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Our Spanish Nursery teacher guides toddlers in language learning.

Raising a Bilingual Toddler: FAQs and Expert Tips for Success

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Can young children handle exposure to two languages? Absolutely! Research shows that bilingual infants – as young as 20 months – are capable of processing two languages efficiently. Bilingual acquisition is a natural and rewarding journey for our toddlers that not only enriches communication but also brings unique cognitive and developmental advantages. Below, we have addressed common concerns parents have about raising bilingual toddlers, backed by research and expert insights.

Commonly Asked Questions

1. Is it too early to start teaching my 2-year-old a second language?

No, starting early is highly advantageous. Early language acquisition is strongly supported by the way children’s brains develop. Toddlers naturally absorb languages without consciously realizing it. A study shows that even babies as young as 4 months can differentiate between language inputs, emphasizing the potential in cognitive development from dual language exposure. 

According to the U.S. Department of Education, children who begin learning second languages before the age of six will have an easier time:

For more insights, watch the last webinar by Kathleen Visconti, our Head of School, on the benefits of bilingualism. You can download the recording of the session here.

2. Will learning two languages confuse my child?

No. Research for decades has debunked this common misconception. In fact, children who have regular and rich exposure to both languages achieve the same milestones in language development at roughly the same pace as monolingual children. Additionally, evidence proves that bilingualism enhances children’s cognitive abilities, such as understanding others’ perspectives and improving problem-solving skills. 

 

Two French Track toddlers actively engage in bilingual learning.

Early exposure to another language ignites children’s learning.

3. How do I balance exposure to two languages?

The “One Parent, One Language” (OPOL) strategy offers a great way to ensure balanced exposure, where each parent consistently speaks only one language to the child. While popular, OPOL can be demanding to maintain. 

Alternatively, to ensure later bilingualism, many experts recommend providing more early input in a minority language and promoting children’s interaction with peers who speak the same language. In this light, a high-quality nursery school program is greatly beneficial, forming a supportive language-immersed environment. 

This is what Tessa International School’s Immersion Model is about. In our nursery program, toddlers start learning French, Spanish, or Mandarin with 80% of the communication and learning activities in the target language. The 80:20 immersion stage builds a strong foundation for bilingual fluency. 

4. What if I don’t speak the second language fluently?

That’s okay! There are still numerous ways to foster second language development. Books, songs, and other resources can be utilized to create an environment that encourages language exploration and learning. 

Don’t know where to start? We curate an array of language-promoting resources for you. For example, you can find French resources recommended by teachers from Tessa French track, accredited by the French Ministry of Education, on our school website. Learning another language with your child will be a unique parenting experience and strengthen your role in their educational journey. 

5. What are the long-term benefits of bilingualism for young children?

The advantages of mastering another language are crystal clear: around 60% of the world population knows more than one language as of 2018. Therefore, bilingualism broadens communication skills, fosters cultural awareness, and opens doors to academic and professional success. 

More importantly than a higher annual salary bracket, there are fascinating and meaningful findings that bilingualism appears to delay the onset of degenerative cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The cognitive stimulation for managing two languages activates multiple aspects of brain activity and compensates for cognitive decline, promoting our children a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life. 

6. What should I do if my child mixes languages?

Language mixing, or code-switching, is a natural phenomenon among non-monolingual learners. It signifies active usage of both languages and bilingual thinking rather than confusion. 

Some researchers suggest that code-switching reflects an intellectual advantage by demonstrating the comprehension of different cultures as well as an understanding of the fundamental structures and functions of language systems. Therefore, the key to supporting your child through language mixing is to encourage appropriate expression and celebrate their bilingual development.. With the right support, your child will learn to separate languages sooner than you can imagine. 

7. How can I make learning two languages fun for my toddler?

Toddlers thrive on playful interactions. There are numerous fun and engaging opportunities for language building through play, music, and books. You can learn more about play-based learning activities practical at home here. 

A parent feels proud for her twin boys' Mandarin Chinese development through Tessa Nursery Program.

