Posts

Our Spanish Nursery teacher guides toddlers in language learning.

Raising a Bilingual Toddler: FAQs and Expert Tips for Success

/in , , , /by

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! 

 

Two happy French track Kindergarteners at Tessa International School

Why Kindergarten is Important

/in , , /by

Does a good Kindergarten experience matter? The answer is yes. A 2010 study conducted by Harvard University economist John Friedman found that a strong Kindergarten education significantly impacts an individual’s academic success and overall life achievements. Typically, children begin Kindergarten between the ages of 4 and 6. Regardless of whether they have prior preschool experience or not, this crucial transitional year sets the foundation for learning and development, establishing skills and habits necessary for early school success, academic achievement, and overall development. 

Three French Track Kindergarteners at Tessa International School are developing their bilingual skills with the teacher.

A year in kindergarten can nurture well-rounded individuals ready for lifelong learning.

Benefits of Kindergarten

Kindergarten offers a range of age-appropriate and engaging experiences often unavailable at home or in daycare centers, exposing students to developmentally beneficial opportunities. 

Social and Emotional Learning

Kindergarten acts as a bridge between the secure home environment and the outside world. It encourages young learners to interact with peers and teachers while practicing essential social and emotional intelligence skills. These foundational skills continue to be critical as children grow and navigate later stages of life positively and confidently.

Language Learning and Communication Skills

Kindergarten immerses children to a more language-rich environment that enhances their vocabulary and conversation abilities. Children expand their language skills naturally through regular verbal interactions, learning new songs, and everyday story time. 

At Tessa International School, all students from PK2 to Grade 5 thrive in a bilingual environment, learning English alongside their target language (Spanish, French, or Mandarin). This bilingual approach provides additional resources and opportunities for Tessa Kindergarteners’ language development. You can learn more about the benefits of early bilingual education here.  

Physical Development and Motor Skills

Numerous physical educational activities are involved in a high-quality Kindergarten experience to support a child’s general physical growth. Structured and unstructured play, along with different kinds of sports, help children improve their balance, coordination, and general fitness. Additionally, creative projects like painting, drawing, and crafting also help kids develop their fine motor skills, essential for complex tasks such as writing and detailed drawing.

Academic Performance

Longitudinal data show that children in full-day Kindergarten demonstrate greater gains in reading and Math achievement. These students are better prepared to excel academically, gaining an advantage over peers with less exposure to structured learning environments.  

Learning Independence

Kindergarten provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn responsibility and self-care. School routines, such as organizing personal belongings and completing teacher-devised tasks, help students build independence. At Tessa International School, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) nurtures this individual agency even further, empowering students to become active and self-directed learners from an early age.

Kindergarten at Tessa International School

Tessa International School offers a comprehensive educational journey from PK2 to Grade 5. Our Kindergarten program represents a significant shift in a child’s educational experience, emphasizing the three pillars of our School Mission: Bilingualism, Excellence, and Happiness.

Tessa’s KG program balances the more structured environment of Primary School with the play-based learning of Preschool. Through a curriculum integrating world-renowned educational practices, Kindergarteners build foundational literacy and numeracy skills while fostering individual development in a collaborative and multicultural environment.

  • Bilingual Program: With 80% immersion in the target language, students are not merely taught Spanish, French, or Mandarin—they also learn in these languages, integrating biliteracy into their daily interactions and studies. 
  • Social & Emotional Development: Ensuring the well-being and happiness of our students is at the heart of Tessa education. We provide robust psychological, physical, and interpersonal support for students to cultivate a lifelong passion of learning. Our personalized engaging learning approach also fosters optimism and compassion, shaping kindergarteners into caring and engaged global citizens. 
  • World-Class Education: Rooted in the inquiry-based IB framework, our KG program not only teaches knowledge but also cultivates critical hard and soft skills. Incorporating the international and local curricula, it lays a strong foundation for academic success.
  • Academic Challenge: Our program is thoughtfully structured for students to reach their full potential. Children are constantly and positively challenged in creative and critical thinking, inquiry, problem-solving, getting used to and enjoying striving for their best.
A Tessa kindergartener at his graduation ceremony with the proud teacher

At Tessa KG program, our mission is to foster bilingualism, excellence, and happiness in children.

