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Choosing the Right School
Are you wondering if a Montessori School, IB School, Waldorf or French Immersion school might. be right for your child?
Here's everything you need to know to get started on finding the right fit to help your child reach their potential:
What is a Montessori School? Everything You Need to Know!
The way we educate kids is changing, and some of these changes are better. One of the changes worth mentioning is Montessori. It is a method of education based on hands-on learning, self-directed activity, and collaborative play. As the name suggests, a Montessori school is where the Montessori method of education is followed.
Children are free to make creative choices regarding their learning in Montessori classrooms, while classrooms and teachers offer them age-appropriate activities to guide the entire process. Children are free to work individually and in groups so that they can discover on their own and gain knowledge of the world to reach their maximum potential.
The classrooms of a Montessori school are beautifully crafted to ensure that the needs of children in specific age groups can be nicely met. These classrooms are usually secular in nature. However, some faith-based programs can also be offered in a Montessori school.
There is no pressure on children in such schools as they can learn at their own pace and from their own experiences. The school will usually work hard to ensure that the material offered matches the natural interests of a child and available activities.
More than Just Academics
A Montessori school is more than just about academics. It focuses on children's social skills, physical coordination, emotional growth, and cognitive preparation that prepares them for academics.
The focus is on ensuring that the child enjoys the process of learning, and it contributes to the development of self-esteem in a child. It also provides children with experiences from which they can build their knowledge.
Trust is the Base
The trust between the teachers and students matters a lot in Montessori schools. The teachers provide the required resources to the children and ensure that they function in a positive and safe environment.
The children and teachers form a trust-based relationship that motivates children to explore and be more self-confident.
The Materials
Usually, multi-sensory, sequential, and self-correcting materials are used in Montessori schools. They facilitate learning and ensure that the children enjoy the process thoroughly.
Specialized Age Groups
A Montessori school usually educates children in different age groups such as infants and toddlers- children between the ages of 3 and 6, children between the ages of 6 to 9, children between 9 to 12, and adolescents.
The History
Dr. Maria Montessori established the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in 1929. She also founded Montessori education. She was the first woman physician who graduated from the University of Rome. She studied the needs and behavior of young children and made some scientific observations. Then she used these observations to create the Montessori education method.
In 1907, she opened a care center for children of low-income families who lived in the San Lorenzo slums of Rome. Dr. Montessori. She called it casa dei bambini or "Children's House."
She realized that young children learn best when they are in a nurturing environment with developmentally appropriate materials that provide experiences that help with the growth of self-motivated and independent learners.
Though she died in May 1952, she was among the nominations for Top 100 Women of the year in 2020 by Time.
Sources:
https://montessori.on.ca/resources/what-is-montessori/
https://montessori-nw.org/about-montessori-education
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Montessori
Pros and Cons of Montessori Schools
When it comes to educating their children, parents want the best. One of the popular options available these days is the option of educating their kids at Montessori schools. If you are considering it as an option, then read on. Here we have mentioned some pros and cons of such child-oriented schools so that you can make the right decision.
Pros of Montessori Schools
Ø Social Development Remains Focus
The first advantage worth mentioning is that Montessori schools help in the social development of children. They don't have to deal with social conflicts alone but are taught social-emotional learning from an early age.
Ø Individual Evaluation
In Montessori schools, children are evaluated on an individualized basis. This approach helps teachers recognize all children's abilities and let children work at their own pace.
Ø Inclusive of Special Needs
Montessori schools follow the child philosophy, which can be extremely helpful for children with special needs as they don't have to face intense pressure to perform or compete with their classmates/batchmates.
Ø Entrepreneurial Mindset
In Montessori schools, children have more confidence and get the creative freedom they need. It might motivate them to have an entrepreneurial mindset later.
Ø Broader Subjects
Such schools also teach a broader range of subjects like history, geography, science, etc., and that too from a holistic viewpoint. The number of hands-on projects and outdoor learning experiences is also higher than usual.
Ø Personal Courtesy and Grace
Children are taught personal courtesy and grace from an early age. They also learn how to handle real-life situations via role-playing.
Ø Multi-Age Learning Environment
Montessori Schools offer a multi-age learning environment, and multiple ages are combined in group settings. Older children often help the young ones to learn better.
Cons of Montessori Schools
Ø Friendships Can be Tough
In a Montessori School, forming friendships is not quite easy as the age ranges of children vary, and a child might not find anyone close to their age.
