Bilingual Approach

Researchers say the best way to become proficient in a second language is to start young and practice often. Young children learn a second or third language by being surrounded with that language as they engage in their world. The benefits of being bilingual, such as greater cognitive flexibility, have been well documented. While these benefits are valuable, our personal excitement here at Children of the Island lays in the cultural exchange and expanded perspectives that come from speaking more than one language.

English is the dominant language used daily here on the island so inside our centre we will endeavour to encourage French language development. Educators whose native language is English will speak English and incorporate French words and phrases while leading group activities, playing games, conducting circle time, and singing songs. Educators whose native language is French will speak French to the children as well as amongst themselves as a further means of modeling French to the children.

When engaging individually with a child, educators will speak in the language chosen by their parents. Children are encouraged to play and communicate with each other in which ever language is most comfortable for them.