 

FAQs

Q: What will my child do in Kindergarten? 

A: What kids learn in Kindergarten differs by school, but key subjects typically include basic concepts of reading, writing, Math, science, arts, and social studies. Extracurricular activities also play an important role in providing a well-rounded learning experience. You can discover Tessa International School’s Kindergarten Curriculum here. 

Q: What makes a good Kindergarten?  

A: A high-quality Kindergarten experience sets the tone for lifelong learning. It will enable your child to learn and practice the essential skills that they will need to be active learners even beyond the classroom over the time. At the core of a good KG program is a safe and nurturing environment, promoting the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children. Key components may include inclusivity, qualified teachers, supportive parents, and a mix of structured and spontaneous learning opportunities. At Tessa, we emphasize these components to create an enriching experience for every child. 

Q: What differs Tessa’s KG Program from other schools? 

A: Tessa International School’s Kindergarten program stands out due to its bilingual immersion, where students learn in Spanish, French, or Mandarin, rather than merely learning the language. It intentionally blends the structured approach of Elementary School with the play-based learning of Preschool, ensuring a balanced development of both academic and social-emotional skills and preparing children for next education levels. Rooted in the IB PYP framework and enriched by practices from rigorous international and local curricula, Tessa’s program fosters a global perspective in students. The emphasis on independent inquiry and multiculturalism ensures students are prepared for future academic and life challenges. You can learn more about our KG program here. 

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

 

What Your Kids Can Learn from The Olympics

/in , /by

The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics will begin on July 26, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. Beyond the thrill of live sports, this global event presents a multifaceted learning opportunity for these incredible moments that transcend competitions. With the Olympics just days away, here are some of the valuable lessons for our children. 

The Olympics can inspire future generations.

Spirit of Sportsmanship

The Olympics Games exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship on a global scale. It is a powerful lesson for kids to watch athletes competing not only for victory, but also to celebrate the values of Olympism: excellence, respect, and friendship. These moments foster children’s mutual understanding of camaraderie, solidarity, and fair play, all essential for their personal development into well-rounded individuals.

Collaboration and Teamwork

The Olympics provide an excellent platform to enlighten children to collaboration and healthy competition. Events such as relay races and team sports educate children on the importance of working together towards a common goal. When children observe how a team succeeds, they realize that supporting and encouraging their peers is as crucial as individual achievements. 

Through teamwork , children learn to combine their strengths, negotiate ideas, and produce high-quality work.

Cultural Awareness

Since its emergence in Ancient Greece, the Olympics h ave symbolized a cultural gathering. As a global event bringing people from nearly every corner of the world, it communicates messages to all human beings. This grand event promotes children’s global awareness by demonstrating our shared humanity despite differences. 
This is particularly relevant for our bilingual students, who are already learning to navigate multiple languages and cultures. In following weeks, watch parties will be hosted for students in all language tracks at Tessa Summer Camp. When children see the vast array of unique flags, clothing, and skin tones, they gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world’s rich diversity. Cultural appreciation and awareness significantly contribute to a child’s positive self-image and encourage them to create a diverse social network as they grow up.

A class of primary students at Tessa International School holding up a poster of the earth written in Spanish.

At Tessa, children are introduced to other languages and cultures to enhance their cultural awareness.

 

“We must make sport available to all children, regardless of their personal situations and backgrounds, and the Olympic Games are the perfect way to inspire them.” 

– Aksel Lund Svindal, the two-time Olympic champion. 

 

What is unique about the Games is the capability to reach everyone, including the youth. As parents and educators dedicated to preparing children as happy and excellent world citizens, we can enrich and inspire our children through the Olympics. Let us encourage our kids to watch the Olympics not just as an entertaining sporting event but also as a global classroom, full of valuable life lessons.

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

We offer bilingual education.

