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What Is The Best Age for Summer Camp? A Guide For Parents

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At what age should your child start summer camp? It’s a common question, and one without a simple answer. Determining a child’s readiness for summer camp is not solely a matter of age. Factors such as emotional maturity, social comfort, and self-care independence all play a significant role. 

A well-designed summer camp creates space for children to develop meaningful relationships, discover new activities, and gain confidence outside the classroom. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the “correct” age, this blog offers a practical framework for you to evaluate your child’s readiness and select an age-appropriate summer camp program, grounded in both developmental research and best practices.

Toddlers engage on Water Day at Tessa International School's Summer Camp.

Tessa International School’s Summer Camp programs meet a wide range of ages and developmental needs.

5 Questions to Assess Your Child’s Readiness for Summer Camp

What is your child’s current stage of social-emotional development? 

Can your child follow basic instructions, participate in group activities, and regulate emotions reasonably well? Children who have developed key social-emotional skills are better equipped to thrive in structured group environments like summer camps.

How does your child respond to separation from caregivers?

Participating in a summer camp can be a gentle and helpful step in practicing separation and developing independence. Especially for toddlers, these early experiences support smoother transitions into nursery school,  preschool, kindergarten, primary school, and other structured settings.

At Tessa International School’s Summer Camp, we offer weekly sign-ups and half-day/full day choices. The flexible registration options support you in planning a smooth and positive transition for your child adjusting to new routines. 

How excited is your child about the idea of going to camp?

Interest is a strong predictor of positive engagement. If your child expresses curiosity about camp activities or shows excitement about meeting new friends, it is a good sign they are emotionally ready. 

Are their interests matched with what the camp offers?

Some children thrive in active, outdoor settings; others prefer arts, STEM, or language-based enrichment. Matching your child’s preferences to the camp’s offerings supports both enjoyment and growth. 

At Tessa Summer Camp, children engage in a wide range of dynamic activities that span multiple subjects and formats—keeping each week fresh, engaging, and free from boredom. 

Are you, as a parent, ready?

Your confidence and comfort also matter. Children often reflect the emotional tone set by caregivers. If you feel assured in your decision, your child is more likely to embrace the experience with enthusiasm and ease. 

Recommended Summer Camp Programs by Age Group

Below are general guidelines to help you choose the right type of camp based on age and developmental expectations. Keep in mind that every child is unique, and these ranges are flexible. 

Ages 2–4: Introduction to Group Experiences and Language Foundations

This stage is marked by rapid development in language, emotion, cognition, and motor control. Toddlers and preschoolers benefit most from nurturing, play-based programs that emphasize storytelling, music, movement, and sensory exploration.

Language immersion camps are especially effective at this age. Research on bilingualism converges on the statement that it is most advantageous to learn two languages early on in life. Therefore, a high-quality language program, like Tessa Summer Camp led by native-speaking teachers, supports brain development and long-term language acquisition. 

Ages 5–10: Specialty and Skill Development Camps

As children enter elementary years, they are typically ready for more structured, theme-based programs in STEM, sports, art, or cultural exploration, which capture their curiosity while helping them build skills. This age group is also a prime period for deepening bilingual skills through language-rich learning. 

Ages 10 and Up: Overnight and Leadership Opportunities

Preteens and teens seek greater independence and personal growth. Adventure activities and overnight camps allow older campers to step out of their comfort zones and encourage self-reflection. These experiences build the kind of confidence that carries over into school, friendships, and beyond.

Tessa International School’s Language Immersion Summer Camp

At Tessa International School, our Language Immersion Summer Camp welcomes children ages 2 to 10 into an engaging, bilingual environment designed to support a wide range of developmental and linguistic needs.

  • Age-Appropriate Design: We create small, age-appropriate groups to meet campers’ developmental needs, ensuring every child feels safe, engaged, and supported. When our younger campers (ages 2–4) participate in play-based, sensory-rich activities, older students (ages 5-10) will engage in more challenging project-based learning and cultural exchange.
  • Differentiated by Language Level: We continue our focus on differentiated, student-centered instruction during the summer months. Whether your child is a beginner or already fluent, we provide leveled instruction and peer grouping that stimulate language development in French, Spanish, or Mandarin. 
  • Balanced outdoor and indoor fun: Each day at Tessa Summer Camp includes both indoor creative activities and outdoor energetic play, with dedicated sports teachers leading games and movement sessions to promote physical development. 
  • Cultural Enrichment: Each week will center around exciting new themes, introducing children to inspiring careers and fields with special visitors to enhance their experience. These themes are designed to spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and ensure variety each week. 