Ø More Adjustments Later
Sometimes children who had attended Montessori Schools when they were younger find it hard to adjust to the structure of traditional schools later in life.
Ø Focus on Self-Motivation
The children are expected to be more self-motivated, and sometimes they might not be inclined to solve a math problem or learn a new language.
Ø Vague Description
As the Montessori Schools are not defined specifically, any school can claim to be a Montessori School. Parents might not recognize if a Montessori School is genuine or not for a long time.
Ø Lot of Faith Needed
A parent must have a lot of faith in their child's natural curiosity and willingness to learn new things because it is the only way a child can learn in Montessori schools.
Final Words
Deciding whether you should send your child to a Montessori school needs a lot of thought and commitment. You should not take this decision lightly as your children's future might depend on it. Talk to experts or Montessori school teachers or other parents who chose Montessori schools to get a better idea of things and then decide
Sources:
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/pros_cons_montessori_education/
https://www.locusassignments.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-montessori-education/
https://vittana.org/17-montessori-method-pros-and-cons
Which Successful People Have Graduated from Montessori School?
Montessori schools are known for their unique method of educating and contributing to overall child development. But did you know that many successful people, many of them celebrities, have also graduated from a Montessori school? Yes. It’s true. Below is a list of famous and successful people who have graduated from Montessori School.
What Makes Montessori Alumni Different?
Montessori alumni are different and are appreciated for being strong and capable. They model initiative, selflessness, independence, dignity, sound judgment and usually have the ability to work well with others. The education of these people helps them nourish their passions and hone their skills with little guidance so that they can make a special place in society. These are the most noted Montessori graduates you might know of as they are often in the public eye.
List of Successful People Who Have Graduated from Montessori School
· Larry Page and Sergey Brin- They are the founders of Google.
· Jeff Bezos – He is the Founder of Amazon.com.
· Julia Child- She is a chef, author, and TV personality.
· His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge
· Anthony Doerr- He is an author.
· Helen Hunt- She is an Emmy Award-winning actor.
· Chelsea Clinton- She is the daughter of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. She is also the vice-chair of the Clinton Foundation and an author.
· Seth Curry- He is an NBA player.
· Gabriel García Marquez- He is an author and got a Nobel Prize in Literature.
· Morgan Saylor- She is an actor.
· Taylor Swift- She is a GRAMMY Award winner.
· Will C. Smith, Jr.- He is a Maryland State Senator.
· Will Wright- He is a video-game designer (SimCity, Spore).
· Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis – She is a former first lady (John F. Kennedy).
· Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs – He is a popular singer.
· Prince William and Prince Harry.
· T. Berry Brazelton – He is a pediatrician and an author.
· Melissa and Sarah Gilbert – They are both actors.
· Gabriel Garcia Marquez – He is a Nobel Prize winner for Literature.
· Kami Cotler- She is an actor.
· Elizabeth Berridge – She is an actor.
· Katherine Graham – She is the ex-owner of the Washington Post.
· Anne Frank – She was an author, diarist from World War II.
Famous People Whose Children are in Montessori Schools
Here is a list of famous people who chose Montessori schools for their children.
· Bill & Hillary Clinton- He is a former president, and she is a senator, NY.
· Stephen J. Cannell- He is a TV writer-producer-director (The Rockford Files and many others).
· Patty Duke Austin- She is an actor
· John Bradshaw- He is a psychologist and an author.
· Dick Ebersol and Susan St. James- He is a television executive, and she is an actor.
· Cher Bono- She is a singer-actress.
· Marcy Carcy- She is a TV producer.
· Shari Lewis- She was a puppeteer.
· Michael Douglas- He is an actor.
· Yul Brynner- He is an actor.
· David Blaine- He is a street magician.
· Yo-Yo Ma- He is an American cellist.
Sources:
https://www.northstarmontessori.com/montessori-philosophy/famous-montessori-people.html
https://www.dailymontessori.com/montessori-questions-answers/famous-montessori-educated-people/
https://amshq.org/About-Montessori/Montessori-Alumni
What is an IB School?
Can you think of a global community of schools, students, and educators who have a shared mission to empower young people with knowledge, values, and skills that enable them to create a more peaceful and better world? If so, you know what an IB program or an IB School is. If not, read on to know what is an IB School and what makes it different.
What is an International Baccalaureate (IB) School?
An International Baccalaureate school or an IB school is a school that provides IB programs. These programs offer an education that enables students to make sense of the world's complexities around them. It also equips them with the dispositions and skills needed for taking responsible action for the future.