Bilingualism at Tessa International School

/in , , , /by

As communities worldwide become more interconnected, bilingualism has emerged as a crucial asset, enriching individuals’ lives in myriad ways. Bilingual instruction is also unparalleled compared to other learning strategies and has proven tremendously beneficial to students. 

At Tessa, bilingualism is one of the three core pillars of our school philosophy that craft our educational approaches. We challenge our students in English, French, Mandarin, or Spanish, empowering them to reach their full potential. 

Benefits of Bilingualism

Beyond facilitating cross-cultural communication, early exposure to bilingual education also offers a wealth of cognitive and academic advantages. 

  • Bilingualism improves executive functioning and builds cognitive connections in the brain – the parts responsible for multitasking, memorizing, focusing, and planning. Findings show that bilingual children are on average 6.5% more efficient in their thinking skills than monolingual children. 
  • Researchers at American University show that by the end of middle school, students in dual-language programs were performing one grade level higher on reading assessments than their peers who were not enrolled in these programs. 
  • In a large-scale study of Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 students, bilingual students outperformed monolingual students in mathematical reasoning and problem solving.

Learn more about advantages to have a bilingual brain through the video below:

Our Immersion Progression Model

Bilingualism is integral to every stage of the education experience at Tessa. To ensure that our students develop strong language skills in both English and the target language, the Immersion Progression Model is strategically designed and applied. For an overview, our 80:20 immersion (Preschool) and 50:50 dual-language (Primary School) teaching approach is designed to promote students to become fully bilingual and biliterate. 

80:20 Immersion Stage: From Nursery through Kindergarten, the majority of instruction (80%) is conducted in the target language, allowing students to build strong, life-long foundations in the language.

“Bilingualism is an experience that shapes our brain for a lifetime.”

– Dr. Gigi Luk, the associate professor at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education

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. 

To meet this ideal, different language teachers – all of whom are native speakers of the language they teach – regularly collaborate to exchange their classroom observations and enhance the learning experience. Our teachers not only teach the language but also teach content through the target language, which enables students to gain linguistic competence while making academic progress in core subjects, including Science, Social Studies, Language & Literacy, and Math.

 

Check out this short video of our students talking about bilingualism: 

 

The power of bilingualism is undeniable, conferring a multitude of advantages that improve individuals’ lives and enhance society as a whole. By embracing bilingualism, our students are prepared to navigate the complexities of the globalizing world with confidence and proficiency.

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more! 

A boy is reading a book.

How Bilingual Children Learn to Read

/in , , , /by

It is a common misconception that bilingual students might lag behind their monolingual peers in reading proficiency. In fact, decades of research have proved that bilingual students may become advanced readers and show advantages over their peers in a single-language learning environment. With encouragement and practice, bilingual children are able to achieve full biliteracy! 

How Bilingualism Puts Readers at An Advantage

A bilingual student is reading.

Bilingual education enables students to develop key components of successful reading.

Metalinguistic Awareness Development

Research has shown that bilingual children possess more elaborate reading strategies than monolingual children, presumably due to higher metalinguistic skills. 

Metalinguistic awareness refers to the ability to reflect upon and manipulate the structure of language. It is a set of skills that are related to multiple linguistic elements, including phonological, morphological, syntactic, and lexical awareness. To some extent, bilingual children can transfer these skills involved in learning one language to another, consequently accelerating their language learning.

Literacy Acquisition

As bilingual children develop their metalinguistic skills and language proficiency, they can gain further advantages in literacy acquisition. Exposure to multiple languages from a young age enables them to better understand the word structure and build a broader vocabulary range. These foundational capabilities could explain the finding that bilinguals tend to spell more complex vocabulary words in later grades.

“Students in dual-language immersion programs perform as well as, or better than, their peers in core academic content areas by late elementary school. […] By the end of middle school, students in dual-language programs were performing one grade level higher on reading assessments than their peers who were not enrolled in these programs.”

– Researchers from American University, 2016

Cognitive Development

Bilingualism fosters cognitive development, providing students with a robust cognitive reserve. Bilingual individuals typically exhibit stronger working memories and attention spans, contributing to academic and behavioral enhancements. Moreover, their ability to switch between languages cultivates flexible thinking and problem-solving skills. By navigating between different linguistic systems, bilingual students become adept at critically evaluating and resolving complex tasks.