Our program is not only academically enriching but also intentionally designed to promote confidence and intercultural competence in a safe and stimulating setting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best age to start summer camp?

There is no universally “correct” age. Some children thrive in shorter, play-based camps as early as 20 months. Most children are ready to begin structured day camps around ages 5 or 6. For primary students, summer camps offer a more challenging and rewarding experience, allowing them to engage with complex themes and take on responsibilities. 

Q: What should I consider when evaluating a summer camp program?

Look for camps with a clear educational or developmental philosophy, trained staff, safety protocols, and activities aligned with your child’s interests. 

Learn more about how to find suitable extracurricular programs here. 

Q: How is Tessa International School’s Summer Camp different from others?

Tessa’s Summer Camp offers age-appropriate, bilingual programs in Spanish, French, and Mandarin. Campers enjoy a balanced mix of outdoor fun with dedicated sports instructors and indoor learning activities. Each week features a new career-themed focus, allowing children to explore real-world topics through hands-on projects. Tessa Summer Camp is a unique blend of language immersion, discovery, and summer excitement.

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

 

G1 French Students engaged in language learning in Tessa International School's Elementary Program.

Why Elementary School Is Not Too Late to Start A Bilingual Education

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Bilingual education offers incredible advantages for children, however some parents wonder whether it’s too late to start once their child reaches elementary school (typically teaching students between the age of 5-10 in the United States). The short answer is no. In this post, we will explore the lasting benefits of bilingual education for elementary students and provide practical tips on how to support your child’s language development at this crucial stage.

A Grade 2 girl in Tessa Spanish track completes her language assessment with her native-speaking teacher.

Tessa International School offers bilingual programs in Spanish, French, and Mandarin from PK2 to Primary (Grade 5).

Bilingual Elementary Programs Still Lead to Native Proficiency  

While it is ideal to start language learning at a younger age, a 2018 study performed at MIT, based on data from nearly 670,000 people, shows that it is possible for people to achieve native-like proficiency in a second language only if they start learning it by the age of 10. That is to say, elementary students are still in a prime window for language acquisition!  

Benefits of Bilingual Education for Elementary Students

Cognitive Growth

Research shows greater cognitive development benefits for multilingual children than for monolingual children. With the acquisition of more than one language, multilingual children demonstrate superior flexibility in cognitive thinking, helping them navigate more complex academic content. Moreover, a study comparing six-year-olds in Canada found that bilingual students performed better than monolingual students on activities that tested their executive function, which consequently enhanced their emotional regulation.

Social-emotional Development

Being bilingual supports children in maintaining strong ties with their family, culture, and community–all of which are key parts of a child’s identity construction. Ample evidence shows that active multilingual learning provides more opportunities for positive social-emotional experiences, such as building better relationships with teachers and peers and collaborating effectively with a diverse range of people.  

G1 Mandarin students discover emotions in the target language with their native-speaking teacher.

Strong scientific evidence supports that bilingual education is a worthwhile investment of time.

Academic Success

The common misconception that bilingual education may confuse children has been debunked by scientific evidence. Bilingual and monolingual children reach similar language development milestones at roughly the same rate. Elementary students also frequently excel in overall academic achievement. In addition to improving their performance in STEM subjects, bilingual education delivers more advantages in literacy by enhancing their metalinguistic awareness. 

“Older children get a higher form of academic language, meaning they grasp vocabulary. […] Those benefits only persist if the child keeps having exposure to that language.”

– Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a board-certified family physician specializing in youth development

How to Support Children in Bilingualism 

If your child reaches elementary school, and you wish to begin or boost bilingualism, here are some practical tips to help you.

