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Children engage in physcial activities at Tessa Summer Camp.

10 Tips to Keep Children Active and Safe This Summer

June 20, 2025/in Enrichment, Summer Camp /by Tessa School

Summer is a season of sunshine, energy, and opportunities. However, the Climate Prediction Center forecasted that this year is expected to be warmer than average during the summer globally. With the arrival of long sunny days, it is important for families to ensure children remain engaged while also staying healthy and safe. Whether your child is attending a summer camp, spending time outdoors, or going on a trip with the family, these 10 practical tips can help them make the most of the season together!

Tessa Summer Camp supports families to make the most of this season filled with opportunities and discoveries.

1. Keep a Consistent Routine

While summer vacations bring more flexibility, children will still benefit greatly from a sense of structure and routines. Even simple practice, such as waking up at a regular time, having regular meals, and setting aside time for both play and rest, support children’s emotional well-being and encourage self-discipline.

2. Prioritize Sun Safety

Extra time outside means greater exposure to sun and heat, especially for our children. Dress them in breathable clothing, hats with brims, and UV protective sunglasses. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading outside, and reapply frequently, especially after swimming or sweating. Encourage them to take breaks in the shade and drink water regularly.

3. Enroll in a Well-Rounded Summer Camp

A thoughtfully designed summer camp can offer more than just entertainment; it supports development, sparks curiosity, and provides reliable care. At Tessa International School, our bilingual summer camp offers a dynamic mix of indoor and outdoor activities to inspire learning and exploration in Spanish, French, or Mandarin.

With themed weeks, age-appropriate instruction, and supportive professionals, our summer camp provides children ages 2 to 10 with a joyful, safe environment to build friendships, discover new interests, and stay active—all while being immersed in language and culture.

4. Balance Indoor and Outdoor Play

A good mix of inside and outside play can help keep kids from getting overwhelmed or restless. Time at the playground or in the garten offers space to move and explore, while indoor moments such as STEM explorations and language learning give room for calm and creativity.

5. Encourage Water Play—Safely

Whether it’s swimming or splash pads visiting, water fun is a seasonal favorite. However, safety is our top priority. Stay close and attentive around any body of water, even shallow pools or bathtubs. Teach basic water safety habits as early as possible, and use floatation devices where appropriate.

6. Travel Smart: Keep Safety Top of Mind

If your summer plans include travel, a little forethought can ease the journey. Equip your child with an ID bracelet or tags with contact information. Pack essentials like sunscreen, first aid kits, and comfort items such as their favorite toys or books to reduce your child’s possible anxieties in a foreign environment.

7. Keep a Healthy Balance with Technology

Summer offers a valuable opportunity to step back from screens. Excessive screen time, especially for young children, take away from valuable physical movement and in-person connection.

Instead of overrelying on digital entertainment, encourage children to explore hands-on activities, outdoor games, and creative projects. Set clear expectations around screen use, such as screen-free mornings or tech-free dinners, to help children stay more engaged with their surroundings.

8. Make Space for Discovery and Growth

Summer offers room for discovery, from experimenting with a different art form to picking up a new language. Smart risk-taking experiences can build confidence and resilience, maximizing children’s potential in a nurturing environment. At Tessa summer camp, we encourage age-appropriate challenges and spark their curiosity.

9. Stay Active as a Family

When parents and guardians model an active lifestyle, children are likely to follow. Consider family hiking, reading picnics, or trying recipes from different cultures. All these shared moments build connections while helping everyone stay physically and mentally healthy throughout the summer.

10. Keep Conversations Ongoing

Check in regularly with your child—ask what they are enjoying, what they are learning, and how they are feeling. Open dialogue helps children feel seen and supported, whether they are traveling, staying home, or attending camp.

With thoughtful planning and the right support, summer can be a time of meaningful growth and connection. At Tessa International School, we care deeply about helping families create enriching summer experiences. Our bilingual summer camp brings together fun, learning, and professional support, creating a space where children can truly thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What can working parents do with their child(ren) during summer?

Life can be busy. Having a plan in place early helps reduce both you and your child’s stress. If grandparents or other trusted guardians are available, their involvement can provide care and comfort. Many families also benefit from enrolling their child in a quality summer program. Most importantly, stay connected with your child throughout the summer. Even with a busy schedule, small but meaningful family moments support consistent communication with your children to ensure they feel supported and secure.