 

Bridging the Gap: How Bilingual Children Excel in Reading Over Time

Bilingual children’s journey to reading proficiency is shaped by unique factors, including their exposure to two languages. Research shows that bilingualism does not confuse or delay reading development—in fact, it can lead to advantages over monolingual peers. For instance, children exposed to two languages from birth (simultaneous bilinguals) often outperform monolinguals in phonological awareness tasks, such as identifying or manipulating sounds in words. Meanwhile, children who acquire a second language later, such as sequential bilinguals learning English in school, may initially rely more heavily on vocabulary skills. However, by the fourth grade, these sequential bilinguals typically catch up to their peers, demonstrating no lasting disadvantages in reading development. This highlights the resilience and adaptability of bilingual learners as they navigate two linguistic systems, ultimately fostering stronger cognitive and language skills.

How to Help Bilingual Students Gain Reading Fluency

Our teacher helps students in literacy acquisition.

With sufficient support, students can boost their reading abilities in both languages.

Even though bilingual education can provide students with many unique strengths, without proper instruction, their literacy in one language may become stunted. Here is a list of possible methods that adults can use to promote their students’ reading skills:

  • Recognize differences between the languages that may confuse emergent bilingual students. For example, extra support may be necessary for English-speaking students learning the Chinese writing system. 
  • Select strategically between the simultaneous and sequential dual-language programs for students. For instance, the Immersion Progression Model at Tessa International School facilitates a smooth transition from full immersion to balanced bilingual education, ensuring optimal language development.
  • Assign reading tasks in both languages to reinforce literacy skills across all languages in a student’s repertoire.
  • Encourage students to read aloud to each other, providing opportunities for collaboration and confidence-building.
  • Engage families in students’ bilingual language development by providing take-home library books and other resources to strengthen language skills outside the classroom. 

 

Fostering positive attitudes toward bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism is essential for creating optimal learning environments. While the journey may differ from traditional monolingual learning, bilingual education offers unique advantages that empower bilingual children to excel in reading and language skills for a lifetime.

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

Why Early Bilingual Education Boosts Brain Function and Development

Why Early Bilingual Education Boosts Brain Function and Development

/in , , /by

There has been an immense amount of discussion and research done on bilingualism in recent years. As scholars and educators dive deeper into the effects of studying multiple languages, more and more evidence is found to support international language learning.

Over the past two decades, researchers have focused specifically on the cognitive benefits gained by children who are introduced to bilingualism at an early age. Specifically, they have measured the ways in which children learn and react to various aspects of their education and found astounding results for multilingual children.

According to NPR.org, these results show benefits so great, they will be utilized and carried throughout your child’s entire life. It is a lifetime of learning in a way that is unparalleled to any other learning approach available.

Bilingual Education Benefits

While the benefits of bilingual education are exponential, there are several benefits that are so great, they should be considered priority in terms of learning. Among these benefits are invaluable skill mastery of things like problem solving, concentration and focus on any given task, and the ability to think critically and choose words with purpose and meaning.

“Researchers found that young adults proficient in two languages performed better on attention tests and had better concentration than those who spoke only one language,” according to LiveScience.com.

Problem Solving Skills

For starters, children who are introduced to a second language, are essentially challenging their brains to sort out multiple information and channel appropriate times to use each piece. By doing this, it is similar to solving riddles or puzzles – it forces the brain to consider information as a whole (call it “big picture thinking”) and sort out conflicting data. In terms of language learning, the child must sort out each language and decipher which language is appropriate to use at different times.

“Bilingual people often perform better on tasks that require conflict management… (because they possess) the ability to ignore competing perceptual information and focus on the relevant aspects,” explains the US National Library of Medicine.

Mastering Focus

Another benefit of bilingual education is the inadvertent mastery of focus and concentration. Since bilingual children must constantly think before speaking in order to ensure they choose the correct language to adequately communicate, they are naturally training their minds to reach mastery levels of focus and control.