Create A Language-Immersive Environment

Immersing your child in the target language allows for constant exposure and the need of using another language, helping build solid bilingual proficiency. Some parents may choose to relocate to a country where the language is spoken. Another more feasible option is to enroll your child in a bilingual elementary school. Even if you have no background in another language, the everyday interactions, lessons, and activities conducted in both languages at school can support your child develop a bilingual mindset. 

Encourage Socializing with Bilingual Peers

Interactions with bilingual peers further encourage your child to use the target language in real life. Positive relationships boost your child’s confidence and encourage natural language use. 

Expose Children to Cultural Experiences

Learning about the culture associated with a second language helps your child maintain an interest in language learning and deepen their understanding. Taking part in cultural activities, such as celebrating festivals that highlight the traditions and values of the culture, not only enriches your child’s language learning experience but also promotes their cultural awareness. 

Provide Age-appropriate Opportunities to Motivate Your Child

Elementary-aged children are capable of handling more challenging tasks, so it is important to provide opportunities that push their skills while keeping them motivated and rewarded. Encourage your child to participate in academic challenges, such as writing a short story, completing a language puzzle, or taking part in a spelling bee in the target language. Incorporating their interests, whether it is sports, art, or science, into language activities will keep them more engaged.

How Tessa International School’s Elementary Program Encourages Bilingualism

At Tessa, our bilingual program is crafted to ensure students acquire oral and written proficiency in both English and their chosen target language (French, Mandarin, or Spanish). Since Grade 1, students spend an equal amount of time with their English teacher and their target language teacher. 

Our teachers are highly credentialed native speakers, providing students with the highest quality instruction. Importantly, they don’t just teach the language; they teach in the language, immersing students in authentic linguistic experiences. With teachers collaborating to streamline students’ learning, this balanced dual-language approach ensures continued growth in both languages over the long term, preparing students for academic and personal success. 

 

FAQs

Q. Is it too late for my child to learn another language in elementary school? 

No! Although it is ideal to start bilingual education as early as possible, experts found that people can still achieve proficiency as native speakers if they start learning another language by the age of 10. Therefore, elementary school remains within the critical period of learning a language, especially when they are immersed in a structured, language-rich environment like Tessa International School. 

Q. Do bilingual kids do better in school? 

Learning another language boosts executive functioning and enhances metalinguistic awareness, so bilingual learners’ often demonstrate strong performance in subjects like Math, Reading, and Writing. Moreover, bilingual children tend to have greater cognitive flexibility. The ability to think and reason in two languages provides elementary students with more efficiency to understand complex ideas.

Q. How does Tessa International School support a balanced language acquisition in both languages? 

Our elementary programs employ the 50/50 dual-language model, where primary students from Grade 1 to 5 spend half of the week with their English teacher, and half of the week with their target language teachers. To sustain this balance, our quality native-speaking instructors regularly collaborate to streamline students’ learning, ensuring what is taught in one language is connected and applied in the other language. This balanced approach supports long-term growth in both languages fluency, preparing our bilingual students for future success. 

 

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.

Learn more about Tessa Summer Camp 2025 here. 

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! 

 

Students of Tessa International School with their Mandarin teacher

10 Reasons You Should Choose Chinese Immersion For Your Children

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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!

 

Bilingual Learning Experiences for the Holidays

Bilingual Learning Experiences for the Holidays

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Holidays may bring extended breaks from school, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a fantastic time to offer your children some unique learning experiences. In fact, the holidays are rich with opportunities for kids to broaden their knowledge on cultural and communicative topics, if parents provide them with the tools to learn. Let’s take a look at some of the fun and innovative ways children can expand their bilingual learning experiences at home during their holiday breaks from school.

Holiday Bilingual Learning Experiences

The fact is, children master the art of becoming bilingual much easier through immersion learning – or being all-encompassed in dual languages both in school and out. It goes without saying then that parents who make a point to incorporate language learning at home give their children a more thorough understanding of second languages and the greatest chance at being truly fluent in both as they grow.

So how do you go about incorporating a second language in learning experiences at home – especially over the holidays or extended times away from school? One of the easiest ways is by adding various cultural experiences to your family holiday repertoire in order to let your child see first-hand how other cultures celebrate the season.

