My child does not speak either language. How will my child learn and communicate?
Children are immersed in Chinese and English throughout the day. Using gestures, pictures and other forms of support, the teachers involve a non-English/non-Chinese speaker in all classroom activities. In the initial stages of learning, focus is placed on developing spoken language so that your child can participate in class and everyday communication. Learning any language can be challenging, requiring risk-taking and significant time. Careful attention is paid to making sure that your child feels safe, secure, and a part of the classroom community. For some children, learning a language at the beginning can naturally be difficult. Developing a partnership with your child’s teacher, coupled with constant support and encouragement, is needed from both the home and the school to ensure a smooth transition and positive learning experience for your child.
How quickly will my child learn Chinese and/or English?
Learning a language takes time. During the initial stages of learning a new language, most students go through a “silent period." This is the first stage of language learning, providing students with the necessary time to get used to the sounds, grammar, and structure of their new language. For some students, the “silent period” can last anywhere from six months to one year. Within a two-year period, students usually develop confidence and fluency with social and personal language first. Developing the language of school and specific subject areas, or cognitive academic language proficiency, takes five to seven years on average. The length of time it takes to learn a language varies among students. Patience, ongoing support, and encouragement, and a strong home-school partnership are key ingredients for developing learners capable of communicating confidently and effectively in Chinese and English.
How will I know if my child is making progress in each language?
Teachers monitor and assess student progress towards subject area standards on a regular basis. Daily interactions, observations of behavior, responses to learning activities, student self-reflection, and end-of-unit projects all contribute to determining if your child is making progress. For students in EY 3 and EY 4, parents receive their child’s learning portfolio four times a year. From Kindergarten to grade 5, information about student progress and achievement is communicated through the “Student as a Learner Progress Report” at the end of first quarter, the Semester 1 Report Card, the Student-Led Conference at the end of third quarter, and the Semester 2 Report Card. Additionally, parents are welcome to meet with their child’s teacher anytime throughout the school year.