At Tessa International School, we provide a bilingual education based on happiness.

8. How much exposure does my child need to become fluent?

There is no exact formula for fluency. Factors like the quality of exposure, age, and family background all play a role in children’s language development. 

“Finally, there is no good measure of ‘enough exposure.’ “

– Dr. François Grosjean, a Professor Emeritus and former Director of the Language and Speech Processing Laboratory at the University of Neuchâtel.

Like any other skill, language learning takes practice and time. Evidence above shows that children who experience two languages from birth consistently have the potential to develop into native speakers of both languages. 

At Tessa International School, our nursery, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary programs provide children with everyday opportunities to practice both languages, fostering natural and lasting fluency.

9. Will my child eventually prefer one language over the other?

The notion of perfectly balanced bilingualism is ideological. In other words, bilingualism is not static, existing on a continuum in which one’s proficiency is constantly changing over time. Bilinguals often have a dominant and a minority language based on complex strands of social, cultural, and educational influences, so it is understandable for people to display language dominance. 

However, Tessa’s Immersion Progression Model is thoughtfully designed to help your child maintain a balance instead of losing these valuable language assets. 

  • 80:20 Immersion Stage: At Tessa, from Nursery through Kindergarten, the majority of instruction (80%) is conducted in the target language to ensure sufficient exposure of the minority language, allowing students to build strong, life-long foundations in the language.
  • 50:50 Dual Language Stage: Starting in Grade 1, students will receive instruction and absorb knowledge in English and the targeted language equally in order to gain proficiency in both. 

You can learn more about the Model here. 

10. Are there specific programs or schools that support bilingualism for toddlers?

Yes! At Tessa International School, we offer world-class bilingual education for ages 2-10. Differing from other schooling programs, our nursery program provides a special introduction to initiate your child to a second language, develops their creativity through various play-based activities, and prepares them to become lifelong learners.

  • A Bilingual Program: When it comes to bilingualism, the earlier the better. Daily exposure to dual languages builds children’s confidence and communication skills, preparing them to become bilingual, adaptable, and active citizens.
  • A World-Class Education: Guided by the International Baccalaureate, our nursery program provides a “roadmap” for toddlers to travel, with options for detours when their curiosity is peaked or the need for student-initiated action occurs. 
  • A Play-Based Curriculum: Balancing structured activities and free play, we encourage children to learn while having fun, inquire and make discoveries for themselves, aligned with one of the three educational pillars of our school mission – Happiness. 

You can download our Nursery Curriculum here. 

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more! 

 

Two happy French track Kindergarteners at Tessa International School

Why Kindergarten is Important

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

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

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

Benefits of Kindergarten

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

Social and Emotional Learning

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

Language Learning and Communication Skills

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

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

Physical Development and Motor Skills

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

Academic Performance

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

Learning Independence

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

Kindergarten at Tessa International School

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

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

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

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

 

FAQs

Q: What will my child do in Kindergarten? 

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

Q: What makes a good Kindergarten?  

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

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

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

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

 

A preschooler concentrates on his Math Assessment, monitored by his teacher at Tessa International School.

Assessment in The IB PYP

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Although it is often perceived as a straightforward measurement of what students have learned, assessment in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Year Programmes (PYP) extends beyond simple metrics. Rather, it is the feedback on the learning process. Effective PYP assessment is holistic, integrating a variety of purposeful strategies throughout the learning journey. It is also a collaborative process that involves students, teachers, families, and our community in meaningful ways. 

Grade 1 students in focus on their French Assessment aligned with the French School curriculum.

The prime objective of assessment in the PYP is to provide feedback on the learning process.

Why We Assess in IB PYP

From informal check-ins to school-required tests or projects, each assessment contributes differently to the ecosystem of a PYP classroom. At its core, PYP assessment aims to inform teaching and learning. 