Ways to Incorporate Cultural Learning Over the Holidays

There are virtually unlimited ways in which parents can add cultural learning experiences for their children over the holidays, so it’s really up to you which angle you choose to take. You don’t need to plan a trip to a foreign country in order to give your child a bit of immersion learning over break. There are things as simple as baking cookies from various cultures to acting out traditional activities practiced around the world – all of which will give your child an invaluable cultural experience and a better understanding of how others celebrate during this time.

If your child is enrolled in foreign language learning in school, that is a great place to start when considering cultural holiday learning activities. To expand on their learning, take a look at the traditions and practices of the language they are studying in school and plan some activities at home that will expand their understanding while they’re home on break.

Depending upon the culture, you could add a holiday baking day that allows your children to experience the various sweets enjoyed by their language of study. You could also prepare a holiday dinner together using the traditional foods and preparation of that culture. If food isn’t your thing, try looking into other traditions of the culture such as candle lighting ceremonies, parades, or even things like hiding brooms or placing shoes by a window – each culture has their own celebratory methods that are sure to enhance your child’s learning experience.

Keep the Learning Growing at Home

There are so many festivities and traditions celebrated by different cultures each year during the holiday season. Being on winter break from school doesn’t have to mean a break from learning – bring some culture and immersion learning into your child’s routine by trying new experiences and adventures related to their language learning. Do a little search to find out area festivals or activities you may have nearby or get ideas on how you can add fun learning tricks at home!

Improving Your Child's Language and Literacy Skills

Improving Your Child’s Language and Literacy Skills

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Few things are as critical to a child’s educational success as a firm grasp on language and literacy skills. The ability to communicate effectively crosses over into every area of study your child will embark upon in their lifetime. This fact alone makes these skills crucial to their future ability to grasp complex subjects.

The Importance of Language and Literacy Skills

Being proficient in one or more languages has unparalleled benefits that will be seen across the board in your child’s education. Since language is the basis for all teaching efforts (and also the key to communicating effectively overall), it’s understandable why it’s such an important skill to hone.

The importance of language and literacy skills go well beyond the communication aspect, however. Students who focus on deepening their language base will find themselves gaining proficiencies in their other studies as well.

According to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), students who excel in language and literacy show:

  • Greater test scores on standard tests
  • Higher levels of focus and understanding
  • Increased ability to grasp scientific hypotheses
  • Higher ACT and SAT scores
  • Greater problem-solving capabilities

These are just a few of the ways in which language and linguistics will lend to the greater overall educational success of your child. Since language development requires children to hone their focusing skills, they will then be able to apply the same level of focus to their other studies.

Literacy Learning Techniques

Whether your child is focusing on one language or multilingual studies, they will have set coursework within their classroom. It’s certainly no surprise that teachers have lesson plans for their students, but you may be surprised to learn how much things have changed since your days in the classroom.

Evidence has shown students respond well to teaching methods that incorporate several different learning aids. Some of these include items that can be used as visual props while others could use online programs and themed learning (animal week, gardening week, etc.).

The key to language learning in the classroom, however, is a focus on interactive conversational opportunities. It’s less about learning grammar rules and more about learning to actually communicate.

“The primary purpose of language is communication – grammar is important, but there’s a bigger picture. Language is no longer seen as being learned through mechanical exercises, it’s developed through students interacting and engaging,” explains Huw Jarvis, a professor at the University of Salford’s School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science.

According to Jarvis, motivation is the most critical component to driving a student’s interest in language learning. Since students tend to learn faster through immersion in situations which require them to find ways to communicate, allowing them to choose their own medium gives way to a greater desire to learn.

Developing a Desire to Learn at Home

In order to truly give your child the full-on immersion experience, it’s critical to continue the language and literacy learning experience outside of the classroom as well. Most parents understand that a child’s educational success is a multi-faceted experience that involves both home life and school life.

So how do we go about providing our children with enriching language learning experiences at home? Engage them and motivate them – it’s as simple (or as complex) as that.

“The best method is the method you like… Languages cannot be taught, they can only be learned,” explains Language Consultant, Luca Lampariello.

