In the English classroom this past term, students encountered a number of new themes that expanded their minds and pushed the boundaries of their abilities. We explored earth-bound travel (Transportation) and beyond (Space). We traveled back to a nearly incomprehensible past to contemplate ancient reptiles (Dinosaurs), then shot into the near future to imagine what we could be when we grow up (Professions). 

Finally, we learned about creative expression through music and art (Art and Children’s Day), capped off with the spectacular Children’s Day performance. One might think these topics seem quite sophisticated for their child, especially when it’s not taught in their native language. One might wonder if their child can really dream of becoming a paleontologist or know the characteristics of planets that are tens of millions of kilometers away. This term we found that the answer is yes; the children can learn these ideas!

If this term has taught teachers one thing, it is that our students can successfully learn whatever we put before them. At times, even teachers can doubt this, especially when faced with teaching conceptually difficult material. For example, during the Space unit, levels two and three had to learn “The Solar System Song,” in which each planet has its own verse containing scientific characteristics of the planet. The teachers themselves struggled to learn this one! Yet, the classes caught on. How? By teaching the material though a number of means, allowing for repetition while keeping the child engaged.

Flexibility and creativity are essential to the English classroom, for teachers and students alike. Children needn’t remain static in their seats to learn, simply listening and then repeating stock material. Props and movement make the lesson exciting, and physically reinforce vocabulary and concepts. How can we better teach that Venus is approximately Earth’s size but rotates the other way, than to pick kids of similar height and have them spin in opposite directions before the class!

Then, we can take the lyrics out of a song and use them as sentences. We can also break single words down into syllables or even use them as the base for unique expressions through various games and activities (role-playing, books, etc.). In doing this, we are not only aiding comprehension and memory, but we are also training children how to confidently work independently and with others. We are constantly shifting between song and speech, between individual response and group cooperation.

The key to the English classroom is that a child doesn’t just have one opportunity to learn the material. 

A child does not merely have the time span of the unit to achieve success with the material. We are constantly mixing in review of previous units with new material in fun and fresh ways. In reality, this past term your child has studied more material in more ways than you probably imagined!

1.BRICS English Class

2.When a child loses his/her temper

3.Happy to join in Sunshine Home

4.Lovely child

5.introduction from Natalie

6.What to do when children are distracted in class

To read more, enter the number of the article

1. Camp Introduction    

2.Childrens Day

3.A Story from Teacher Melissa                

4.Children-Parents Field Day

5.Teacher Training Day                             

6.How to Help a Crying Child   

International Sunshine Home is Xiamen’s premier bilingual Montessori school. Our qualified teachers and small class sizes help your child grow up in a safe and happy environment. We welcome you to visit us in person to find out more. Simply reply to our WeChat and send us your name and your child’s name along with your phone number.