  • For students, assessments allow them to reflect on their progress and therefore adjust their learning pathway to meet their goal. This is also part of their wider development of critical thinking and self-management. 
  • For teachers, assessments provide valuable insights that inform lesson planning and teaching strategies, enabling them to create an uplifting learning path forward. 
  • For families, assessment empowers parents with the knowledge of their child’s understanding and needs, supporting them to become active partners in children’s PYP journey and strengthening the school-home connection. 
  • For school, assessments guide school-wide decisions surrounding resources and curriculum, enhancing teachers and administrators’ collaboration to improve the learning environments. 

Understanding the prime objective of assessment brings clarity to teaching and learning, leading to the more actionable strategies as follows. 

What and How To Assess in IB PYP

The assessment approach (e.g. policy, processes, and practices) in the PYP is aligned with the program philosophy that inquiry-based learning is central to the curriculum framework. Therefore, the assessment evaluates both the process and products of inquiry, highlighting the Programme’s goal of continuing improvements for learners. In other words, when discussing “assessment,” we are telling the story of learning – where it began, how it evolved, how thinking shifted, and what understandings emerged.

Nevertheless, the question remains: How do we check for student understanding while they are still in the process of learning? 

To address this question, the latest PYP report, “PYP: From Principles into Practice (2018),” divides assessment into four dimensions: monitoring, documenting, measuring, and reporting on learning. Rather than being viewed as separate elements, these dimensions are integrated and flow together, reflecting learners’ process and progress in a whole image. 

4 dimensions of IB PYP Assessment weight differently, with a highlight on monitoring to collect students' learning evidence.

Each dimension has their own importance and value, providing a comprehensive view of students’ learning together.

This outline does not imply that summative assessments – more product-oriented evaluations such as End-of-Unit projects or single test grades – are entirely unimportant. Rather, these assessments are still relevant to students’ learning; they should be seen more as one of the opportunities to assess learning rather than the sole evidence. 

Assessment at Tessa

At Tessa International School, we believe in holistically-designed, developmentally appropriate assessments. Our assessments are thoughtfully designed to align with international and local curricula, including the U.S. Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and the French, Spanish, and Chinese National Curricula.

Our assessments are designed to serve diverse purposes in relation to learning—namely, assessment of, for, and as learning. In other words, assessment is integral to students’ learning journeys, occurring throughout their educational experience in various forms and practices. Teachers employ a rich array of activities, strategies, and assessment artifacts to collect and record evidence on students’ learning.  Alongside teacher-devised assessment strategies, standardized tests are selectively incorporated based on subject area and grade level, forming a rich and balanced assessing approach that reflects validity and reliability.

Every trimester, report cards are issued to students from Nursery (PK2) to Elementary School Program (Grade 1 to Grade 5), tailored to document a detailed analysis and feedback of a student’s developmental performance.

“The reports reflect not only academic performance but also personal growth, such as collaboration, creativity, and responsibility, providing a comprehensive picture of each child’s development.  ”

– Our Assessment Policy: Report Cards. 

Our Grade 2 students collaborate on the peer assessment to develop their self evaluation and reflection skills.

Tessa incorporates a combination of teacher-devised evaluations as well as standardized tests for a valid and balanced assessment approach.

 

FAQs

Q: What is assessment in IB PYP? 

A: According to IBO, the PYP does not offer formal assessment. The prime objective of assessment in the PYP is to provide feedback on the learning process. Additionally, the PYP stresses the importance of students’ self-assessment and reflection. 

Q: How does the IB PYP assess students progress and development? 

A: PYP assessment focuses on continuous feedback through four dimensions: monitoring, documenting, measuring, and reporting on learning. This underpinned constructivist approach allows students to reflect on their learning and set goals for improvements. A variety of assessment methods can be employed, including formative and summative assessments, to gauge students progress in relation to their learning goals. 

Q: What is Tessa’s Assessment Policy? 

A: At Tessa International School, we believe in holistically-designed, developmentally appropriate assessments. Our assessment approach aligns with our integrated curriculum, involving the U.S. Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and the French, Spanish, and Chinese National Curricula. With a consideration of valid, balanced, and reliable assessment evidence to best reflect students’ process and progress, we incorporate a combination of teacher-devised evaluations as well as standardized tests in our assessment practices. You can find more information here. 