Q: Is summer learning loss a real thing?

Summer is a variable time for students due to the different learning patterns from the school year. Educational experts advocate for additional summer opportunities to reduce the slowdown or stagnation in students’ learning rates. Structured summer programs, such as Tessa International School’s Summer Camp, can provide a balanced mix of learning and fun, ensuring that children stay intellectually engaged while also enjoying their break.

Read more about how parents can turn summer learning loss into opportunities for children.

Q: How is Tessa International School’s Summer Camp different from other summer programs?

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!

Young students in Tessa International School's nursery school program engage in their Spanish immersion class.

Can My Child Handle Two Languages? Yes—and Here’s Why It’s Great for Them

June 17, 2025/in Bilingualism, Teaching and Learning /by Tessa School

Raising a bilingual child is an inspiring journey that combines both excitement and thoughtful considerations. “Will early bilingualism slow down their speech? Will they mix up the languages and get confused?” These common questions come from your care and love.

Fortunately, supported by decades of research, the encouraging news is this: your child is naturally equipped to acquire more than one language from an early age, and with the right environment, that ability blossoms with ease and excitement. Keep reading to learn why early bilingualism is a remarkable gift that nurtures your child’s long-term development.

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.

Why Young Brains Thrive on Bilingualism (or Multilingualism)

Natural Language Learners

Early childhood is a prime period when children’s brains are especially receptive to learning languages. Research indicates that infants as early as 20 months can recognize and differentiate between two languages for efficient comprehension. This innate ability to absorb the sounds, patterns, and grammatical structures of multiple languages happens effortlessly during the early years, but it gradually diminishes as children grow older. A study from cognitive scientists at MIT shows that learners who begin acquiring a second language after the age of 10 are less likely to reach native-like proficiency. This reinforces the importance of beginning bilingual education as early as possible.

Cognitive Advantages

Children exposed to two languages from an early age often show enhanced cognitive flexibility and executive functioning. Skills such as attention control, problem-solving, and task switching develop through the brain’s ongoing management of multiple linguistic systems. More importantly, these benefits don’t disappear with age, they continue to support academic performance and real-world functioning well into adulthood.

Language Confusions or Delays? No!

Numerous research has debunked this common misconception that learning two languages might lead to confusion or delay. In fact, children achieve the same milestones in language development at a similar pace as monolingual children, provided they receive consistent and meaningful exposure to both languages.

Two French Track toddlers actively engage in bilingual learning.

Early exposure to another language ignites children’s learning.

The Long-Term Benefits of Bilingualism

Academic Achievement

Bilingualism enhances brain function in ways that promote academic success. The analytical and reasoning skills fostered by dual-language learning contribute to higher performance, especially in reading comprehension and mathematical problem-solving.

Enhanced Communication Skills

Bilingual individuals often develop superior communication skills, including the ability to interpret non-verbal cues and adapt language use based on context. These skills are invaluable in both personal and professional settings.

Cultural Awareness

Exposure to more than one language also means exposure to more than one culture. Bilingual children are more likely to appreciate cultural diversity, show empathy, and engage with others from different backgrounds. In today’s interconnected world, these traits are as essential as academic success. Read more about how to cultivate global awareness here.

Future Opportunities

The professional advantages of bilingualism are clear. A 2019 U.S. employer survey revealed that 9 out of 10 companies rely on employees who speak languages other than English. Over half reported that the demand for bilingual and multilingual professionals would rise significantly within the next five years, particularly in sectors related to business development and global expansion.

How Tessa International School’s Nursery Program Foster Bilingualism

At Tessa International School, we offer world-class bilingual education for ages 2-10, offering immersion tracks in French, Spanish, and Mandarin. Unlike other daycare programs, our nursery program is uniquely designed to introduce a second language through joyful, play-based learning that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

A Bilingual Program: As highlighted above, the earlier children start with a second language, the more naturally they acquire it. Our nursery students benefit from daily exposure to two languages in meaningful contexts, helping them grow into confident communicators and culturally aware individuals.
A World-Class Education: Guided by the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB), our curriculum promotes inquiry-based learning. Our “roadmap” allows for exploration and flexibility, empowering even our youngest learners to follow their curiosity, take initiative, and begin developing the habits of lifelong learning.
A Play-Based Curriculum: Play is more than just fun—it’s a vital part of how young children learn and make sense of the world. Our curriculum blends purposeful activities with space for free exploration, supporting language growth and aligning with one of the three foundational pillars of our school: Happiness. You can download our Nursery Curriculum here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will learning two languages confuse my child or delay their speech?

