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Immersion the key at YCIS Shanghai
January 30, 2013, Wednesday
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"THERE is no greater gift you can give your child than the gift of early bilingualism," says language immersion expert doctor Myriam Met.
Language experts agree the best and most effective program for fostering bilingualism is one that fully immerses the students in the target language. Part of a functional definition of immersion - according to language specialists from the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition at the University of Minnesota - is having a goal of "high levels of proficiency in new language and in home language."
This goal is usually easier said than done. Living in a different country and learning the language at school is a good first step, but expatriate families may find fully integrating language immersion at home to be a challenge.
To overcome this "language barrier," international schools may provide additional resources that can be used outside of the classroom. Software or web-based programs are a commonly employed means for providing additional language training support at home. At Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS Shanghai), students are able to use a program called iLearn Chinese to enhance and support their language immersion at home. The program was designed and developed by YCIS for use by students who are learning Chinese as an additional language, and is also usable by students learning Chinese as a first language. With resources like iLearn Chinese, students can review the lessons from their Chinese textbooks online with additional audio and visual aids. The program developed by YCIS includes e-books, cartoons and games, making it fun for students to get online. The audio and interactive format means students can continue their Chinese learning at home.
Understanding a country's culture is the final step to full language acquisition. International schools that provide a cultural understanding will therefore benefit students from the academic perspective, but also families who are in need of a little guidance as they navigate Chinese culture.
Beginning in Year 2 at YCIS, every Primary class has a one-hour Chinese culture class per week.
Language experts agree the best and most effective program for fostering bilingualism is one that fully immerses the students in the target language. Part of a functional definition of immersion - according to language specialists from the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition at the University of Minnesota - is having a goal of "high levels of proficiency in new language and in home language."
This goal is usually easier said than done. Living in a different country and learning the language at school is a good first step, but expatriate families may find fully integrating language immersion at home to be a challenge.
To overcome this "language barrier," international schools may provide additional resources that can be used outside of the classroom. Software or web-based programs are a commonly employed means for providing additional language training support at home. At Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS Shanghai), students are able to use a program called iLearn Chinese to enhance and support their language immersion at home. The program was designed and developed by YCIS for use by students who are learning Chinese as an additional language, and is also usable by students learning Chinese as a first language. With resources like iLearn Chinese, students can review the lessons from their Chinese textbooks online with additional audio and visual aids. The program developed by YCIS includes e-books, cartoons and games, making it fun for students to get online. The audio and interactive format means students can continue their Chinese learning at home.
Understanding a country's culture is the final step to full language acquisition. International schools that provide a cultural understanding will therefore benefit students from the academic perspective, but also families who are in need of a little guidance as they navigate Chinese culture.
Beginning in Year 2 at YCIS, every Primary class has a one-hour Chinese culture class per week.
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