leaders of tomorrow, but also instilling in them the values and practices necessary for a sustainable world!

Beyond the Classroom: Tessa International School’s Advisory Board Shaping Educational Success

At Tessa International School, our commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom, and a crucial pillar supporting this commitment is our esteemed Advisory Board. Comprising dedicated individuals who generously volunteer their time, the board plays a pivotal role in upholding the school’s mission, and strategically steering Tessa towards a future of continued success.

 

Mission:

The heartbeat of the Advisory Board is its commitment to safeguarding Tessa International School’s mission. This dedicated group of individuals actively engages in formal strategic planning, oversees day-to-day operations, and serves as stewards of the school’s invaluable resources, ensuring the school’s financial health and sustainability.

 

Working collaboratively with the Head of School and Founder, the board focuses on long-range and strategic issues, embodying the highest ethical standards and principles of fiscal integrity. This commitment requires a significant investment in time, dedication to the school’s welfare, and a readiness to navigate challenges.

 

Organization:

Meeting three times a year, the Advisory Board is a lean yet impactful group, comprising a minimum of six members. The Head of School and Founder foster collaboration between the board and the school’s leadership. 

 

Meet Our Board Members:

Tessa International School’s Advisory Board is comprised of distinguished figures from the highest echelons of the New York City and national education sphere, bringing a wealth of expertise and insight to guide the school’s strategic vision and uphold its commitment to excellence.


  • Jan Abernathy – Chief Communications Officer at The Browning School

Jan brings extensive experience in communications and DEI counsel for educational institutions. Her leadership in various independent school conferences and organizations reflects a commitment to fostering representation and professional growth.

 

  • Amada Torres – Vice President of Studies, Insights, and Research at NAIS

Amada’s role as Vice President at NAIS highlights her expertise in national studies, financial sustainability, admissions, and marketing. Her international experience adds a valuable perspective to the board’s discussions.

 

  • Kate Turley – Educator and Educational Administrator

With four decades of experience in education, Kate’s leadership in progressive education and her roles in multiple New York City independent schools bring a wealth of knowledge to the board. Her commitment to various trustee positions underscores her dedication to educational excellence.

 

  • Robin E. Harvey – Clinical Associate Professor of TESOL, Bilingual and World Language Education

Dr. Harvey’s expertise in language education, teacher training, and her involvement in various educational organizations make her a valuable asset to the board. Her commitment to bilingual and immersion settings aligns with Tessa’s diverse and inclusive mission.

 

  • Pascale Richard – Conseillère des Français de l’étranger

A distinguished career in journalism, cultural events at the Lycee Francais de New York, and expatriate services positions Pascale as a well-rounded member. Her role as Conseillère des Français de l’étranger demonstrates her commitment to serving the global French community.

 

  • Brenda E. Levis – Founder of NYC Navigator

Brenda’s entrepreneurial spirit and extensive experience in global relocation services bring a unique perspective to the board. Her understanding of the challenges of international moves enriches discussions on the evolving landscape of education.

 

Tessa International School is privileged to have an Advisory Board comprising individuals with diverse expertise, united by a common goal—nurturing excellence in education. Their selfless dedication, strategic vision, and commitment to Tessa’s mission ensure that our school continues to thrive and provide an exceptional learning environment for all our students. We extend our deepest gratitude to each trustee for their invaluable contributions and look forward to a future of continued success under their guidance.

Tessa Teachers on the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Tessa International School

Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful time to celebrate the vibrant cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. At Tessa International School, where a rich mosaic of Hispanic cultures is represented among our community of families and teachers, we are deeply committed to embracing all of our cultures and providing a global education experience. During this special month, we came together to honor Hispanic heritage in various engaging ways. Let’s take a closer look at some of the activities that took place this past month:

 

Embracing the Cultural Diversity of our Educators

 

We began by showcasing the cultural identities of our Spanish team. On the first day, they dressed in clothes representing their Hispanic backgrounds. It was a colorful way to highlight the diverse Hispanic community at our school.