This is one of the most common concerns among parents, but research has consistently shown that bilingual children meet language milestones at a similar pace as their monolingual peers. As long as they are exposed consistently to both languages in meaningful contexts, children are capable of learning two languages without confusion or delay.

Q: What are the benefits of bilingual education?

Bilingualism offers more than just the ability to speak two languages. It enhances cognitive development, supports academic success, and improves communication skills. Bilingual individuals also tend to develop greater cultural empathy and are better prepared for global career opportunities later in life.

Q: How does Tessa International School support early bilingual development?

At Tessa, our nursery program introduces children as young as 20 months old to a second language (French, Spanish, or Mandarin). Designed for young children, our approach blends structured inquiry with play-based exploration, all grounded in the global-renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) framework.

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

A parent happily accessing children's literacy skills

How Early Literacy Comes to Life in an Immersion Classroom at Tessa International School

May 29, 2025/in Language Learning, Teaching and Learning /by Tessa School

This is the second post of our Literacy Progression Series. Read the previous post here.

If early literacy begins with sound, play, and connection, what does that actually look like in an immersion classroom?

At Tessa, we intentionally design learning experiences that help children build the foundation for reading and writing in two (or more) languages. We don’t teach literacy skills in isolation. Instead, we nurture them through meaningful, inquiry-based units delivered entirely in Spanish, French, or Mandarin, at a time when the brain is naturally wired for language acquisition.

Literacy Through Play and Inquiry

In our Nursery, Preschool, and Kindergarten classrooms, literacy is woven into every part of the day, from storytelling and singing to block building and dramatic play.

Because our program is rooted in inquiry, children build early literacy as they explore big ideas and concepts like:

Self-expression through play and art: Children study paintings, respond with movement or words, and create their own representations using drawings, symbols, and language to express ideas.
Making meaning through science and communication: Children make predictions, test their ideas, and document their thinking using drawings, invented spelling, and early writing.

Our French preschool teacher explains how we express ourselves through art.

For example, when they study paintings, students at Tessa are encouraged to use language to interpret and communicate their understanding.

Learning in Context, Not in Isolation

Children develop stronger literacy skills when those skills are embedded in real experiences. That’s why early literacy at Tessa happens through songs, conversations, drawing, inquiry, and meaningful writing opportunities.

For example:

A child exploring a painting might say how it makes them feel, then write the first sound they hear in that feeling word.
While experimenting with floating and sinking, they might use drawings to record their ideas or label objects using their own writing system.
During shared storytelling, they begin to predict, retell, and build vocabulary, all of which are critical pre-reading behaviors.

These moments strengthen phonological awareness, vocabulary, symbolic understanding, and oral language. These are the essential building blocks for reading and writing in any language.

Language Drives Literacy

In an immersion classroom, the target language is the lens through which children explore these ideas. They’re not just learning a language. They’re learning through language.

Our children:

Build vocabulary naturally through play, conversations, and storytelling
Develop sound awareness by hearing songs, rhymes, and expressive speech
Begin to represent their thinking through marks, drawings, and letters, first in the target language and then across languages

In all of these experiences, literacy isn’t a subject. It’s a way of thinking and expressing. Children begin to notice print in their environment, use the target language to explain their drawings or ideas, and experiment with writing through scribbling, mark-making, and early letter forms. These are the first steps in becoming confident communicators who express themselves across languages and in many different ways.

In our next post, we will explore how children begin writing in two languages and how phonological awareness, vocabulary, and symbolic thinking come together to support that exciting process.

