With September comes a return to routine, timetables and a daily schedule which we all leave to one side around June. For our very youngest, this is an even bigger challenge. They are embarking on an exciting new stage: big children School. This can be a bit of a shock, and they are not the only ones who are nervous. The parents of 3 year olds also face a change in their daily lives and this, quite often, brings with it doubts and nerves, particularly when they have opted for a bilingual education system.
On behalf of the School, the Headmistress, Gillian Flaxman, helps new parents at the British Council School to overcome their uncertainties with a few pieces of simple advice. The first step is to invite them to visit classrooms, and the School as a whole before classes begin. They are also able to take part in informative sessions to meet all the key people who will be looking after their children. This closeness reinforces the confidence and security of having chosen the best School and that their children are in the best possible hands.
Moving into a bilingual system should also not be a concern because many children join without any previous knowledge of English. Early English language learning is done through songs and by carrying out simple routines, in an easy and fun way. They will have a British teacher who will always speak to them in English, so that they understand from the outset that they must talk to her in English. And, for Spanish language, the children also have a bilingual teacher and another Spanish teacher. At home too, children can also be encouraged and motivated by associating English language learning with play, through cartoons or story-telling in English.
In the end, by the age of 3, they are “all grown up”. They will have learnt routines which reinforce their independence and social skills such as getting dressed, going to the bathroom or eating by themselves. They will also learn how to listen to their classmates, play with them, wait their turn, share things…
With everyone on board, Families as well as the School, we will make sure that those youngest who are moving up, have an unforgettable experience. Welcome to the British Council School!