Tessa Teachers on the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month

“Cuentos del Árbol”

 

The highlight of our celebration was a bilingual play called “Cuentos del Árbol” (“The Tree of Tales”). It was performed by the PushCart Players, a group known for educating children through theater. The play was about a special tree that sheltered and nurtured many characters. This tree symbolized the shared heritage and experiences of Hispanic and Latino cultures. The kids loved the performance, and they got to practice their Spanish while having fun.

Bilingual play for Hispanic Heritage Month

Exploring Hispanic Literature

 

During the month, our librarian and teachers introduced students to books that explored Hispanic culture. These books included stories, fables, and the achievements of remarkable Hispanic individuals. It was a way for our students to learn more about the Hispanic heritage.

Dressing Up and Dancing

 

Our youngest students represented different Hispanic cultures through dressing in special clothing. They received a visit from the PushCart Player crew, who were also dressed up in cultural outfits. Additionally, our Spanish teacher, Miss Miranda, taught some of her students how to dance the Merengue!

Astronomy and Inspiration

 

In one of their learning activities, PK4 students learned about Ellen Ochoa, a Mexican astronaut. She was the first Hispanic woman in space. Her story inspired our students and showed them that Hispanic individuals have achieved great things in various fields.

Hispanic Heritage Month at Tessa International School was a time of learning, celebrating, and coming together. Our students explored the rich Hispanic cultures and appreciated the contributions of Hispanic individuals. We look forward to continuing this journey of exploration, learning, and celebration in our multicultural world.

Embracing Diversity: 5 Things to Know About Yom Kippur

At Tessa International School, we take pride in the variety of cultures that make up our community. We have the chance to learn about and respect traditions from all over the world. Today, we’ll explore the heart of Jewish culture by looking at five important aspects of Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement.

 

Understanding Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is a significant day in the Jewish calendar. It falls on the 10th day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish year. This day is all about thinking, saying sorry, and making things right with God and other people. Jewish people worldwide use this day to ask for forgiveness for their mistakes and start the new year with a clean slate.

 

A Day of Fasting and Prayer

On Yom Kippur, Jewish people don’t eat or drink for 25 hours. This is a way to show self-control and get spiritually clean. People spend the day thinking deeply and praying. They go to special meetings at their synagogues. The prayers focus on admitting mistakes, saying sorry, and asking God for forgiveness.

 

Thinking About Our Actions

At Tessa International School, we believe in looking at ourselves and trying to become better individuals. Yom Kippur is a lot like that. Jewish people use this day to think about what they did in the past year and how they can be better in the coming year. It’s a reminder for all of us to think about our actions and try to improve.

 

The Sound of the Shofar

The shofar is an important part of Yom Kippur. It’s made from a ram’s horn and makes special sounds at the end of the holiday. This ancient instrument means waking up, thinking, and changing. Hearing the shofar reminds us to start fresh and try to become better people.

 

Our students practicing playing the Shofar

 

Seeking Forgiveness

Yom Kippur teaches us to say sorry to others and make things right when we’ve done something wrong. This lesson fits well with our school’s goal of making a friendly and inclusive community. By learning about Yom Kippur, we can understand why it’s important to say sorry and forgive others.

 

Tessa International School is a place where we can learn about and celebrate many different cultures and traditions. Learning about Yom Kippur can help us see the value of thinking, saying sorry, and trying to become better people, no matter where we’re from. By appreciating the traditions of different cultures, we make our school community stronger and better. Let’s keep learning from each other and growing together as we celebrate the rich mix of cultures that make our school special!

Where to Watch the Rugby World Cup Games: Tessa International School’s Guide

The Rugby World Cup in France is around the corner, and Tessa International School is excited to help you find the best spots to catch all the action. Our Rugby Association has put together a handy guide that lists top locations around Hoboken for watching the games, connecting the sport’s global appeal with our school’s commitment to world cultures.

 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the sport, our guide has something for everyone. We believe that rugby brings people together from different corners of the world, fostering cultural understanding and unity. That’s why at Tessa International School, we want to highlight this sport – it’s not just about the game, but also about celebrating the diverse tapestry of world cultures!

 

We’ve searched far and wide to find the most exciting places to enjoy the matches live. Get ready to experience the thrill of the World Cup with fellow enthusiasts from your community, as we celebrate the unique blend of sports and cultural exchange.