Sources & Further Reading

Roskos, K., Christie, J. F., & Richgels, D. J. (2009). Play and Literacy in Early Childhood: Research from Multiple Perspectives (2nd ed.). Routledge.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). (2019). Developmentally Appropriate Practice Position Statement.
Espinosa, L. M. (2015). Getting it Right for Young Children from Diverse Backgrounds: Applying Research to Improve Practice with a Focus on Dual Language Learners. Pearson.
Tabors, P. O. (2008). One Child, Two Languages: A Guide for Early Childhood Educators of Children Learning English as a Second Language (2nd ed.).
Genesee, F. & Nicoladis, E. (2007). Bilingual First Language Acquisition. In E. Hoff & M. Shatz (Eds.), Handbook of Language Development.

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

May 14, 2025/in Enrichment, Summer Camp /by Tessa School

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?

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

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

How to Support Your Child’s Social-Emotional Health

May 8, 2025/in Parenting, Teaching and Learning /by Tessa School

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

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

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

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

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

Keep track of how your child is doing.

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

Encourage your child.

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

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

Help your child recognize emotions and address anxiety.

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

Share important information with your child’s teacher.

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

Don’t hesitate to seek support!

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

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

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

Why Social and Emotional Learning Matters in Education

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

SEL interventions in school have been shown to have a positive impact on social skills and a negative impact on anti-social behaviour.
A 2010 study in Hong Kong found that supporting well-being in primary schools can have lasting effects, mitigating risks to mental health later in life.
Across hundreds of global studies involving an estimated 1 million students from preschool to high school, SEL has been consistently linked to improved academic performance and stronger interpersonal skills.

Tessa International School’s SEL Approach: RULER

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

Recognizing emotions in oneself and other people;
Understanding the causes and consequences of those emotions;
Labeling emotions with precise words;
Expressing emotions;
Regulating emotions.

Teachers at Tessa International School frequently have professional training on social-emotional learning model, RULER.

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

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

Practice of RULER Approach in Tessa International School’s Curriculum

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

A girl in Tessa International School's Nursery French program picking the book to read

“When Will My Child Learn to Read?” Early Literacy Starts With Sound in Every Language

April 30, 2025/in Language Learning /by Tessa School

At Tessa, one of the most common questions we as educators hear is
“When will my child learn to read?”

But here’s an even more important question:
How are we preparing your child to become a lifelong reader and writer—in more than one language?

The answer begins with early literacy—and it starts long before decoding or writing words.

Teacher of a nursery class at Tessa International class

At Tessa, we begin nurturing children’s early literacy skills as early as 20 months of age through our Nursery program.

What is Early Literacy?

Early literacy refers to the foundational skills children build from birth through age six that prepare them to read and write. These include:

Phonological awareness (hearing and playing with sounds)
Vocabulary development
Symbolic representation (understanding that marks or symbols carry meaning)
Emergent writing (scribbling, drawing, or writing to tell a story)

These skills don’t emerge from memorization or drills. They grow through rich, meaningful experiences with language—stories, songs, conversations, dramatic play—and they develop across all languages a child uses.

Why Early Literacy Matters

When children have a solid command of spoken language, they are better prepared for the demands of reading and writing later on. They can express themselves, understand story structures, and play with language, all of which are essential for literacy success.

Phonological awareness is a key piece of this. For example:

If a child can rhyme, they are also beginning to notice word patterns and families (cat, hat, mat).
If they can identify the first or last sound in a word, they’re preparing to blend and segment sounds when they start reading.
But, and this is important, they need a strong vocabulary to do any of that. You can’t rhyme with words you don’t know.

That’s why early literacy is not about teaching skills in isolation. It’s about connecting vocabulary, sounds, and ideas in context—through stories, songs, conversations, and inquiry.

But What About Letters and Sounds?

We often get asked: “When will my child learn letters and sounds?”

The short answer is: when they’re ready—and in a way that makes sense.

At Tessa, we don’t rush into memorizing letters in isolation. Instead, we create experiences where letters and sounds come alive through songs, stories, names, and meaningful words.

For example, children may:

Recognize the first letter of their name on their cubby.
Hear the /b/ sound in butterfly while reading about insects.
Write the first sound they hear in a word while drawing or labeling their work.

These organic experiences stick because they’re tied to real ideas, interests, and vocabulary. Once children have a strong foundation in oral language and sound awareness, they’re much more successful when they begin formal phonics and decoding—typically in Kindergarten or Grade 1.