“Because both of a bilingual person’s language systems are always active and competing, that person uses these control mechanisms every time she or he speaks or listens. This constant practice strengthens the control mechanisms and changes the associated brain regions,” the National Library of Medicine explains.

Critical Thinking

This level of concentration and focus that children with bilingual education will master, is what leads to an impressive critical thinking development. Essentially, by training their minds to pause before speaking and focus on what they wish to say, bilingual students learn the basis for a lifetime of critical thinking skills.

“Bilingual children as young as age 3 have demonstrated a head start on tests of perspective-taking and theory of mind – both of which are fundamental social and emotional skills,” reports NPR.org.

Overall, children who participate in bilingual education programs are proving to be more adept at communication in general, as well as having a greater cognitive ability and focus than their monolingual counterparts. Research continues to pour in on the benefits of bilingualism in early childhood education, but the results already reported have shown exponential plusses to international language learning.

 

Learn more about a bilingual education at Tessa International School here.

Students of Tessa International School with their Mandarin teacher

10 Reasons You Should Choose Chinese Immersion For Your Children

/in , , /by

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! 

A primary school teacher instructs Mandarin to her Grade 1 students at Tessa International School's Mandarin Track.

Learning Mandarin Chinese, one of the most widely spoken languages worldwide, can be a rewarding experience, offering cultural understanding and professional opportunities.

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. 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.

3. 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. 

4. 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. 

5. 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.

6. 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, and they are more likely to be emphatic with others.

7. Learning the Chinese language is the prerequisite for learning the Chinese culture and history

Language learning enables us to unveil the deep meanings embedded in cultural concepts, idioms, and historical texts, which are too complex to be fully captured in translation. Classical Chinese poetry, for instance, relies on linguistic nuances and historical allusions that lose depth when translated, making it difficult to fully appreciate works like Li Bai’s verses. Similarly, Confucian teachings, such as 仁 (rén)—often translated as “benevolence”—embody layers of philosophical and cultural significance that require a deep understanding of the language. To truly understand a culture, learning its language is essential.

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. 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.

10. 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, such as a language-rich program like Tessa Mandarin Immersion Program, is key to learning Chinese. 

Mandarin Chinese Programs at Tessa International School

Tessa Mandarin Immersion programs combine the US Common Core and Chinese National Standards with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework to provide a comprehensive bilingual education from Nursery to Grade 5. Our program is designed to nurture bilingual Mandarin and English speakers while fostering a global perspective, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.

 

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

 

The Effects of Early Educational Bilingualism on Cognitive Development

The Effects of Early Educational Bilingualism on Cognitive Development

/in /by

When it comes to the topic of bilingualism in early childhood education, many parents often find themselves questioning when – and if – to introduce a second language to their children. The question being, whether or not the additional language studies would serve to benefit or inhibit their child’s cognitive developmental process. For some, the subject may be less of a choice and more of a necessity or way of life (think homes with bilingual family members already), but for many, the decision can bring many questions as far as how bilingualism will affect the cognitive development of their little one.

With decades of research devoted to studying these effects, scholars and researchers have been focused on the correlation between multiple language learning and developmental processes for quite some time now. In fact, many of these studies may seem a bit contradictory to others, making the outcomes somewhat confusing and raising even more questions for concerned parents. The truth is, however, as with all studies, new findings are possible every day and are revised to reflect the most recent and relevant information based on the latest comprehensive research. In other words, the more it’s studied, the clearer the picture becomes. So, what does this mean in terms of the effects of bilingualism on cognitive development?

Bilingualism and Cognitive Development

The number one concern for most parents considering a bilingual educational tract for their child is whether or not introducing a second language at a young age will cause confusion during a critical language learning time. Since understanding communication skills is critical to the successful development of virtually all other cognitive learning processes throughout their lives, it’s easy to grasp the basis for parental concerns for something that could potentially inhibit language mastery. The question becomes then, are these concerns for cognitive delays warranted, or are they part of some outdated research findings?