 

Teams, Schedules and More

Find all the dates, teams and more on the official rugby world cup website

 

Bars

Mulligan’s (159 1st St, Hoboken, NJ 07030)

Pig’N Whistle, (202 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018)

Stout Penn Station (133 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001)

5th&mad, (7 E 36th St, New York, NY 10016)

Finnegan’s pub (734 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ 07030)

Grace O’Malleys (140 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302)

Hudson Hound (8 Erie St A, Jersey City, NJ 07302)

 

Watch Parties

le Club des Bleus, French Morning

Friday, September 8, 3pm ET: France – New Zealand

Thursday, September 14, 3pm ET: France – Uruguay

Thursday, September 21, 3pm ET: France – Namibia

Friday, October 6, 3pm ET: France – Italy

 

Rugby New York

Saturday 9/9

– Australia vs. Georgia (12:00 PM)

– England vs. Argentina (3:00 PM)

Saturday 9/23

– England vs. Chile (11:45 AM)

– Ireland vs. South Africa (3:00 PM)

Saturday 10/7

– England vs. Samoa (11:45 AM)

– Ireland vs. Scotland (3:00 PM)

 

What is your pronostic? 

We are excited to announce that the Rugby Association has launched a thrilling bracket challenge for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, which kicks off next Friday. This engaging competition invites all families to participate and test their rugby knowledge as they predict the outcomes of the matches! It’s an excellent opportunity for our school community to come together and enjoy the excitement of the tournament. We will be sharing the results and leaderboards each week, adding an extra layer of anticipation and camaraderie to this exciting event. Get ready to join in on the fun and showcase your rugby expertise!

A Very Tessa March

With March comes the beginning of Spring, and with the beginning of Spring, new projects. Here is what we have been up to recently.

Women History Month

In the Classrooms

On Women History Month, our Spanish Primary students worked on writing (and presenting) biographies from women who have made important contributions. The children were grouped by two, and write findings down in Spanish. This activity teaches them research and presentation skills, new vocabulary and a new literary genre: biographies.

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Our Founder at NYCNavigator’s International Women’s Luncheon

Our Founder, Isabelle Bonneau, was invited by NYC Navigator to their International Women’s Luncheon, in honor of International Women’s Day. She presented her story as a woman entrepreneur and recounted how she founded Tessa.

Isabelle began her studies in Business Administration and worked internationally for 8 years, before moving to the United States. In 2007, she started Be Lingual, a premier language program for schools and language immersion summer camp. In 2017, after years of research and hard work, she opened Tessa with 14 children. She had the strong desire to bring to our community a multilingual school with high academic and socio-emotional standards, the likes of the best independent schools in New York City. 5 years later, we are very proud to be part of that vision brought to life, and to participate in the continuing growth of our beautiful school.
We congratulate Isabelle and her many accomplishments.

       

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One of Our Parents Invited to the White House!

Tessa French Kindergarten parent and PTO member Amy Boldosser-Boesch was invited by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to celebrate International Women’s Day at the White House.

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Amy attended the International Women of Courage Award ceremony, which honors champions of gender equality and social justice from around the world. Amy shared these remarks from the First Lady who gave a special message to girls during the celebration: “And to every girl who has ever wondered: Can I—one person, one voice, one girl—fix what’s broken? Let the women that we celebrate today be an answer to that question: An unequivocal yes.
When you learn and explore, when you raise your voice, when you move through the world with your shoulders back and your head held high, step by step, you shift the ground beneath you. Draw strength from the Women of Courage who came before, share that strength with the sisterhood that surrounds you, and the ripples of that power will transform our world.”

 

Francophonie Month

March is Francophonie Month, celebrating the French language and diverse Francophone cultures through cultural activities held worldwide.

March 20 has been observed worldwide as International Francophonie Day since 1988. The date commemorates the establishment of the Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique, the precursor to the International Organization of La Francophonie, the organization representing countries and regions where French is the first or customary language. Today, with 300 million speakers worldwide, French is the fifth most spoken language in the world; La Francophonie has 88 member states and governments.