What This Looks Like in a Multilingual Setting

In our immersion classrooms:

In Spanish, children clap the syllables in mariposa or sing rhyming songs like Estrellita, ¿dónde estás?
In French, they act out stories and notice sound patterns in poems and songs.
In Mandarin, they explore tones, characters, and the meaning behind symbols.

These experiences don’t stay in one language, rather, the skills transfer. For example, when children are familiar with listening for patterns in Spanish or Mandarin, they apply that same awareness when they begin reading in English. It’s all connected.

Home Language Is the Starting Point

Whatever language your family speaks at home, keep speaking it. Read stories, play with words, sing songs. Your home language is your child’s starting point for literacy in any other language. A strong foundation in one language supports learning in every language that follows.

You can find more about how to support language learning at home here.

In our next post of the Literacy Progression Series, we’ll explore how early literacy is nurtured through play, exploration, and inquiry in our immersion classrooms, and why this approach works.

Sources & Further Reading

National Early Literacy Panel. (2008). Developing Early Literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel. [National Institute for Literacy]
Neuman, S. B., & Roskos, K. (2007). Literacy Knowledge in Practice: Contexts of Participation for Young Writers and Readers. Reading Research Quarterly, 42(3), 304–310.
Castro, D. C., Páez, M., Dickinson, D. K., & Frede, E. (2011). Promoting Language and Literacy in Young Dual Language Learners: Research, Practice, and Policy. Child Development Perspectives.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2015). A Guide to Early Literacy Development.
Bialystok, E., Luk, G., & Kwan, E. (2005). Bilingualism, Biliteracy, and Learning to Read: Interactions Among Languages and Writing Systems. Scientific Studies of Reading, 9(1), 43–61.

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

Celebrating Cultures at Tessa International School

April 4, 2025/in Celebrations, Hoboken /by Tessa School

With over 60 cultures represented in our multicultural community as of 2025, fostering global awareness and cultural understanding remains at the heart of our education as an international school. Promoting multicultural awareness and inclusion not only supports students from diverse backgrounds but also prepares future global citizens to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Read on to see how we celebrate culture and cultivate global awareness at Tessa!

Students across grade levels gather to celebrate the cultural diversity during UN Day at Tessa.

At Tessa, children are introduced to other languages and cultures in order to enhance their cultural awareness; they are bilingual and culturally adaptable.

What Tessa International School Did to Celebrate Cultures: Our UN Day Parades

Every year on October 24, the world celebrates United Nations (UN) Day to honor the founding of this international organization and its work to promote global unity. Established after World War II, the UN is an intergovernmental organization to help prevent future international conflicts and work for the benefit of all humanity.

“In the end, it comes down to values. […] We want the world our children inherit to be defined by the values enshrined in the UN Charter: peace, justice, respect, human rights, tolerance and solidarity.
–António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General. ”

As an international school, we share a common vision with the UN for the future–a better, more connected world. Our School Mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring children of the world and future leaders of tomorrow through understanding and respect–nurtured by our bilingual education and multicultural community. In this light, every member of our school community contributes to building a peaceful and collaborative world where we all can learn from each other.

In previous years, we have celebrated UN Day by exploring our diverse roots and appreciating the richness of our shared experiences. Taking it further, the UN Day celebration not only contributes to raising awareness of diversity among our students but also within the broader community:

Heritage Day at Tessa International School

This year, we will celebrate Heritage Day on Friday, April 11, 2025, continuing our tradition of honoring cultural identity and global understanding.

Students will have the opportunity to celebrate their heritage while gaining a greater appreciation for the world’s various traditions and perspectives. A highlight of the celebration will be the whole-school parade, where students, teachers, and staff dress in traditional attire or display artifacts from their own culture or a culture they admire.

Every culture is a thread in the fabric of a brighter, more connected future. Through mutual respect, we prepare our students to shape and lead in an interconnected world.

FAQs

Q: When is United Nations Day?

A: UN Day takes place every October 24, commemorating the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.

Q: Why do we celebrate United Nations Day at school?

The significance of United Nations Day lies in its celebration of diversity. It provides an opportunity for children to learn about and appreciate the rich variety of cultures, religions, and languages around the world. The celebration also serves as a reminder of universal values such as peace and harmony to unite people from diverse backgrounds.

Q: How does Tessa International School celebrate cultures?

