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A parent engages in his son's sharing of his learning in IB PYP.

How to Support Your Child as An IB PYP Parent

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The International Baccalaureate (IB) is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous educational curricula worldwide, designed to develop “inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help create a better, more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect” (International Baccalaureate Organization, or IBO). While it offers significant benefits, it’s natural for parents to feel uncertain about what it involves and how to best support their child, especially in the early stages of the IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), when children are just starting to explore how they learn. So, how can caregivers support their child’s exciting and rewarding educational journey?

A parent engages in his son's sharing of his learning in IB PYP.

As a PYP parent, there are multiple specific ways you can support your child.

IB PYP at A Glance

IB PYP nurtures and develops young students, aged 3-12, as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. This Programme focuses a student-centered approach, with its framework emphasizing the central principle of agency, which underpins the three pillars of school life:

  • the learner
  • learning and teaching
  • the learning community.

Embedded within this framework is the recognition of the importance of fostering an individual’s self-efficacy. Students with a strong sense of self-efficacy are active participants in their own learning and take meaningful action within their learning community.

5 Tips to Support Your Child as A Learning Partner

As essential members of their child’s learning community, IB PYP parents play a key role in helping them deepen their learning. Here are five accessible ways, shared by the IBO, for parents to support their child’s learning at home. If you’re wondering how to better assist your child, these strategies will help you guide them in becoming lifelong learners, whether through formal learning connected to school or through incidental, unplanned learning from play, exploration, and life experiences.

  1. Take an inquiry stance. Parents are primary role models of their children, so your attitudes and positions can radically transform how children engage with the world. Instead of providing immediate answers to your child’s questions, encourage curiosity by responding with open-ended questions like, “What do you notice?” or “How might we explore that further?” This approach not only fosters critical thinking but also reinforces the value of inquiry-based learning through shared discovery. 
  2. Support your child’s agency. Empower your child by involving them in decision-making and encouraging their self-expression. Create time and space for their independent discoveries, and hold back from giving too many suggestions. By supporting their choices and emphasizing personal responsibility in their learning, you nurture children’s independence and self-confidence. 
  3. Support conceptual understanding. This notion is at the heart of IB PYP, where learning occurs through concept-driven Units of Inquiry within a transdisciplinary framework. During the Inquiry Learning Cycle, consider asking questions such as “What strategy did you use?” and “How and why did you do that?” These questions value their approach to the answers, encouraging children to articulate their reasoning and remain actively engaged in learning. More importantly, this process promotes them to connect ideas across disciplines and subjects, fostering a richer and more meaningful understanding of abstract concepts. 
  4. Prioritize reflection. Being reflective is one of the core attributes of the IB Learner Profiles, helping individuals become responsible members of communities. By encouraging children to think about their own thinking, you can help them develop metacognitive abilities and facilitate higher order thinking, including application, analysis, evaluation, and creation.
  5. Give feedback that goes beyond the moment. Comparing questions like “How are you doing?” with “What might come next? ”, you will find that the former may result in less thoughtful and forward-looking responses, while the latter shifts the focus from immediate, isolated outcomes to continuous learning. Whether during Student-Led Conferences or everyday learning moments, it is beneficial for parents to guide their children toward long-term growth and future inquiry.

IB PYP at Tessa International School

Tessa is proud to be an IB World School offering the PYP to students aged 2 to 10. Following its transdisciplinary framework, excellence spans across Science, Social Studies, Language and Literacy, Math, Arts, Social-Emotional Learning, and Physical Education, all while nurturing a lifelong love of learning in our students. 

As an international school offering bilingual education, the robust French National, Spanish, and Chinese Curricula as well as the US Standards are seamlessly integrated into our IB PYP Framework, formulating our distinctive educational approach. Students actively engage with dynamic unit topics through an immersive language experience grounded in real-life situations.

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more! 

Students wearing protective clothing learn fencing in Tessa Afterschool class.