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

 

A girl from the primary class waving two national flags.

Promoting Cultural Awareness at Tessa International School

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A critical part of helping our students become caring and happy world citizens is guiding them to understand and respect different cultures. Compared to local schools which often reflect a more homogenous cultural environment, we, as an international school, immerse students in a naturally diverse community where they experience a wide variety of cultural perspectives daily. By prioritizing cultural awareness, we prevent children from believing generalizations or stereotypes associated with a particular race, gender, or ethnicity. Instead, an appreciation for their own and others’ cultural differences is promoted from early childhood. 

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

– The Mission Statement of Tessa International School.

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

Cultural awareness is fundamental to providing a uplifting learning environment for all students.

A Multicultural Community

As of September, 2024, more than 60 different cultures are represented within our Tessa Community. This multicultural environment provides students with firsthand opportunities to experience diverse perspectives and practices. Children engage in collaborative projects with peers from various backgrounds, smoothly cultivating mutual respect and open-mindedness across national boundaries. 

To ensure a multicultural education that is responsive to all students, our teachers are all highly credentialed native speakers of English, French, Mandarin or Spanish, who bring a wealth of expertise and experience in their respective fields, and cultural knowledge to their teaching. This ensures that our students receive the highest quality bilingual education. Together, we create a collaborative and supportive community that develops all members a profound sense of belonging and appreciation for the richness that diversity brings.

A world map shown over 60 cultures represented at Tessa

Our school community reflects a specturm of diversity and inclusion.

A School Life Full of Cultural Celebrations

Due to the international nature of our school community, cultural awareness thrives through our celebrations and festivals, which are significant components of our vibrant school life. These events are more than fun activities; they manifest emotions, traditions, and knowledge, all of which are essential to our students’ understanding of the global world. 

Throughout the year, we celebrate events such as Hispanic Heritage Month, Lunar New Year, and Fête de la Musique – connected to our Spanish, Mandarin, and French bilingual programs for students to apply their targeted languages in real-life contexts – along with a range of other cultural traditions. These celebrations immerse our students in different cultures with interactive opportunities, whether enjoying traditional dishes, performing cultural dances, or directly communicating with guest speakers from specific cultures. Celebrations not only spark curiosity about different ideas, beliefs, and values but also inspire deeper cultural exchanges. 

We always welcome parents to volunteer in organizing or/and supporting school events to share their cultural legacies across generations. By participating in and learning about traditions, students deepen their appreciation for how cultural diversity enriches our shared experiences.

You can check our upcoming school events here. 

To celebrate the UN Day, a class of primary students at Tessa wearing their cultural outfits and holding up a poster that says "together in the world" in Spanish.

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

An Integrated International Curriculum

To provide students with both academic excellence and a global perspective, we offer an exceptional education based on international best practices. On a closer look, Tessa International School holds three premier global accreditations as a testament of our commitment to academic excellence: 

  1. International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP)
  2. French Ministry of Education for our Maternelle program (Preschool to Kindergarten)
  3. Cognia for our Preschool, Kindergarten, and Primary School Programs

Our globally recognized programs, with a focus on bilingualism, enable a seamless transition into other accredited institutions worldwide and a strong pathway towards higher education, facilitating their global mobility and fostering their continued success. 

 

Multicultural understanding is a valuable asset for children, helping them build greater self-esteem and form successful personal and professional relationships in different settings. From our multicultural community full of dynamic celebrations to worldwide recognized international curriculum, we prepare students not only to achieve academic competence but also to engage with the world as open-minded, culturally aware citizens.

 

FAQs

Q: Why should we foster children’s cultural awareness? 

Fostering cultural awareness in children helps them become more empathetic, adaptable, and open-minded individuals. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is vital for children to appreciate and respect differences. By developing an understanding of various cultures early on, they grow into adults who are better equipped to collaborate across cultural lines, reducing prejudices, gaining global competency, and creating a more inclusive world. 