Tessa frequently organizes activities that celebrate our multicultural community–with over 60 cultures–both inside and outside the classroom. This year, on Heritage Day (Friday, April 11), students will participate in a school-wide parade and visit cultural display tables hosted by School Parent Volunteers—experiencing a range of traditions and perspectives that broaden their global understanding!

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

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

March 24, 2025/in Bilingualism, Teaching and Learning /by Tessa School

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 diverse group of students from various races, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds collaborating in a classroom at Tessa International School.

How a Tessa Education Prepares Children for an Evolving Future

March 13, 2025/in Teaching and Learning, Technology /by Tessa School

For much of history, education was designed to prepare students for a specific career, equipping them with a fixed set of skills for stability in a predictable job market. But today, that stability no longer exists in the same way.

The landscape of career readiness is shifting. Automation, artificial intelligence, and global interconnectivity are transforming industries at a rapid pace. Many jobs will evolve or disappear, while entirely new industries will emerge, including some we can’t predict. On average, 39% of workers’ existing skills will be outdated by 2030, and two-fifths of global job roles will be disrupted. The fastest-growing careers will demand analytical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are skills that cannot be automated.

At Tessa, success isn’t about preparing students for a single profession. It’s about equipping them to think, adapt, and apply knowledge across different fields.

This is why we focus on a transdisciplinary approach, ensuring that students:

Develop deep conceptual understanding rather than memorizing disconnected topics or facts.
Analyze patterns, evaluate evidence, and think critically across disciplines.
Apply learning in real-world contexts to build problem-solving skills.
Cultivate intellectual flexibility and resilience, so they can navigate change with confidence.

These skills have always mattered, but today they are more essential than ever. The ability to ask the right questions, communicate effectively, and synthesize knowledge has long been the foundation of innovation and leadership. With 70% of employers identifying analytical thinking as an essential skill by 2025, the most valuable asset students can develop is the ability to learn how to learn—to adapt, evolve, and thrive in an unpredictable world.

Rather than preparing students for one career, we prepare them for a lifetime of learning, problem-solving, and leadership, no matter how industries evolve.

Developing Critical Thinkers and Problem-Solvers

Employers today prioritize thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving over technical training. The most in-demand skills include:

Analytical thinking and problem-solving
Creativity and innovation
Resilience, flexibility, and adaptability
Critical thinking and the ability to evaluate information
Technology literacy and collaboration

At Tessa, these skills develop gradually through inquiry-based exploration, where students:

Ask questions and explore concepts through play, observation, and storytelling.
Develop logical reasoning skills through problem-solving, comparisons, and cause-and-effect relationships.
Track and analyze data to understand trends.
Experiment and refine ideas based on evidence.
Recognize patterns and apply knowledge to solve real-world challenges.

By building these skills early, students develop the confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving mindset needed to thrive in an evolving world.

Real-World Learning in Action

At Tessa, students intentionally apply their learning across disciplines, ensuring that knowledge leads to deeper inquiry and practical solutions:

Mathematical Reasoning – Young learners explore early pattern recognition, group and compare objects, and develop number relationships, leading to complex applications like graphing data, analyzing probability, and solving multi-step problems.
Bilingual Communication – Through storytelling, discussion, and analysis, students construct persuasive arguments, engage in meaningful dialogue, and explore how language shapes identity and culture.
Project-Based Learning – Students apply concepts in meaningful ways, whether designing playground structures, engineering water filtration systems, or investigating sustainability in their communities.

This structured progression ensures that learning is never passive. It is active, dynamic, and connected to the world around them.

Global Perspective: Bilingualism and Cultural Awareness

In an increasingly interconnected world, navigating multiple languages, cultures, and perspectives is critical. As automation increases, uniquely human skills, like communication, emotional intelligence, and cross-cultural collaboration, will remain in high demand.

At Tessa, bilingualism strengthens:

Cognitive flexibility, allowing students to switch between tasks and process information from multiple perspectives.
Cultural awareness and empathy, helping students engage with diverse backgrounds.
Creative and critical thinking, as multilingual learners decode unfamiliar ideas and recognize linguistic patterns.

Through multilingual discussions and exposure to diverse perspectives, students develop the skills to communicate across cultures and think globally. Bilingualism at Tessa is not just about learning another language. It’s about preparing for a global future.