A List of The Best Afterschool Enrichment Activities

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The purpose of Afterschool enrichment is to provide extended learning opportunities to students. It encourages learners to take a more in-depth look at concepts by researching further, approaching them from different perspectives, and connecting subjects to meaningful facets of the real world. Enrichment also provides opportunities for students to pursue learning in their own areas of interest and strengths. Whatever the activity may involve, the notion or goal is typically the same – encouraging intrinsic curiosity and lifelong learning.

A native-speaking teacher instructs French afterschool enrichment classes to students.

“What can we do when students already know it? ” Afterschool enrichment programs can give the answer.

Examples of Enrichment Activities

While enrichment activities do not have to adhere to a specific curriculum, they should be purposeful and focused, as these elements are integral to a rewarding learning experience. Below is a list of popular enrichment activities that your child(ren) might love.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Despite the growing attention given to STEM education, the 2018 National Survey revealed that students in grades K-3 received  an average of only 18 minutes of science instruction per day. STEM-centered enrichment activities, such as academic tutoring, field trips, math contests, and science fairs, support learners’ overall academic growth and develop their thinking and reasoning skills. 

At Tessa International School, in addition to a thorough Math and STEM instruction during school hours, the Science Club and Math Club foster a community among primary school students, engaging them in educational and enjoyable activities that inspire a lasting interest in STEM. 

Tessa students visited local sewerage authority for their STEM enrichment.

Tessa STEM Afterschool Program offers an enriching environment where children can explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Computer Science and Coding

Coding education in K-12 schools significantly increased over the past decade, with 19 states requiring all public primary schools to offer computer science by 2023. Teaching kids to code ensures they become technologically literate and well-prepared for our increasingly digital world. Activities such as LEGO classes and Minecraft Modding at Tessa also catalyze their interest in coding and provide beginners with insights into the field. 

Language Immersion

It is a well-known fact that children pick up languages more easily than adults due to their environmental and cognitive advantages. Teaching your child a second language at a young age can be both fun and easy, with numerous online and in-person resources readily accessible for you to help educate your bilingual learners. 

Tessaprep Language Classes, for example, offer a multi-sensory and highly interactive environment for students to master a new language and gain a deeper understanding of the multicultural world. 

Sports

Participating in youth sports can promote students’ physical wellness and encourage healthy psychosocial development. The keys to ensuring that children enjoy their sports experiences lie in your hands: first, by helping them choose the appropriate sport based on their abilities and interests; and second, by being a good role model for sportsmanship and commitment. 

Theater and Acting

For kids with a flair for dramatics, theater might just be the perfect fit. Acting in plays allows kids to hone in on several soft skills, including memorization, quick thinking, emotional expression, and the confidence to perform on stage. 

There are various entry points to performing arts, ranging from a DIY approach at home to in-person acting classes. At Tessa International School, afterschool activities such as Musical Theater Dance and Readers’ Theater Club provide students a platform to explore creative and artistic expression while enhancing language development and building confidence. Additionally, watching plays at local theaters and community centers also nurtures the talents of these young minds. 

Music

Whether learning a new instrument and joining the Choir or getting involved with digital music production and organizing their own music band, music is always a popular option of enrichment for students to unleash work pressure and realize creative potential they may have. From family concerts to school club performances, the stage for our children is unlimited. 

Afterschool Enrichment Activities at Tessa

At Tessa, a diverse array of Specials classes filled with enriching opportunities is incorporated into our rigorous curriculum, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. 

Beyond the school day, our students can participate in a wide spectrum of afterschool enrichment activities, ranging from artistic expression and athletic pursuits to STEM exploration – all thoughtfully designed to cater to students’ interests. A particular highlight is our language classes that are open to all members of the community. Under the guidance of native-speaking teachers with extensive teaching experience, students immerse themselves in new languages and cultures, enriching their global perspective and understanding.

 

Enrichment gives the student more time and space to explore the world and themselves in greater depth, breadth, and complexity. You can find many of these activities online and within your local community, and dedicating time to find the ideal options for your kids can accelerate their learning and improve their self-esteem. Ultimately, our goal during students’ enrichment time at Tessa is to prepare them to confidently step into the wider world, paving the way for a happy and fulfilling life.