Q: How does Tessa International School promote students’ cultural awareness? 

At Tessa International School, fostering cultural awareness is inherent in both our curriculum and daily school life. Accredited by the IBO and the French Ministry of Education, we integrate international best practices into our bilingual curriculum to ensure a globally recognized, high-quality education. This approach equips students with a broad perspective, helping them develop an understanding of different cultures while gaining academic excellence. Additionally, our community represents over 60 different cultures, allowing students to engage with peers from around the world and learn about different perspectives firsthand. A wide variety of cultural festivals and holidays are honored and celebrated, offering students a rich tapestry of global traditions, stories, and customs that enhance their appreciation for diversity.

Q: What role do parents play in promoting cultural awareness? 

A: Parents play a crucial role in fostering children’s cultural awareness as the primary role models who demonstrate open-mindedness and respect for diversity. By engaging in discussions about different traditions, values, and perspectives at home, parents can help children see the world through a broader lens. At Tessa International School, we encourage parents to actively participate in our cultural celebrations and festivals to show parental engagement in students’ learning journey and help us create an inclusive community. Moreover, supporting bilingual education also fuels children’s understanding of diverse cultures, making them more cultural aware and knowledgeable citizens. 

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

 

 

 

A student learns additions and subtractions with counting cubes.

Fostering Conceptual Understanding in Tessa International School’s Math Curriculum

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We are living in an era of extraordinarily rapid change, where technological advances and global events unfold at an exponential pace every day. Amidst these transformations, we see incredible opportunities for growth and progress in our teaching-and-learning approach, aligned with our mission to prepare students as future leaders who are always ready to move forward.

This is where conceptual understanding comes in. Instead of relying on rote memorization, conceptual understanding engages our students in meaningful Math learning experiences built around consistent concepts, helping them build solid knowledge with deeper comprehension.

Students at Tessa International School actively learn with encouragement from our Math Teacher.

Conceptual understanding helps students learn more flexibly and retain knowledge better.

What Conceptual Understanding Is

Conceptual understanding refers to the process of organizing and connecting seemingly isolated facts in a meaningful way throughout the learning process. This ability to arrange, structure, and integrate knowledge builds cognitive competence, facilitating appropriate retrieval and application across various contexts and disciplines.

In the field of Math, conceptual understanding involves comprehending mathematical concepts, operations, and relationships. When students grasp a math concept, they perceive their knowledge as part of a larger, connected whole, rather than as isolated facts or single approaches. Consequently, conceptual understanding often leads to students finding that there is less to learn, as they can identify underlying similarities in superficially different situations. 

Examples of Conceptual Understanding in Math

According to Adding It Up: Helping Students Learn Math (National Academies Press, 2001), in addition to fluently verbalizing relationships among concepts, another significant indicator of conceptual understanding is the ability to represent Math situations differently and recognizing how they can be useful for different purposes. 

Take adding and subtracting fractions as an example. Students demonstrate conceptual understanding when they are able to use real-life examples, visual models (such as number bars), and the common denominator method to arrive at the same answer. Using different representations shows how students progress from understanding part-to-whole concepts to applying algorithmic steps, which also can support them to draw connections with integration in calculus at higher levels in the future. 

A student learns additions and subtractions with counting cubes.

The degree of conceptual understanding is related to the richness and extent of the connections students have made.

Math Education at Tessa

At Tessa International School, we believe Math is more than just memorizing formulas. We ensure our students truly understand the “why” behind every concept and how it applies to their interactions with the world through an integrated curriculum of IB PYP Math and Singapore Math. 

IB PYP Math

Concept-driven learning is at the heart of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), and Math, rather than being seen as a series of equations and theorems to be memorized, is viewed as a way of thinking that helps learners make sense of the world.

In this philosophy, the development of conceptual understanding can start much earlier than we might imagine, as IB PYP emphasizes the importance of the realistic, relevant conditions in which students live. Students acquire knowledge and skills by abstracting from their real-life experiences into symbolic notations and validating their understanding through problem-solving, where conceptual understanding shines.