Finding out what motivates your child to learn at home involves a basic trial and error process. Unless you’ve already figured out how to motivate your child (and if so, kudos!), you may need to engage in some simple activities with them to see what they like. Find out what drives them to want to learn more.

Finding Out What Motivates Your Child

One of the simplest ways you can help your child nurture a desire to learn and excel with language and literacy is by different communicative experiences at home. Talk to them. Sing to them. Create stories with them involved. Allow your child to “read” you a story by telling you what’s going on in the sequential pictures. There are endless ways to involve them in language learning at home.

The National Center on Improving Literacy explains that by simple daily communication efforts at home, parents can help their child improve their language learning immensely. Daily communications can be as simple as a pointed discussion about their day (asking specific questions to get them to think and give detailed answers), or as thorough as labeling items at home for a language visual.

“Engage in joint reading, drawing, singing, storytelling, reciting, game playing, and rhyming. When joint reading, you and your child take turns reading parts of a book. When reading, ask her to connect the story… Give positive feedback and ask open-ended questions during joint reading to boost her interest and critical thinking skills.” – ImprovingLiteracy.org

By including daily language activities such as reading and storytelling, you’ll gain insight into what interests your child the most. Find stories that inspire them and pique their curiosity – this will help give them a stronger drive to learn more. Asking pointed questions on the topic will encourage them to focus on the task and go deeper for a greater understanding. No matter the topic, that will give way to an overall improved language and literacy experience.

A More Complete Learning Experience

If you want to apply a more direct learning approach at home, speak with your child’s teacher to discuss what methods are utilized in the classroom. Educators are usually more than willing to speak with parents about their teaching methods and how they can be enhanced at home.

You can also take a closer look in their bookbags to gain some insight into what they’re focusing on in the classroom. If you see they have a themed week at school, try continuing the theme at home. As examples, if they have a color theme for a week, use corresponding color foods in dinner plans, colored bath water, or planned outfits for school to bring up topics later.

They key to continuing language and literacy learning at home is to simply communicate. Communicate with your children about their days or share a good story with them. Communicate with their teachers to learn any tips or subject ideas to coordinate home learning themes and techniques with classroom learning. Above all, the most important thing you can do to help your child develop their language skills is to continue to engage them in communication. Talk with your kids and talk often – it’s that simple!

Language Spotlight Series: Spanish - Giving Your Child a Career Advantage

Language Spotlight Series: Spanish – Giving Your Child a Career Advantage

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More and more evidence has come to light in recent years in support of adding a second (or third) language to your child’s curriculum. While many parents may be apprehensive about introducing additional language learning to their child at a young age, research has shown early education is a fantastic time to begin bilingual teaching.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, studies have shown that the most important learning process of early education involves language and literacy development. These two skills, which are intertwined, form the basic foundation for all other learning processes your child will encounter the rest of their lives.

“The primary goal of early schooling is to establish the foundational skills upon which children will build their educational futures. The most important of these abilities are the language and literacy competence.” – The U.S. National Library of Medicine.

It goes without saying then, that a focus on language learning is the key to the best academic potential for children. In fact, adding dual language learning to their academia during early education years, serves to boost their comprehension skills even further, according to recent research by the National Institute of Health (NIH).

As the NIH reports, the Lindholm-Leary study, conducted in 2014, showed “…children in the bilingual program outperform(ed) the English-only instruction group in both English and Spanish test scores by the end of second grade.”

The research results leave us with compelling evidence in support of introducing bilingual learning at a young age. Which in turn, begs the question, “how do we choose which language is best?” Our Language Spotlight Series is going to take a look at two of the top ranked languages chosen for children around the world: Spanish and French. This month we will be focusing our articles on discovering the benefits of each language option, beginning with Spanish.

Spotlight on Spanish

According to international census results, conducted by Swedish educational group, Nationalencyklopedin.com, in 2010 there were 405 million Spanish speakers throughout the world. These census results showed there are nearly 50 million more people globally who speak Spanish than there are who speak English – and that was 9 years ago. The numbers are only increasing with each year.

What does this mean? Well, to put it simply, there are more opportunities for your child if they speak Spanish than there are if they speak English. Imagine the possibilities if they were bilingual and able to speak both.