 

Here is an overview of our French Program at Tessa:

 

St Patrick’s Day

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This celebration has been a source of learning opportunities at Tessa. Among others, our PK3s and PK4s Spanish met for buddy days and worked together on a themed craft: they practiced folding paper, cutting and gluing to make an accordion leprechaun. Our Primary students celebrated the end of their unit by presenting a project they have been working on these past few days: a leprechaun trap! They have been studying structures, and are now able to build their own. We are very impressed with the results!

 

 

New Friends in the Classroom

This month we welcomed new friends at Tessa! Eggs and caterpillars that turned into little chicks and beautiful butterflies. While the eggs were incubating, PK3 students were be able to observe them and watched the caterpillars create their cocoon. They learned about the cycle of life. These kinds of hands-on-learning activities are the perfect way to keep children excited and have them remember lessons for life.

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Recycling & Reusing

Our PreK4s made paper from scratch! They decided to recycle their paper scraps into brand new paper sheets. This fun activity teaches them how to reuse waste, and how to get creative with it. As part of their unit on How the World Works, and around the central idea “Materials behave and interact in certain ways, which determine how people use them”, students will explore how to transform matter and reuse it.

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We hope you liked this glimpse of the life at Tessa. And there is so much more happening! If you would like to know our school better, we invite you to come visit us!

End of Unit Projects in the IB PYP

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) promotes the holistic development of children. In addition to academic skills, the focus is on character building and social, physical and emotional development. Many lessons include problem-solving tasks and projects that encourage students’ creativity. Our students are regularly encouraged to choose creative ways of solving problems, also when presenting what they have learned at the end of a teaching unit. Each End of Unit is concluded by a celebration and/or a project. 

 

End of Unit Project

 

Last week, all of our primary students met to work on a project together, to conclude their unit of inquiry. At Tessa International School, we have three dual-language tracks: French, Mandarin and Spanish. Students from the different tracks love to interact with each other, sharing the language but also different concepts they studied independently in their classrooms. 

Their Unit of Inquiry, Who we Are, focused on the central idea that as responsible citizens, we contribute to our community.

They learned about: 

  • What a citizen is.
  • Rights and responsibilities of citizens.
  • Community helpers and their role in the wellbeing of our community.

 

For this project, they explored the use of community buildings, and the duties of community helpers.

Divided into small groups, they were given a problem: how could they reuse a big pile of cardboard (that they collected in a previous project) and make it into something useful to the community? They came up with the idea to build a city: they needed a hospital, a school, housing, a fire station… 

This project allowed them to put into practice various skills such as problem solving, team collaboration, geometry, civic education, literacy and arts- a true transdisciplinary activity!

 

The Leadership Idea in PYP

The PYP Unit of Inquiry strongly promotes ownership by empowering students to take action at the end of a teaching unit based on what they have learned. During their projects, PYP students are inspired to think about themselves and their world and to solve problems. 

Learning centers meet students’ individual learning needs

When you step into one of our PK or kindergarten classrooms, you’ll likely see small groups of students working intensely at different tables. Whether they’re arranging letters or pattern with blocks, students are clearly focused on their learning.

 

They are working at “learning centers”; and due to their wide variety of benefits, it’s one of the most popular learning strategies in preschool and kindergarten.

 

What are Learning Centers?

 

Learning Centers are several workshops in which students can focus on a specific activity (literacy-based, math-based, science-based etc.), and rotate. Learning centers are an integral part of the learning process.  They give the students an opportunity to put into practice what they have been learning.  They are an opportunity for students to practice skills both with others and independently. Centers also give teachers a chance to assist students on a more in-depth level using small group lessons.

Why are Learning Centers Important? 

 

  • Learning centers give students a sense of completion. They are presented with a task, they follow the steps to complete the task. They are able to take the activity from start to finish and complete it.  
  • Learning centers help develop confidence. The activities explored in the learning centers include a transdisciplinary approach.Students are able to complete the centers independently and you can watch their confidence soar!
  • Learning centers teach children to be independent. Centers allow students an appropriate level of challenge so they can work independently to reach a solution.
  • Children learn through play. The more an activity feels playful, make believe or game-like the more students will learn. When children feel like they are playing they’ll be more excited to do the activity and it will solidify  the skills. They are more likely to remember skills when they are playing with and manipulating materials, than simply doing a paper/pencil task.
  • In addition to promoting independence, learning centers give the teacher time to work with small groups and give extra attention to students in a smaller capacity. Learning centers offer so many ways to differentiate the instruction.