The programs provide an education that crosses cultural, national, disciplinary, and geographical boundaries. They also champion stimulating ideas, critical engagement, and meaningful relationships.
Initiation and Growth of IB Programs
The first IB program was established in 1969. It sought to provide a challenging and balanced education that would facilitate geographical mobility by providing a university-entrance qualification that is internationally recognized. It also aims to serve the deeper purpose of promoting intercultural respect and understanding.
In 1994, the Middle Years Programme, or MYP, was introduced. It was followed by the introduction of the Primary Years Programme in 1997. Thanks to these, IB is identified as a continuum of international education for students between the ages of 3 and 19.
In 2012, the Career-related Programme (CP) was introduced, and it enriched this continuum by providing a choice of international education pathways for students between the ages of 16 to 19 years.
A school can offer these IB programs independently or in combination. All of them put a shared emphasis on developing students who are lifelong learners, and all of them are also underpinned by shared values. The students of these programs should also not just understand but also positively impact our complex and interconnected world.
All these aspirations are summed up in the ambitious mission of IBs.
Why Should Schools Transform into IB Schools?
The introduction of IB can be a transformative experience for the students and teachers, and whole school communities. It delivers excellent outcomes by providing relevant, engaging, significant, and challenging education. The learners of such programs are self-regulated, and they usually act positively when they get constructive feedback. To know more about the benefits, click here
How to Become an IB School
To get authorized as an IB World school, a school needs to ensure that all the administrators and teachers participate in IB-recognized professional development. They need to participate in online and face-to-face workshops arranged by the IB and cover a range of topics that vary from leadership to pedagogy.
IB also organizes several conferences and symposia. They allow representatives of schools & universities, decision-makers, educational leaders, and governments to share practices and exchange ideas. A school can also lookup free professional development resources provided by the IB. Check out IB Schools in Canada over here.
Sources:
https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/what-is-an-ib-education-en.pdf
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/primary-years-programme/
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/primary-years-programme/professional-development/
Pros and Cons of IB Schools
Students who dream of attending a world-leading university often think of attending International Baccalaureate (IB) classes or attending IB Schools that challenge them academically with rigorous coursework and college-level curriculum. If you are considering it too, you should know the pros and cons of IB schools mentioned right here.
Pros of IB Schools
Ø Variety of Subjects
In an IB school, you will learn a wide range of subjects such as mathematics, languages, sciences, and arts. It will help you develop an all-round knowledge and universities will love it too as it shows you can learn a variety of subjects simultaneously.
Ø European Study Opportunities
The European nations are more accepting of IB schools and education methods. So, you can study abroad in a European university and experience a new country and culture while there.
Ø Teaches Social Responsibility
As a part of the IB program, students must do Community Action Service or CAS projects. They need to complete 150 hours of community and service at least. They also need to write reflections regarding the CAS projects.
Ø Better Communication Skills
IB education will also develop your communication skills, and you will need to participate in debates, write extensive essays, and initiate research and analysis.
Ø Personal Development
The CAS component of IB means there is a lot of emphasis on students' social and emotional development. The students are encouraged to get involved in activities outside the classroom. It will let you take a break from your studies and ensure that you get a more balanced education. It will also develop your soft skills like teamwork, organizational skills, and empathy.
Cons
Ø Higher Workload
IB programs are only meant for people who want to work hard as the magnitude of study required is higher than most courses. Getting enough points is tougher as the maximum number of points you can achieve with an IB diploma is 45.
Ø Reduced Flexibility
The compulsory breadth of study required in IB programs is higher than in other courses. You are required to take a minimum of six subjects. You can choose to forgo the arts category and instead double dip in another category.
Ø Different Value Across the Globe
The value of an IB program varies across the globe. Though it is internationally recognized, all universities don't give it equal weight. Even in the US, colleges don't accept standard-level college credit coursework.
Conclusion
Like every course, an IB course also has many pros and cons. The pros have many benefits that local counterparts cannot match. However, the cons can also mean difficulties for students who opt for an IB school.
Also, IB programs and IB schools are not meant for everyone. A person enrolling in it should do it for the right reasons. You will thrive in an IB school if it's meant for you. If not, you might suffer. You also need to work harder than other schools in an IB school because the top-level universities will not accept you if you do okay in IB. You need to do really well!
Sources:
https://www.studential.com/further-education/international-baccalaureate/pros-and-cons
https://www.braingainmag.com/should-you-be-an-ib-student-here-are-the-pros-and-cons-to-help-you-figure-it-out.htm
https://www.crimsoneducation.org/uk/blog/test-prep/pros-cons-ib/
Which Successful People Have Graduated from IB Schools?