 

Are you ready to enroll your child in one of the leading Hoboken private schools? 

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

A girl is playing piano in Tessa Afterschool private lesson.

Values of Afterschool Programs

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Learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings. Afterschool activities extend the support for students to participate in a safe and productive environment thereafter, alleviating parents’ stress of coordinating schedules. What exactly are the values of afterschool programs for our learners’ development, and how can parents pick the one right aligned with their children’s needs? 

Two students are playing chess in the Afterschool class.

How can we maximize students’ full potentials? Right Afterschool Programs can help you.

Benefits of Afterschool Classes

Afterschool programs are not just about filling the time between school and dinner. A large body of evidence exists confirming that quality afterschool programs help children in various fields. 

  • Academic support: A 2014 report from Afterschool Alliance found that regular participation in high-quality afterschool programs is linked to significant gains in math problem-solving and reading comprehension. 
  • Social and Emotional Learning: According to a 2010 meta-analysis on 75 reports evaluating 69 different programs, consistent enrichment activities in afterschool learning reduces students’ negative working habits, such as suspension, and increases engagement and attendance rate during normal school days. 
  • Work-Based Learning: Afterschool activities, such as scenario-based simulations and career-oriented clubs, give students insight into potential career paths, help them acquire practical skills, and foster higher educational and career aspirations. 
  • Youth Development: Researchers at the University of Chicago states that learning outside of school strengthens three key factors of success for young adults: agency, integrated identity, and competencies. 
Two students observe the chemical reaction in Afterschool STEM program.

Tessa International School’s Afterschool activities are designed to spark curiosity and ignite passions.

Qualities of Best Afterschool Programs

With the right afterschool programs, children can thrive both academically and personally. It is important to note that the best type of afterschool program for your child(ren)’s depends on their individual needs. Here are some other necessary qualities for an effective program to meet: 

  1. Safe and healthy facilities with rigorous health protocols. 
  2. A fun and enjoyable environment that fosters social, emotional, and educational development through engaging and developmentally appropriate activities. 
  3. Consistent schedules that provide a clear structure for both parents and children. 
  4. Responsive teachers and staff that are deeply invested in every child’s excellence. 
  5. Efforts toward diversity and inclusion to support positive learning experiences. 
Two students practice fencing in Afterschool class.

Involving your child in the decision-making process also encourages their independent thinking.

Afterschool Program at Tessa

From arts and sports to STEM and language exploration, Tessa International School offers a wide range of Afterschool Activities that suit various interests and talents. 

One important part of our Afterschool Programs differentiating us from other programs is our Language Classes. During the off-school time, we continue and extend the foreign language learning in a wider variety. Native speakers of Arabic, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Russian, and Mandarin provide enriching classes for beginners to advanced students in our community. We strive to provide a multi-sensory and highly interactive environment for students to learn the new language and the multicultural world they live in. 

A student is learning Russian in Tessa Afterschool language class.

Our Afterschool Programs are tailor-made to support growing young minds of a variety of ages and interests.

In addition to supplementing what they have learned in school, Afterschool programs provide valuable resources for students to explore how to manage their time productively. Choosing the right afterschool program can unlock your child’s full potential, setting them on a path to excellence and fulfillment. 

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

A girl smiles happily on the first day back to school

5 Tips to Start The School Year off Right

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A new school year is around the corner. A little preparation before the first school bell rings can effectively boost your child(ren)’s confidence for the months ahead. Here are some easy tips to set kids up with a good start, helping them be ready for a successful school year. 

Heartwarming classroom decorations to welcome students back to school

Welcome Back to School. Let’s make this year the year of “Fulfillment and Joy”!

1. (Re-) Establish daily routines. 

Summer break is often associated with rest, leisure, and a more relaxed schedule. To ensure a smooth transition back to school, it is helpful to spend time readjusting to structured school life. Introducing consistent routines helps children improve their time management skills and reduce any possible anxiety they may feel about entering a different environment. 

