Two languages
One day, two languages, and a teacher who knows each child
We plan which language belongs to which part of the day, so a child always knows what to expect and who to turn to.
The morning, in Mandarin
From arrival to lunch the room teachers speak Mandarin with the children. They sing, tell stories, count and name things as they work, and they show what they mean with pictures, objects and gestures.
The greeting and the morning circle
Songs and picture books
Work time and snack
A Mandarin story before lunch
The afternoon, in English
After lunch on school days the afternoon teacher takes over in English, with a story, time outdoors and a closing circle. Parents are greeted in English at the door.
Rest for the twos, quiet play for the others
A story in English
Outdoor play
The closing circle and pickup
Languages
Who speaks what with the children
Languages on the team
Mandarin
Meihua Hsiao, Zhiwei Tsao and the morning teacher in each room, from arrival to lunch
English
Kandace Gourdine and the afternoon teacher in each room, and everyone with parents at the door
Sample credentials.
At home
What families ask about the languages
No Mandarin needed at home
Many of our families don't speak Mandarin. You don't need to, and nothing is expected of you. If you would like to join in, we send songs and a few words home.
A pace for each child
Some children listen for weeks before they say anything, and some chatter from the first day. Both are ordinary, and we follow the child.
No promises about speech
We plan the languages of the day. We can't tell you what a child will say or when, and we won't make that promise in a brochure.
Hear it for yourself
A tour takes about an hour in the morning, while the rooms are working.