These days, mastery of a second language is more than an asset: it’s a necessity. Children who grow up in a bilingual environment develop open-mindedness, communication skills and cognitive flexibility that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. But in practice, how does it work for a toddler? And why associate Montessori with bilingual learning?
Effortless learning with pleasure
Young children have a disconcerting facility for assimilating new languages. Before the age of 6, the brain is like a linguistic sponge: it naturally integrates sounds, vocabulary and grammar. Offering a bilingual environment from kindergarten onwards gives children the opportunity to explore language in a playful, unrestricted way, while respecting their natural curiosity.
Montessori and bilingualism: a winning duo
Montessori pedagogy is based on children’s autonomy and initiative. Integrating bilingual teaching into this approach comes very naturally:
The child chooses activities or materials in either language, accompanied by a French- or English-speaking educator (or in another target language).
Instructions are given sympathetically, and children gradually become familiar with a second language in everyday situations (snacks, games, group time, etc.).
The emphasis is on oral communication and comprehension above all, enabling children to speak without fear of error.
Our bilingual offer
At our school, we believe deeply in the benefits of bilingualism. That’s why we offer a French and English-speaking environment from kindergarten onwards. Bilingual educators accompany the children throughout the day, each expressing themselves in their mother tongue for a well-balanced immersion. Our aim is to help every child grow up in an atmosphere open to the world, where learning a language is a joy and a natural process.