Centers at Tessa International School

 

There are two types of centers: Rotating Workshops and Center Time.

 

For rotating workshops, the teacher will generally create 3 to 4 groups (depending on the size of the class and the needs of the course) of 4-5 students.  

 

At least one group will work with the lead teacher, one with the assistant teacher, and one in autonomy. Students will work for 15 / 20 minutes on an activity and then rotate. 

Center times are activities located in specific areas around the classroom. Each specific area is also referred to as a center. Children work in small groups during center time, and they can also work independently.

At Tessa, each class has 5 centers: library, blocks, pretend, art, and discovery (math and science together). 

Children choose which center they want to go to, with a limitation of 3 children per center. 

These hands-on activities are a lot of fun, and a great tool to ensure students get to practice what they have been learning. 

To learn more on our program and pedagogy, contact us, schedule a private tour or join one of our upcoming events!

Cross-Cultural Celebrations at Tessa

UN Day, Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, Diwali… Finding simple ways to celebrate different holidays in the classroom creates a culture of inclusion and deepens understanding. It is something that we really value here at Tessa International School. Our students and teachers come from over 60 different cultures and carry with them even more international backgrounds. Students come to class with their own unique cultures, traditions and languages. We, as educators, work to develop curriculum and practices that meet the needs of our diverse student populations. As our students learn more about themselves and the world around them, they come to understand what makes people the same—we are all human beings with the same basic needs and feelings—as well as what makes us different and contributes to diversity—such as traditions, skin color, foods and special practices.

 

We encourage our students to accept and celebrate differences all year long by celebrating their classmates’ traditions and creating an inclusive classroom. For Diwali 2021, our  parents came to school to celebrate and introduce the festival to the students. They created a beautiful display in the hallway, read stories, brought food, and organized crafts in the classrooms. Our teachers also studied the festival with the children: Diwali is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. 

Self-awareness in children begins to develop when they first start to distinguish between what is “me” and what is “not me.” Around the age of two, children begin to recognize physical differences and colors, applying what they’re learning to themselves and others. Over time, they become more aware of physical differences and go from questioning how people get different features—and wondering if they’ll change—to understanding that racial and cultural identity doesn’t change; it makes them a part of a larger group with similar characteristics.

 

As racial and cultural awareness develops in students, they gain a better understanding of how all of us can be (and indeed are) part of many groups, including various races, families, communities, cultures, regions and religions. 

 

At Tessa we encourage our students to celebrate the different cultures represented in the classroom and get them excited to explore these differences. Students seeing their own culture or the cultures of their peers represented in the classroom helps promote a deeper understanding of diversity through a collection of multicultural resources (books, toys, crafts etc.). 

Holiday celebrations are wonderful opportunities for students to learn about the beliefs, traditions and values that are important around the world. At Tessa we celebrate Chinese New Year; Diwal,Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, Day of the Dead and more.

 

There are so many ways to celebrate diversity in the classroom! For United Nations Day, students dressed in clothing representing cultures they relate to or like. We organize show and tell, where students bring and present artifacts from their culture to the classroom. We celebrate U.S. cultures too! We help children to realize that people from countries outside the United States have cultural celebrations. UN Day, Halloween, and  Thanksgiving are important opportunities to underscore that we all have cultures.

 

Our parents sometimes join a classroom to present a tradition to the students, and organize a themed activity. Music, crafts and storytelling are all great ways to study cultures. 

One of the greatest reasons for us to observe all these traditions at Tessa is the opportunity it offers students, teachers, and families to encounter one another in celebration of what we all bring to the table. It’s an occasion to have fun while strengthening the academic connections to students’ knowledge, background experiences, and ways of viewing the world. 

10 Reasons You Should Choose Chinese Immersion For Your Children

Why encourage your child to learn Chinese? Research shows learning other languages has cognitive and cultural benefits on developing minds. It also strengthens our sense of global awareness and unity, in and outside the classroom! Each language has its own unique benefits, and Mandarin’s are numerous. Some believe that learning Chinese is one of the best investments you can make! 