Singapore Math

To fulfill the above idea that Math is a way of thinking, we implement the Singapore Math approach from Preschool to Primary School at Tessa, which is known for its intentional sequencing of concepts. This approach purposefully and efficiently organizes the Math terrain for students, breaking down complex concepts into simpler parts to build a strong foundation for advanced study. 

One of the key features of Singapore Math methodology is the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) progression, based on the work of American psychologist Jerome Bruner. The three-step learning method introduces Math concepts in a tangible way and progresses through increasing levels of abstraction. As the name suggests, students gradually gain a deeper understanding of a concept at hand through three modes of representations:

  • Physical objects (Concrete), 
  • Visual diagrams (Pictorial), 
  • Math symbols and numbers (Abstract).

A core principle of this method is that learning is not linear but should be revisited and built upon, with a strong sense of connectivity and increasing complexity. While the Singapore Math approach refers to this as a strategy of mental Math, the CPA method indicates the reasoning, arranging, and communicating of understanding at a conceptual level. 

 

There are multiple reasons why we love Math – we admire its intrinsic logic and beauty, and we value the passions and curiosity it inspires. More importantly, learning Math not only helps our students become more academically successful problem solvers, but its insistence on conceptual depth also develops a sense of resourcefulness and confidence, preparing them to excel in more complicated adventures, both within and beyond the classroom. 

 

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

 

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! 

Summer Travel Plans…?

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At Tessa International School, we make it our mission to prepare our students to be leaders of the 21st century and happy world citizens. During the summer months, traveling with your children can be a great way to introduce them to the diversity beyond our borders.

Traveling with your children can be a fun and very educational way to broaden their mindsets. When you travel with your children, you are allowing them to observe and experience new places, languages, foods, and cultures first-hand. At Tessa International School, we strongly believe in preparing our children to embrace the world with enthusiasm, confidence, and the strong will to make a difference. Traveling is one of the key ways to help develop their open-mindedness, curiosity, flexibility, independence and many other skills at an early age that are necessary for them to succeed in our highly interconnected and globalized world. Raising global children means sending them off into the world better prepared to tackle the issues of the 21st century.

Here are our top five reasons to travel with your kids:

  1. It is a great way to spend valuable time together as a family. There is no better way to show your child that you care than to spend time together. Travelling will certainly leave you with some remarkable photos and unforgettable memories!
  2. It broadens your child’s mindset and perspective of the world. It is amazing how quickly children catch on to subtle differences in their environment. Travelling presents a wonderful opportunity to spark their curiosity and imagination.
  3. Travel allows your child to develop their self-esteem, confidence and independence. Exposing your children to new and different cultures will undoubtedly teach them new things. It will also a great way to strengthen their character and discover who they are and where they come from.
  4. It teaches them to embrace diversity. Meeting new people, listening to foreign languages, and trying new foods are all great experiences that showcase the differences in our cultures. Celebrate the diversity!
  5. Before you know it, your child will become a seasoned traveler. You may be hesitant to take your little one along for the vacation, however, it is an excellent way to set expectations and let them grow accustomed to what is expected of them on travel days.

It’s never too early to start exploring the world with your little one. Visit our website to learn more about our world class curriculum and language immersion programs in either French or Spanish. At Tessa, we understand the importance of preparing our children to take on whatever challenges life throws at them and embrace global opportunities with enthusiasm and confidence. RSVP to join us at our next information session or call us to schedule an appointment at (201) 755-5585.

Safe travels and we look forward to meeting you and your family soon!

Join us at Tessa International School

Discover why our bilingual curriculum is recognized as one of the best. Learn how we combine academic excellence with engaging, interactive experiences that foster global awareness.

Inquire Tour Apply

Join us at Tessa International School

Discover why our bilingual curriculum is recognized as one of the best. Learn how we combine academic excellence with engaging, interactive experiences that foster global awareness.

Tessa International School

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