Bilingualism
Natural, everyday bilingualism
At Becoming schools, bilingualism is a core value, even before it is an educational choice. At Bum Bum nurseries, it is part of everyday life: of relationships, routines and the very way children learn.
From the moment they join the nursery, the children have daily opportunities to engage with the English language, facilitated by the nursery staff who integrate the second language into routines and activities in a natural and meaningful way.
Understanding comes from experience, from direct contact with English and from a school environment that promotes and values languages. The children engage with the English language in an interactive and creative way.
The benefits of bilingualism
- Superior logical abilities Greater analytical and problem-solving skills
- Greater attention and concentration Switching between languages requires focus
- Enhanced creativity A predisposition towards divergent thinking and non-verbal creativity
- Enhanced working memory Bilingual children find it easier to do mental arithmetic and to memorise instructions
- Cultural openness and long-term benefits Recognising the diversity of viewpoints, an open-minded attitude towards the world’s cultures, and greater mental flexibility even in adulthood
Bilingualism Matters
Becoming Education works in partnership with Bilingualism Matters, an international research centre on bilingualism, to ensure an evidence-based approach.
Bilingualism in Practice
Growing up in a bilingual school means using two languages every day, quite naturally.
Educators and teachers are living language role models, and children are immersed in a bilingual environment, where learning takes place naturally, through interaction and direct experience.
Spaces designed for language learning
The teachers create environments in which the English language enriches the children’s exploration. Songs, active games and creative activities provide natural opportunities for the children to encounter the language and make it their own.
Experience facilitators
English becomes part of everyday life through real-life communication. The teachers incorporate the language into all routines: from playing in the park to visits to the market, museums or on public transport. The aim is for English to become a tool for exploring and understanding the world.
Champions of storytelling
Teachers use reading aloud, drawing on a rich bilingual library to nurture a natural and experiential understanding of the language. Reading aloud, in the predominant languages, opens up dialogue and encourages children to explore and experiment with words.
frequently asked questions
Start your journey with Bum Bum
Come and discover Bum Bum: book a visit or request information. We look forward to seeing you!