Start by adjusting bedtime and wake-up times. Gradually shift these schedules closer to the school timetable. Such step-by-step changes will ease the transition and benefit children over a longer term. 

2. Check the backpack. 

Do the school uniforms still fit? Are the water bottles and lunch boxes packed? The beginning of a new school year is an ideal time to create a checklist for all necessary school supplies. Ensuring the right supplies are organized and ready fosters your child(ren)’s enthusiasm for what lies ahead. 

Lovely students learning English when they back to school

Being prepared keeps children motivated and excited.

3. Complete all paperwork required

There are often forms and documents that need to be filled out and signed by parents before the school year officially begins. These documents are essential for accurate record-keeping and ensuring your child(ren)’s safety. By checking your email inbox and submitting these forms on time, you can avoid last-minute scrambles and help the school get to know your child(ren) better. 

4. Initiate constant communications with teachers. 

Have you received our Back-To-School email with your child(ren)’s class and teachers information? Open communication between parents and teachers is essential for maintaining a supportive educational atmosphere that benefits students. Always keep an eye on the communication channels, and remember to keep your contact information up-to-date. For the latest updates on school life and student achievements, be sure to check the school’s social media as well. 

Parents and teachers keep constant communication as a school year starts

Positive Parent-Teacher communication plays an important role in student development.

5. Get involved in the school community

Decades of research have shown that parental involvement is crucial for empowering your child(ren). Actively participating in the school community demonstrates to your kid that you value every step of their development. Additionally, this engagement helps you develop a collaborative network, keeping you informed about school events, policies, and opportunities. 

At Tessa, we believe that it is both the School’s and our parents’ joint mission to build a cohesive, global-minded community. Besides our amazing Parent Organization, we offer a range of leadership opportunities and chaperone positions awaiting your passion and ideas. Check out our recent school community email and event calendar. Sign up for those that fit into your schedule and interests. We are excited to create a thriving community where everyone feels welcome and valued! 

Tessa Community celebrates World Music Festival together.

You can help our Tessa community forge a path towards a brighter future. Join us today!

 

As summer comes to its inevitable end and a new school year begins, we cannot wait to discover the many ways your child(ren) will grow and develop this year. By working together, we can help make the new school year filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences. Here’s to a fantastic school year where every moment is an opportunity for success and celebration!

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

What Your Kids Can Learn from The Olympics

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

The Olympics can inspire future generations.

Spirit of Sportsmanship

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

Collaboration and Teamwork

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

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

Cultural Awareness

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

Learning Math

Unlocking Math and Science Potential in Tessa Primary Program

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Have you ever wondered how a rocket blasts off to space, or how a tiny cell becomes a whole you? Understanding the world around us is an incredible adventure, and math and science are the tools that unlock its secrets!

At Tessa International School, we don’t just teach math and science, we ignite a passion for discovery! That’s why we have a Math & STEM Specialist on our faculty – a unique advantage you won’t find at most primary schools. Our specialist creates a fun and engaging environment where kids become curious explorers, asking questions, solving problems, and building the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Importance of Math and Science in Primary School Education

The early years of education are critical for children’s ability to handle key concepts and shape their belief in lifelong learning. Math and Science education at the primary level serves several important purposes:

  1. Building Blocks for Future Learning: Early STEM exposure significantly influences later educational outcomes. Incorporating STEM into early learning helps children develop fundamental knowledge that will be built upon in subsequent school years. Research also shows that early STEM instruction leads to better language and literacy outcomes, all of which are essential to children’s current and future potential. 
  2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Math constitutes a fundamental part of human thought and logic, and STEM learning encourages logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These cognitive abilities are crucial not only for understanding the content of other school subjects but also for enhancing their life chances.
  3. Creativity and Innovation: STEM fields are at the forefront of innovation. By engaging with these subjects early on, children learn to think creatively and approach problems with innovative solutions. Studies indicate that young learners are already capable of using engineering habits of mind in their free-play STEM activities.
Primary STEM Education at Tessa

It’s never too early to dive into STEM learning.