In order to answer that question, we must first take a look at the full picture. That is, we need to understand that there have been multiple studies done on the topic over the years, which inevitably leads to different findings. The key is to examine the most recent and comprehensive studies available in order to ensure you’re not looking at older information that has since been rendered essentially irrelevant. It’s also important to consider all contributing factors involved with the success rates of bilingual children such as parental involvement and cultural influences on the overall cognitive development process.  

Previous Studies and Findings

Many of the earliest studies are what are behind the apprehension of today’s parents who are considering bilingualism for their children. Studies from decades past had showed a potentially slower learning rate for children who were learning two languages simultaneously – a rate which they attributed to the “confusion” of studying dual communication processes. It was believed that children were showing signs of inhibited learning because they were using both languages simultaneously – or “mixing up” the language of choice.

What these previous studies failed to do, however, was take into consideration the familial and socio-economic factors that helped determine a child’s overall understanding of communication. They also didn’t fully grasp the degree of focus and ability these children were exhibiting by simultaneously mastering the concepts of not just communication, but compartmentalization and empathy as well. Essentially, in the earliest studies, what was once viewed as confusion has later become better understood as a heightened sense of cognitive development and overall communication mastery by young children.

Recent Studies and Findings

In contradiction to earlier research, the latest studies today have shown immense cognitive development benefits in bilingual children. Not only has the theory of confusion been discredited, but researchers have found that children who are introduced to a second (or third) language during early childhood educational stages have a much higher level of overall learning comprehension as well as a more developed sense of values and problem-solving abilities than their monolingual counterparts.

“Research has shown that, contrary to what many people once believed, bilingualism does not trigger confusion, has no inherent negative impact on children’s development and even has some socio-cognitive advantages,” explains the Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development (EECD). These advantages come in the form of a more developed level of intellectual focus, higher overall test scores, greater problem-solving skills, a heightened understanding of non-verbal context, and more flexible cognitive abilities in general. In other words, recent studies have shown that bilingualism, when introduced in early childhood, not only has no negative associations with cognitive development, but also comes with a large number of invaluable benefits instead.

Overall Benefits to Developmental Process

Since the brain function of a child learning dual languages requires that child to not only communicate, but correctly choose which language to communicate with, it forces bilingual children to fine-tune their ability to focus and concentrate. It also requires a sense of compartmentalization – a skill which will be crucial in later development. Essentially, young children who study multiple languages are getting a more well-rounded cognitive development than single language children because they are inherently learning multiple lessons at once.

“…Bilingual children show some advantages in understanding the beliefs of others and the communication needs of their conversational partners, picking out the important variables to solve a problem and entertaining two possible interpretations of the same stimulus at once,” writes the EECD.

It is important to remember, however, that these findings are largely dependent upon the outside factors involved in your child’s bilingual learning process. In order for your child to be truly bilingual (and not just a second language learner), requires a great deal of immersion studying and being surrounded by both languages – not just in the classroom. In order for young children to gain the greatest benefits from studying multiple languages, their learning process must be continued at home and on a regular basis, as well as during in-class studies.

Does Bilingualism Lead to Language and Speech Delays?

Does Bilingualism Lead to Language and Speech Delays?

/in , , , /by

Chances are, if your child is actively learning a second language at a young age, it’s with high hopes that they will someday become proficient bilinguals. Let’s face it, parents don’t generally enroll children in dual language studies without the desire for them to one day become fluent in multiple languages. Along the path, however, are some key questions and even concerns that should be addressed in order to give a child the best chance at achieving true bilingualism.

Will Bilingualism Cause Speech Delays?

One of the biggest questions parents of young children face when considering a second language for their child early on is – will bilingualism cause speech delays? The concern is a valid one to address since no parent wants to inhibit the learning path of their child by any means.

While many children often display what appears to be speech delays when exposed to dual languages, it’s important to note these pauses are not delays in learning. On the contrary, when a child takes pause to consider which language to use at which time, they are actually beginning to show a mastery of both languages. The “pause” or “delay” is a sign their minds are processing the information and learning not only the language cues, but also, to problem solve and compartmentalize simultaneously.

Does Multiple Language Learning Cause Confusion?

