Bilingual preschools are a great way to get your child started on their educational journey. The benefits of bilingual learning are well known, including increased empathy and improved cognition.
While most parents would agree that it’s a good idea to introduce a second language to their child, it can be challenging to find a good bilingual preschool. Here are tips for finding the best bilingual preschool in Singapore.
Ask Around
It’s easy to fall into the trap of relying on Google and other search engines to find the best results especially when it comes to something as important as your child’s education. But sometimes, getting a real-life person’s perspective is more useful, especially when evaluating a school’s teaching method or interpersonal environment. Ask around and see if anyone you know has any recommendations for bilingual preschools in Singapore, and try to find out what their experience was like with them!
Is It Convenient?
You don’t want to spend your whole day driving them back and forth from school, and you certainly don’t want them spending hours on a bus or train every day. Make sure you choose a school close enough that your child doesn’t spend all their commuting time on a bus or train, but far enough away that they won’t run into any bullies at the corner store.
Look at the Curriculum
Although a holistic approach is essential for early childhood education, it’s also important that children are given a clear direction about what they’re supposed to be learning. They’re not just being spoonfed random facts and figures by rote memorization. When researching possible schools in Singapore, pay special attention to whether they have structured curricula that are meant to help children learn specific skills (such as writing or reading) and teach them about general concepts.
Look for Programs With Long-Term Plans
Many schools offer short-term courses and classes, but it is important to find one that offers consistent instruction throughout the year. By choosing an institution with a long-term plan for language learning, you can ensure that your child has plenty of time to develop strong skills and confidence in two languages.
Find Out How Much Time Kids Spend on Each Language
Some schools will give equal time to both languages, while others may prioritize one over the other. Parents should find out which language is given more attention and make sure the language they want their child to be fluent in is prioritized.
Choose a School With Small Class Sizes
National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore recommends that preschools keep their class sizes small and their student-to-teacher ratio low because this allows teachers to give each child more individual attention and support him or her better in learning both languages. Bilingual schools are no exception. Small class sizes allow teachers to get to know all their students well and cater to their specific needs without feeling overwhelmed by large groups or trying too hard not to lose anyone along the way!
Focus on the Teachers
Your child’s teachers will have a huge impact on their development-they’ll have a big part in shaping your child into who they become as an adult.
That means you should look for teachers who are passionate about their role in a child’s development and well-trained to teach your child effectively. Some questions you might want to ask when you visit schools include:
- What are the qualifications of your teachers?
- How long have they been teaching?
- Do they attend educational workshops and training programs or conferences?
Final Word
When you’re looking for a bilingual preschool in Singapore, you’re likely looking for a school that will work with your child to develop their English and Mandarin skills-but there are so many different schools out there! How do you know which one will be the best fit for your child? This blog covers tips you should keep in mind when deciding how to choose the best preschool for your bilingual child.
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