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Never too young if language is fun
Encouragement is key for preschool language learning
For The Prague Post (April 1, 2004) There's no getting around it -- whatever your feelings about the national shrine of Czech language, English is the one certainty in the Czech Republic's future. "More than half of all Europeans are capable of speaking at least one foreign language fluently," says Irena Dominikova, director of The Bell School in Prague. It's the"main communicative language of Europe." Even now, speaking English is a basic requirement for working at most foreign firms -- and hence, some of the best jobs in the republic. Even the Czech government has realized the advantage of English fluency. The state now uses its Structural Funds department to fill out applications for European Union grants in English. All of which means it's probably never too early to start children on English, regardless of their native tongue. Or so says The Bell School, at any rate (www.bell-centres.com), part of a global foundation. Bell Educational Trust established its Prague school in 1990, now one of the city's largest language schools, with some 900 students. Though it has students of all ages, Bell specializes in young learners starting at the age of 4 1/2. Studies have shown that children of 4 can theoretically learn up to 1,920 English words in a year. Most schools in Prague don't offer the kind of intensive courses to reach quite that level, of course. And such young students require teachers well-trained in early pedagogy, says Dominikova. "Look carefully at schools," she advises parents. "They really need a qualified teacher with a professional methodology." What's equally essential, Dominikova adds, is that children learn to associate English with having fun and receive positive encouragement. "Encouragement and a lot of praising is absolutely necessary, which is not at all common in state schools." Bell students' progress is evaluated weekly, and they show off their skills at holiday parties in which they perform for parents and grandparents. Aside from practice in public speaking, Bell students also compete in their own version of the Olympic games, also held in English. "We use a lot of activities," Dominikova says. "Students are dancing, singing, drawing, doing sports and related activities." Active learning Another important principle is the idea of English as a means to further study. After two years, students are generally able to follow the basics of any subject taught in English, says Dominikova. Classes for preschoolers, known as Play Group, are run two mornings a week. Students of school age up to 15 attend for one hour twice a week. Priced at around 12,500 Kc ($463) per semester, The Bell School is a resource that's "not the cheapest, but not the most expensive," Dominikova says. But with some 300 young learners currently enrolled, it's apparent that many parents have been won over by the school's respected international reputation. In class, preschoolers learn how to introduce themselves, how to describe things used in school, basic numbers, fruits, animals, toys, colors, the seasons, weather vocabulary and the words for foods and drinks. They quickly pick up new vocabulary by listening to fairy tales and songs, while games and picture books develop their mathematical skills. The games help develop physical skills, balance and motor skills as well. Preschoolers also join in drama circles and painting as part of a group. Naomi Moir, director of studies at Akcent International House Prague, agrees that activities are key. Akcent (www.akcent.cz), which launched a new preschool program in English in September and runs a monthly Kids' Club event with drama and activities in English, also teaches English to some 300 nonnative-English-speaking students aged 5-16. "It's really taking off," Moir says. "More and more parents in Prague are choosing to send their children to English-language private schools." Although Akcent emphasizes grammar, she adds, what's essential is that students enjoy classes, feel involved and free to communicate. "We also put a big emphasis on their learning skills," she adds. While students at Akcent participate in activities to make English engaging, they are also taught good classroom behavior such as manners and not teasing other students. "Unless you're a good learner, you'll never learn the language." Akcent runs a wide variety of classes held from 45 to 75 minutes twice weekly for different age groups and levels, and runs a popular summer camp as well. The school also offers courses for bilingual students, currently held for 8 to 12-year-olds. Many of these students, who may have lived abroad, are ahead of most English students and require instruction at an advanced level. Akcent's preschool rates, at 6,000 Kc per five weeks, give parents some flexibility should they be hesitant to sign up for an entire semester. These courses, held 9-noon three days a week, are led by a native English speaker and are coordinated with the Czech public kindergarten located across from Akcent.
Will Tizard can be reached at
specialsection@praguepost.com
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