IB schools are one of the most reliable education methods as they offer well-rounded development and better exposure than other schools. If you are considering this option and are unsure whether this method of education will give you or your child opportunities to become a successful person, then read on. Here's a list of all the successful people who have graduated from IB schools and have done quite well for themselves.
1. Justin Trudeau- The current Canadian prime minister graduated with the IB diploma in the late 1980s.
2. Dustin Moskovitz- He was one of the four key co-founders of Facebook.
3. Lupita Nyong'o- The Kenyan Mexican actress got her IB diploma in 2001.
4. Ken Jennings- He is the highest-earning American game show contestant of all time.
5. Kesha- the pop singer and a world-famous artist, also has an IB diploma.
6. Marina Diamandis- She is a musician best known for her album Electric Heart.
7. Alex Honnold- He is the greatest climber in the world.
8. Gael Garcia Bernal- He is a renowned actor known for his performance in films like The Motorcycle Diaries.
9. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands- He is the current Kind of Netherlands.
10. Kim Jong-un- He is North Korea's supreme leader who studied in Berne.
11. Jorma Ollila- He is a renowned businessman and the former CEO of Nokia who led the company to great heights.
12. Douglas Alexander- He is a British Labour Party politician who is the current Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
13. Julie Payette- She is a successful astronaut who has spent over 25 days in space and worked for NASA.
14. Randa Abdel-Fattah- She is a renowned author.
15. George Miller (Joji)- He is a singer-songwriter, author, record producer, and former Internet personality.
16. Olajide Olatunji (KSI)- He is a successful singer-songwriter and a YouTube personality
17. Nadiem Makarim- He is the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, in Indonesia and he also founded Gojek - Indonesia's first start-up valued at over US$10 billion.
18. Khairy Jamaluddin- He is a Malaysian politician and currently serves as Malaysian federal Minister of Science.
19. Maudy Ayunda- She is an Indonesian singer.
20. Alia Bhatt- She is a Bollywood actress and the daughter of an Indian film director Mahesh Bhatt.
21. Marina Catena- She is the Director of the United Nations World Food Program
22. Anne Enright- She is a novelist and the winner of the 2007 Man Booker Prize award. She is also the first Irish Laureate for Fiction.
23. Mahan Esfahani- He is a noted harpsichordist
24. Julia Galef – She is an American philosopher.
25. Gael García Bernal- He is an actor and the founder of Canada Films in Mexico.
26. Akihiko Hoshide- He is an astronaut and the former Commander of the International Space Station.
27. Princess Raiyah bint Hussein- She is the daughter of King Hussein and Queen Noor of Jordan.
28. Lauren Jauregui- She is a Cuban American singer-songwriter, dancer, and former member of Fifth Harmony.
29. Sonam Kapoor- She is a Bollywood actress and the daughter of famous Indian actor Anil Kapoor.
30. Mohamed Nasheed- He is a politician and the former president of the Maldives
If you still have doubts about IB schools, ask a question here.
Here’s more on how to become an IB School.
Sources:
https://lanterna.com/blog/10-famous-people-who-did-the-ib/
https://thecareercafe.co.uk/blog/the-6-most-famous-international-baccalaureate-graduates/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_International_Baccalaureate_people
What is a Waldorf School?
The traditional education system is challenged by moments like Montessori and Waldorf. Earlier, we spoke about Montessori extensively, and now we will focus on the Waldorf educational movement. This education starts in early childhood and can continue through high school. Here's the essence of what Waldorf school is, what Waldorf education is, and what it constitutes.
The Founder
Rudolf Steiner conceptualized the Waldorf education. The schools where this education is given are Waldorf schools or Steiner schools. The first Waldorf school was opened in 1919 in Stuttgart, Germany. Now, there are more than 1,200 Waldorf schools on this planet.
Biodynamic Association stated, "Long before many of his contemporaries, Steiner came to the conclusion that western civilization would gradually bring destruction to itself and the earth if it did not begin to develop an objective understanding of the spiritual world and its interrelationship with the physical world. Steiner's spiritual-scientific methods and insights have given birth to practical holistic innovations in many fields, including education, banking, medicine, psychology, the arts and, not least, agriculture."