How Tessa’s Math & STEM Specialist Sets Tessa Primary Program Apart

  • In-depth Exploration: Unlike many primary schools, Tessa has a specialist that ensures students not only learn the basics but also explore more advanced topics that stimulate intellectual curiosity. Our school offers a curriculum that dives deep into Math and Science concepts. 
  • Engaging Activities: Learning at Tessa is far from rote memorization. Our specialist employs hands-on activities, experiments, and projects that make Math and Science come alive. This approach helps students see the real-world applications of what they learn, making the subjects more relevant and exciting. 
  • Strong Foundation: By focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, our program prepares students for future academic and professional success. We aim to instill a love for learning that will last a lifetime, encouraging students to pursue STEM fields with confidence. 
Tessa Primary Program

Our dedicated Math & STEM Specialist provides rigorous and engaging instruction for students.

 

Choosing the right primary school for your child is a crucial decision that can shape their educational journey and future success. At Tessa, our commitment to excellence in Math and Science education sets us apart. With the guidance of our dedicated Math & STEM Specialist, we provide a stimulating and supportive environment where young learners can thrive in a technology-driven world. 

 

Ready to cultivate your child’s potential in the only international leading private school in Hoboken? 

Contact Tessa International School to learn more! 

A boy is riding a horse.

Why You Should Send Your Child to Summer Camp

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Summer is a season of adventure, exploration, and growth. As the school year winds down, ensuring their children spend their time in an enjoyable and enriching way may become a challenge for many conscientious parents. One option that often stands out is sending children to summer camp. This choice can be very beneficial, offering advantages that extend far beyond the few weeks of summer.

A boy in the water game

At Tessa Summer Camp, students explore a range of fun multi-sensory activities in the target language.

Benefits of Summer Camp

According to the American Camp Association (ACA), the camp experience is recognized by child development professionals as valuable in helping children mature socially, emotionally, intellectually, morally, and physically.

A girl visiting the science center

Summer camps promote children to grow, learn, and thrive in a supportive and stimulating environment.

Gaining education outside a traditional school setting

Summer camp is an exciting opportunity for kids to fill long summer days with engaging activities and outdoor play. Kids learn and socialize in a community that is more flexible and vibrant than the traditional settings of school or home.

Dr. Peter Scales, internationally known as one of the world’s foremost authorities on positive youth development, described camp as “one of the few institutions where young people can experience and satisfy their need for physical activity, creative expression, and true participation in a community environment.” He believed that most schools don’t satisfy all these needs. Hence, camps are designed to maximize students’ summer vacations and improve learning in ways that schools often fall short.

Improving Academic Competence

Summer camps often integrate educational components into their programs, enabling children to learn in a fun and interactive environment. A review on multiple research indicates that students completing summer programs aimed at preventing summer learning loss can be expected to score about 20% higher than students who don’t participate.

Fostering Independence and Confidence

At summer camp, children have the opportunity to make decisions and navigate life away from the comfort of home. This independence fosters self-reliance as they learn to manage tasks and challenges on their own. Overcoming obstacles at camp boosts their confidence and helps them realize their capabilities.

Developing social skills and build friendships

Camp encourages children to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and friendship. Through collaborative activities and shared experiences, children learn valuable social skills such as communication, cooperation, empathy, and respect. According to a study on young adolescents from six different camps by the ACA, parents reported significant positive changes in their children’s social skills and happiness levels after attending summer camp.

Summer Camp at Tessa

Finding the best summer camp for children can be a real challenge. It is important to look for a camp that will suit your children’s needs and your expectations.

Tessa “Fun, Friends, and Discoveries” Summer Camps offer a perfect balance of academic and fun activities. One of the biggest differences between us and other camps is that we are a language immersion camp, offering a unique and enriching experience for children. Studying a language can be enjoyable and effective; at Tessa Summer Camp, campers love to learn Spanish, French, or Mandarin!