At Tessa, children are introduced to other languages and cultures in order to enhance their cultural awareness; they are bilingual and culturally adaptable.

A Tessa Education: A Foundation for Lifelong Learning

At Tessa, students develop the curiosity, confidence, and adaptability needed to thrive in an unpredictable world. They learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply knowledge across disciplines, preparing them for the careers of today and the challenges of tomorrow.

While industries and technologies will continue to evolve, the ability to solve problems, collaborate, and innovate will always be essential. A Tessa education doesn’t just prepare students for what’s next. It prepares them to shape what comes next.

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

The STEM teacher shows the inner structure of a clock to Grade 1 students at Tessa International School.

Engineers Week at Tessa International School: Hands-On STEM Learning for Future Innovators

March 4, 2025/in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning /by Tessa School

At Tessa International School, we are always eager to inspire young minds through meaningful and engaging learning experiences. Each year, we celebrate Engineers Week—a nationwide initiative dedicated to fostering a love for engineering and innovation in students of all ages.

Engineers Week 2025, themed “Design Your Future,” highlights the power of engineering in shaping a better world and encourages youth to explore limitless possibilities.

We foster learners’ curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving through STEM education.

What Engineers Week is

Founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), Engineers Week aims to raise public awareness about the contributions of engineers to quality of life and motivates the next generation of innovators.

Held annually in February, it is a time for schools and organizations across the country to engage students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through hands-on learning and mentorship, showing how engineering influences everything from smartphones to sustainable cities. For children, it’s a chance to ask, “What if?”—and start finding answers actively.

Celebrating Engineers Week at Tessa International School

According to Discover Engineering, 74% of educators say their students do not have many opportunities to meet an engineer or technical professional. At Tessa International School, we integrate various learning opportunities to make engineering concepts come to life.

Meeting with Future Engineers

What does it take to become an engineer? What tools do engineers use? Our primary students had an online meeting with college students currently majoring in engineering, expanding their understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.

Exploring Branches of Engineering

Students also interacted with real engineers from diverse fields—our wonderful parent speakers! Through age-appropriate activities, they explored how creativity and knowledge can solve real-world problems, aligning with the goal of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework: fostering meaningful and lasting real-world connections.

Mechanical Engineering: Disassembling a clock to understand how hour and minute relationships are maintained.
Bioengineering: Using microscopes to make their own observations of biological structures.
Cybersecurity Engineering: Learning about data protection through child-friendly visualizations.

Hands-On Highlight: Civil Engineering Bridge Challenge

Bridges, buildings, and roads—civil engineers design and construct the structures that shape our daily lives.

After learning about truss bridges, our students became city planners, transforming their imagination into miniature bridges built with straws and tape. Collaborating with their peers, they explored physics, teamwork, and perseverance—embracing failures as valuable learning opportunities!

STEM Education at Tessa International School

While Engineers Week is a highlight, STEM is an integral part of our curriculum as one of our ‘Specials’ classes, designed to develop well-rounded learners.

Through hands-on projects and investigations, this transdisciplinary class not only enhances students’ literacy in math, science, and technology but also nurtures curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking—essential qualities for those ready to make a positive impact.

Did you know? Bilingual students enjoy unique advantages in STEM learning.

FAQs

Q: What is the theme of Engineers Week 2025?

The 2025 Engineers Week theme, “Design Your Future,” is both a celebration of past and present technological achievements and a call for a brighter, more diverse future with collective ingenuity.

Q: How can parents support their child’s interest in Engineering?

Parents are essential partners in children’s learning journey. Even without an engineering background, you can introduce your child to these concepts in a fun way. For example,

Encourage curiosity by providing STEM-related books, puzzles, and building kits;
Always ask open-ended questions about how things work;
Explore engineering projects together.

Learn more about how parents can support their children in learning here.

Q: How does Tessa support students’ STEM learning?

STEM is one of the “Specials” classes embedded in our rigorous curriculum to promote students’ transdisciplinary learning, preparing them for a future of interconnected knowledge and skills. Through hands-on projects, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by exploring scientific concepts, experimenting with technology, and applying engineering principles to real-world challenges.

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!