Often times children who are learning a second language may pull words from both languages in regular conversation. This “mix up” may be seen as confusion to some, but it’s actually a sign of high cognitive functionality and impressive progress. Since children are operating on a smaller vocabulary than adults, they often need to rely on tried-and-true words to describe things they don’t yet understand. By pulling other words, they are showing they understand a cross-correlation which will help them to eventually pull together a more complete picture.

“One misunderstood behavior, which is often taken as evidence for confusion, is when bilingual children mix words from two languages in the same sentence. This is known as code mixing. In fact, code mixing is a normal part of bilingual development, and bilingual children actually have good reasons to code mix,” explains the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s National Institutes of Health.

Should You Wait to Introduce a Second Language?

Many parents consider postponing bilingual studies until their child is older and believed to be more equipped to study a second language. The belief with this is that they want their child to master one language first before introducing them to another. While this may sound plausible in theory, in order to have the best chance at fluid bilingualism, most researchers agree it’s actually best to introduce multiple languages as early as possible.

Since our brains are poised best for learning at an early age, it makes sense to introduce more learning possibilities early on. As we age, our minds evolve and begin to adapt to several environmental factors as well as physical determinants that change our ability to learn new topics. In other words, the older we get, the more our minds work against us in our ability to pick up new concepts as easily as we did when we were younger.

So, what does all of this mean? Essentially, if you’re concerned about inhibiting your child’s ability to learn by introducing a second language early on, don’t be. Research shows that the earlier and the more frequently children are exposed to dual languages, the higher their chance becomes of being fluent in both later in life.

The Bilingual Student Advantage in STEM Learning

The Bilingual Student Advantage in STEM Learning

/in , , , /by

It’s no secret that language and literacy are the cornerstones to education. The more communicatively proficient your child becomes, the greater their overall educational experience becomes. This is because knowing how to communicate effectively is the basis for all learning subjects.

It goes without saying then, that by increasing your child’s language and literacy skills – say by adding a second language – you’re increasing their cognitive ability overall. In fact, more and more studies have discovered that bilingual children show signs of significantly higher comprehension across all academic subjects than their monolingual counterparts.

The Bilingual Advantage

According to NPR.org, “People who speak two languages often outperform monolinguals on general measures of executive function.” In layman’s terms, bilingual children are adept at deciding when to use each language, giving them a higher level of focus and cognitive abilities than children who speak one language.

Executive function control allows children to decipher speech – the basis for all learning – at a much greater level of authority. Since they are forced to consider each individual speaking circumstance to determine which language to use in each situation, bilingual children gain greater insight. This insight transpires into skills such as problem-solving, decoding, focus, and the ability to read social and environmental cues – all of which are prime skills for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning.

STEM Learning

STEM learning has long been a focus of educators and professionals across the globe. Studying the areas which are responsible for things such as medical advancements, scientific discoveries, pharmaceutical breakthroughs and global structural components are clearly an important set of studies.

There is a reason these areas are so important – they are complex and critical to the advancement of civilization as a whole. With such a complex set of subjects, many parents ask if there is any way to give their child an advantage as they introduce STEM subjects to their little ones.

Bilingual Bonus

You may (or may not) be surprised to learn that bilingualism is a fantastic way to prepare your child for future STEM studies. Going back to communication and language as the core for all learning, it’s easy to understand how a child who is highly proficient in literacy and language studies would have a smoother time picking up complex STEM studies.

“Bilingual children are able to focus more intently on the topics at hand and avoid distractions from academic pursuits. They are also able to demonstrate higher levels of cognitive flexibility, or the ability to change responses based on environment and circumstances,” reports TheAdvocate.org.

This ability to change responses and remain focused easily translates to better understanding things like scientific hypotheses and mathematical equations. The cognitive flexibility gives way to a deeper academic experience across all STEM studies in general.

Overall, the bilingual child is equipped with brain functions more powerful than others. This allows them to continue grasping more complex subjects and concepts throughout their lives. Their puzzle-solving, highly focused minds will pick up STEM subjects on a level high enough to sustain years of continued study and understanding.

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