The Stages
Steiner was extremely interested in matching the school activities with the learning tendencies at different points. He suggested that a child's development usually passes through three stages. They are:
In the first stage, which begins at birth and lasts till the child is 6 or 7 years old, a child learns by imitation, empathy, and experience. So, in this stage, children should be engaged in traditional life activities like cleaning, gardening, baking, etc. They should also stimulate creativity through imaginative play and cultivate feelings through the arts.
The second stage of development begins at the ages of 6 or 7 and lasts till a child is 12 or 13 years old. In this stage, the child learns through images and rhythm. So, the children in this stage should study dramatic arts, visual arts, music, movement, and foreign education. Reading instruction also begins when a child enters this stage.
In the third stage, a child reaches puberty and gets to young adulthood. The curriculum should develop a student's capacity for abstract thought, ethical thinking, conceptual judgment, and social responsibility at this stage. This stage in a Waldorf school focuses on academics, and teachers who teach the subjects need to specialize in the academic subject areas.
Other Aspects of Waldorf Schools
The tuition of Waldorf school differs from country to country and depends on whether a student is enrolled part-time or full-time. The length of a school day also varies, but usually, it is from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. for a half-day and from 8:30 am to 3 pm for a full day. Most schools have a tuition assistance program with a huge budget so that kids from different financial backgrounds can enroll in it.
Should You Opt for a Waldorf School?
It depends on you and your child. Any school where your child can thrive is the best for them. So, it would help if you chose according to what's best for your child. Learn more about Waldorf education on this website.
Also, know about the tuition and fees over here.
Sources:
https://www.privateschoolreview.com/blog/5-distinctive-features-of-a-waldorf-education
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/19/parenting/waldorf-school.html
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Waldorf-school
Pros and Cons of Waldorf Schools
When you want to enroll your child in a private school, you might want to consider Waldorf schools. It's a free-form style of education that emphasizes on arts, spirituality, outdoor play, screen-free learning and offers a more holistic approach to assessments and grading. If you are unsure of whether Waldorf schools are worth it, then here is a list of the pros and cons of Waldorf schools that will help you make the right decision.
Pros of Waldorf Schools
Ø More Humanitarian
One of the biggest pros of Waldorf education is that they don't consider education to be all about reading, writing, or arithmetic. For Waldorf schools, education means respect, social responsibility, peace, and compassion.
Ø Focus on Looping
In Waldorf schools, the focus is on keeping children with the same teacher until they pass all primary grades and enter high school. The presence of a single adult mentor means offering feelings of security to children and allowing the teacher to personalize the lessons to meet the needs of the children.
Ø Learn Through Art
Waldorf schools also believe in learning through the arts. They merge academics with arts like drama, dance, music, crafts, and even visual arts. Each student must draw and create a personal book that exemplifies the lessons. There are no traditional textbooks in Waldorf schools.
Ø No Technology
In Waldorf schools, technological tools like television and computers are not present during the early years of education. Parents are encouraged to stop exposure to these devices at home and allow more time for free play, which nurtures imagination, boosts interaction with other students, and reduces consumerism attitudes in younger kids.
Ø More Time with Nature
Waldorf schools let children spend more time exploring nature as many activities are organized outdoors.
Ø More Self-Discovery
Students in Waldorf schools are encouraged to know more about themselves, develop their unique identities and express themselves. Their imagination is also stimulated all the time.
Cons of Waldorf Schools
Ø Late Reading Sessions
Children are not taught how to read in Waldorf schools until their permanent teeth sprout, usually when they are seven or eight years old.
Ø Spiritual Worldview
Usually, in Waldorf schools, Steiner's spiritual philosophy, known as anthroposophy, is passed to students and teachers.
Ø Bullying is Not Addressed
According to reliable data, bullying issues are not properly addressed in Waldorf schools. Some concerns were expressed here.
Ø Low Diversity
The racial diversity in Waldorf schools is not very high. It needs to be addressed.
Ø Lack of Benchmarks/ Competitiveness
There are no benchmarks for Waldorf schools' reading, writing, and academic skills. There is a lack of competition among kids also
Ø More Parents Involvement
In a Waldorf school, the parents' involvement needs to be higher than in traditional schools.
Ø High Fees
The fees of Waldorf schools are also higher than traditional schools.
Final Words
The decision to send your child to a Waldorf school depends on your child's abilities, the learning environment they prefer, and what you want for your little ones. Do give it considerable thought and then come to a decision. Also, read these useful FAQs. Good luck!