Tessa International School Summer Camp offers these advantages:

  • Excellent native speaking teachers
  • Varied outdoor and indoor activities
  • A new theme and adventure each week
  • Weekly registration and extended hours
  • A bright and inviting space
  • Rigorous safety measures with dedicated staff
  • Flexible cancellation and refund policies

Through exploring a range of multi-sensory and highly interactive activities with their teachers in the target language, our campers have fun while learning a language and being exposed to different cultures. All our teachers are native speakers with experience in bilingual education, able to emphasize the culture of their countries in an authentic fashion with support from a team of dedicated experts.

Learn more about why a language immersion camp can be a better choice for your child(ren) here. 

 

The benefits of summer camp can last a lifetime. It is an opportunity for children to grow, learn, and thrive in a supportive and stimulating environment. At Tessa Summer Camp, with excellent teachers and diverse activities, we strive to provide the most memorable and rewarding summer experience for our children.

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more! 

We offer bilingual education.

Bilingualism at Tessa International School

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

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

Benefits of Bilingualism

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

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

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

Our Immersion Progression Model

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

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

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

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

50:50 Dual Language Stage: Starting in Grade 1, students will receive instruction and absorb knowledge in English and the targeted language equally in order to gain proficiency in both. 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more! 

A boy is reading a book.

How Bilingual Children Learn to Read

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

How Bilingualism Puts Readers at An Advantage

A bilingual student is reading.

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

Metalinguistic Awareness Development

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

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

Literacy Acquisition

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

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

– Researchers from American University, 2016

Cognitive Development

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

How to Help Bilingual Students Gain Reading Fluency

Our teacher helps students in literacy acquisition.

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

A teacher and her student on Graduation Day

Excellence in Education

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Excellence, by definition, is the unwavering commitment to do anything to the best of our ability. At Tessa International School, it is not an abstract ideal. Excellence is one of the three pillars of our fundamental philosophy that underpins everything we do. 

Cultivating excellence in our students goes beyond academic achievement. It encompasses developing positive character traits, fostering global visions, and instilling a lifelong passion for learning. We are committed to helping students internally embrace the notion of excellence and strive towards it. 

Excellent Educational Practices: Our Global Accreditations

Tessa’s program has been built on the principle of incorporating the world’s best practices in education. Our school holds three premier global accreditations, which highlight the high standards we maintain and our commitment to academic excellence. 

These renowned accreditations ensure a seamless transition for students into similar institutions in the US and around the world, facilitating their global mobility and fostering their continued success.

Excellent Teachers: Our Foundation and Support

Central to our pursuit of excellence is our team of passionate and experienced teachers, who dedicate themselves to the educational experience at Tessa. Our teachers are highly credentialed professionals, mostly holding advanced degrees and specialized training in their subject areas. 

The group photo of teachers

Our teachers create a supportive community that inspires students to reach their full potential.

We provide a child-centered approach tailored to each student’s unique needs and interests. With a low teacher-to-student ratio, we prioritize personalized attention, ensuring that each student receives the support and guidance they need to thrive academically and emotionally. Simultaneously, language immersion, project-based learning, and an international perspective are integral to our curriculum. 

Each member of our team is a native speaker. With their diverse backgrounds, our educators bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, enriching the learning environment and fostering multicultural exchange. At Tessa, we celebrate our differences. It is through understanding and respect that we cultivate knowledgeable, caring, and excellent individuals who are equipped to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Our teachers may have different origins, but they all share the same love of language and culture, and the common goal of empowering students in a warm and supportive environment. 

 

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”

– Will Durant, paraphrasing Aristotle.

 

By all means, we aim to motivate our students to pursue excellence intrinsically. It is not just a destination but a journey we embark on. Through the incorporation of world’s best educational practices and a team of highly credentialed native-speaking teachers, we strive to provide a world-class education that promotes students for excellence in an ever-changing global landscape. 

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

Join us at Tessa International School

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

Tessa International School

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