“In the United States alone there are over 50 million people who speak Spanish as their native or second language. So even if you don’t fancy yourself a globetrotter, Spanish is probably the most useful language to learn…” – Babbel.com.

If you base your decision on numbers, Spanish is a likely front-runner for bilingual education options for your child, but it’s so much more than just a popular choice. Here are five of the top benefits to consider when choosing Spanish as a second language for your child’s early educational curriculum:

1 – Opportunities

When you choose a language that is the second most spoken language across the globe, you’re choosing so much more than just a language voted most likely to succeed or most popular in the annual polls. You’re choosing opportunities for your child.

With so many people speaking Spanish – both in the United States and around the world – learning the more common language seems a no-brainer. By learning to communicate with a larger base of the global population, you will be giving your child the tools to close gaps between cultures and open up lines of communication with endless individuals and multi-lingual opportunities.

“Spanish is the second most-spoken language in the world. The opportunities for Spanish speakers across the globe are endless!” – Leapfrog.com.

2 – Stronger Linguistic Core

Perhaps one of the greatest advantages to consider when signing your child up for Spanish language instruction, lies in the foundational work. While you may be afraid your child will be confused by using multiple languages in the early years, the contrary is actually true – particularly when learning Spanish.

English and Spanish share many commonalities in their core linguistics. In fact, both have strong Latin roots and have multiple words that are so similar they are basically the same (or literally, are the same) – and easily understood.

“Studying Spanish increases children’s understanding of the English language and how different languages evolve, which can also help with learning English vocabulary.” – Leapfrog.com.

Going back to the study findings listed above from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, language and linguistic learning is the most critical piece of your child’s early education. By extension then, choosing a course of study that helps boost your child’s ability to understand and develop these foundational linguistic skills makes perfect sense.

3 – Ease of Understanding

In a related benefit, since Spanish and English share so many commonalities, it also makes it a fairly simple language for young minds to pick up. There are literally thousands of words in the Spanish language that share a base with English words. Actually, there are several thousand that share an exact same spelling and meaning in both languages.

Words like capital, editorial, federal, hospital, manual, normal, and thousands more share the same meaning and spelling, just to give an example. English and Spanish are highly relatable and easily understood, so it goes without saying that the earlier you begin bilingual studies, the easier it is to pick up. With so many similarities, children will be able to pick up Spanish as a second language in no time.

4 – Breaking Barriers

Because learning a second language is more than just opening opportunities, it’s important to consider the bilateral advantages. While your child will certainly be picking up fantastic core linguistic lessons and opening doors to communicating with a larger portion of the global population, there is more to the picture.

According to Babbel Magazine, there are actually more Spanish speaking individuals in the United States than there are in Spain. The Spanish-speaking population in the United States is second in size only to that of Mexico – giving an even greater opportunity for immersion learning.

With a language as vastly used as Spanish, becoming fluent does more than just open communication lines – it breaks down communication barriers. When the language barriers are taken down, cultural learning and enrichment are open and available for even greater impacts on our children.

“Dual language programs show students a broader world-view, whatever the native language of the student, and lead to greater opportunities for collaborative learning.” – Huffington Post.

5 – Increased Fluency

When you consider all of the factors above, it makes sense to deduce that Spanish as a second language comes with an increased chance for fluency later in life when introduced at an early age. Combining the fact that the two languages share so many similarities, with the fact that they increase linguistic foundations overall, it’s easy to understand how your child will be building a strong potential for continuing their learning later in life.

“It generally takes five to seven years to be proficient in a second language… In other words, U.S. students should be introduced to a second language at a young age in order to be fluent by adulthood.” – Huffington Post.

Overall, when choosing a second language for early childhood education, a vast majority of parents have chosen Spanish for a multitude of reasons. With the increasing Spanish-speaking population and wide-spread use of Spanish across the globe, it’s certainly the most popular choice. It also shares a root in Latin-based linguistics, giving it so many similarities to English and making it an easy-learn for young minds.

Whatever your reason, introducing Spanish to early education students has unparalleled benefits across the board. Speak with bilingual educational professionals near you to learn even more advantages to Spanish instruction!

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.

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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.

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