 

1/Chinese is the native language for 20% of the world’s population

Learning Chinese creates an immediate connection between your child and 1/5 of the world’s population.  That’s amazing!  Even if you have no plans to set foot in a Chinese-speaking country any time soon, there are nearly 50 million Chinese who live outside of China.

 

2/Chinese isn’t phonics based.  Learning it is memory-intensive

Kids have the best memory capacities in the world.  The Chinese language isn’t phonics-based so you can’t learn a small set of alphabets/sounds and be able to read the language.  It’s all memorization so the sooner your kids start, the better. Learning Chinese will strongly develop your child’s memorization skills. 

 

3/ Chinese will give English-speaking children a different paradigm for thinking

Languages affect the way we think, and therefore our perspectives.  Giving kids a different language, particularly one so different from their native tongue, means we are also giving them a different paradigm for thinking.  Bilingual kids are more likely to see things from different perspectives.  They are more likely to be emphatic with others.

 

4/ Learning the Chinese language is the prerequisite for learning the Chinese culture and history

Language shapes our cultures.  For example the Japanese/Korean language retains its various forms of politeness, which reinforces the hierarchical order in their societies.  Asian languages tend to be more subtle while the English language is much more direct.  To really learn a culture (and Chinese is an interesting one), learning the language is a must.

 

5/ Learning Chinese will be a career advantage

Career advantages for learning Chinese are numerous.  The ability to communicate to over one billion people has major value in the job marketplace. Of course, this includes companies in China and other Mandarin speaking countries. But companies all around the world are striving to tap into the Chinese marketplace, and you’ll immediately differentiate yourself if you can speak Mandarin.

 

6/ It’s really an art class

Chinese characters are made up of multiple components that fit together to create meaning and pronunciation. As children will mostly be learning pictographs and characters that have clearer visual meaning, characters become mini pictures. This can make learning characters a lot more fun and easier for children to both remember the characters by creating stories and writing by constructing pictures for each one. 

 

7/ Your child will become bilingual in Chinese in a way they never could have otherwise

Immersion is the most efficient (and some would say the only) way to gain fluency in a target language, and Mandarin Chinese is no exception. The Chinese language is often considered one of the world’s most difficult languages to learn, but this sentiment is a major oversimplification. Like any language, learning Chinese has its challenges. Placing your child in an ideal learning environment is key to learning Chinese. 

 

8/ Mandarin contributes to developing stronger Math skills

Yes, there is actually a scientific correlation between learning Mandarin and improved mathematical ability. Scientists theorize that because Mandarin representation of numbers is less abstract than Arabic numbers, and because the act of practicing handwriting requires repeated counting, young children gain greater familiarity with math and with numeric thinking. In learning Mandarin, the mathematical concepts are integral to the language fluency, and not a separate subject activating a different part of the brain.

 

Because Mandarin Chinese involves learning language, sounds, drawing, and math all at once, it activates more regions of the brain and improves cognitive development overall, even in adults. In fact, speakers of Mandarin use more of their brain more of the time, unlike English speakers who tend to alternate between left and right hemispheres. In theory, this more balanced brain could lead to greater overall creativity, enhanced problem-solving, and increased emotional intelligence.

 

9/ Mandarin helps having a better interpretation of symbols

Since Mandarin writing relies on thousands of characters, learners of Mandarin Chinese have to read and interpret a vast number of visual symbols, activating more regions of the brain than English, which relies on a phonetic alphabet. Through learning Mandarin, children can become more adept at visual communication, more readily interpreting symbols in visual art and understanding nuances in symbolism and visual communication.

 

10/ Speaking Mandarin may offer kids a musical edge

Kids who speak Mandarin may outperform kids who speak English in at least one aspect of musical ability — perceiving pitch. Pitch refers to how high or low a sound’s frequency is. In tonal languages, such as Mandarin, pitch is very important. These languages use different pitch patterns to give meaning to words.

 

Join us at Tessa International School

Discover why our bilingual curriculum is one of the best! Explore how we combine learning with fun, making new friends, and encouraging a global mindset.

Tessa International School

Office: (201) 755-5585 | Location: 720 Monroe St. Hoboken, NJ 07030