Sources:
https://www.education.com/magazine/article/waldorf-education-successes-failures/
https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/waldorf-education-everything-that-parents-need-to-know/
https://www.verywellfamily.com/an-overview-of-waldorf-schools-4768249
Popular Waldorf School Alumni
Fame is and was never a measure of success. But still, we all like to follow the news of famous people and keep up with their lives. If you consider enrolling your child into a Waldorf school, you might want to know who the popular Waldorf school alumni are. Here are a few names that we could gather after some internet research.
1. Benjamin Agosto – He is an ice dancer and a 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist.
2. Jennifer Aniston- She is a well-known screen actor.
3. William Alexander- He is a popular writer and the winner of the 2012 National Book Award.
4. Sean Michael Leonard Anderson- Also known by his alias Big Sean, he is a hip-hop artist who got fame in 2010.
5. Scott Boman- He is a Libertarian politician from Michigan who ran for the US Senate in 2012.
6. Stephanie Ann Boyd- She is a Michigan-born composer who writes melodic music about women's memoirs.
7. Duncan Black- Known by his alias Atrios, he is a renowned economist and a political blogger.
8. David E. Blackmer- He was the inventor of the DBX noise reduction system and founder of dbx, Inc.
9. Sandra Bullock- She is a screen actor and the winner of the 2010 Academy Award for Best Actress.
10. Austin Chick- He is an American director, screenwriter, and producer.
11. Ever Dawn Carradine- She is an American screen actor.
12. Kenneth Chenault- He is the former president and CEO of American Express, 1997-2001
13. Lisa Coleman- She is an American composer and musician.
14. Chris Codish- He is a well-known composer and musician.
15. Cybelle Codish- She is a renowned photojournalist.
16. Timothy Daly- He is an American screen and stage actor who is known for his recurring role as the drug-addicted screenwriter J.T. Dolan on The Sopranos.
17. Chris Elliott- He is a popular comedian, screen actor, and writer.
18. Josh Dibb- Also known by his alias Deakin, he is a famous musician and a founding member of Animal Collective.
19. Winslow Eliot- She is a famous American novelist and author.
20. Taimane Gardner- She is a Ukulele musician.
21. Adrian Grenier- He is a screen actor, musician, and director.
22. Miguel R. Forbes- He is a publisher, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and senior executive of Forbes Media, LLC.
23. Giuliano Hazan- He is an award-winning chef
24. Dan Hoyle- He is a renowned theater actor.
25. Veronica Webb- She is a well-known model, actor, writer, journalist, and television personality.
Celebs Who Chose Waldorf School for Their Children
Many celebrities or famous people chose to send their children to Waldorf schools. Some of the names we could dig up include Mikhail Baryshnikov, Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford, Lenny Kravitz, and Lisa Bonet, George Lucas, James Taylor, and Carly Simon, Paul Newman, Glen Fry from the Eagles, Rosie O’Donnell, and John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin.
Learn more about Waldorf alumni here.
You can also learn about technology companies' parents who send their kids to Waldorf schools over here.
Sources:
https://owlcation.com/academia/Waldorf-or-Montessori
https://www.waldorfschoolofbaltimore.org/about-waldorf/alumni
What is a French Immersion Program?
We live in a modern world that is very connected with technology. It can also be called a global village. In such a scenario, learning multiple languages is a boon. Parents want their young ones to learn multiple languages from an early age only. If you are among such parents, you might consider a French immersion program. Here's everything you need to know about it.
What is a French Immersion Program?
It is a program designed to help children learn French and become bilingual by teaching the curriculum in English and French simultaneously. It offers students a minimum of 3,800 hours of instruction in French by the time they pass Grade 8. Students will learn French as a subject, and it will serve as a language of instruction in a minimum of two subjects.
How French Immersion Differs from Extended French?
While both are designed to help children learn French and become bilingual, an Extended French program provides a student with just 1,260 hours of instruction in French by the time they pass Grade 8. Also, students learn French as a subject, and it serves as a language of instruction in a minimum of one subject.
What If a Parent Doesn't Speak French?
Parents don't need to know French or learn it to communicate with a child enrolled in a French Immersion Program. Though it can be advantageous in many cases, you don't need to learn the language for your child's sake. Instead, you need to spend time with your child and talk about what they are thinking about and doing in their every life.
Why Should Canadians Consider a French Immersion Program?
People living in Canada should consider a French Immersion program for their children due to the following reasons:
· Canadians who are proficient in English and French usually earn more than those who speak just one language.
· People who know more than one language usually have enhanced problem-solving skills as they can easily distinguish between and use relevant information while disregarding incorrect information at the same time.
· A Canadian who knows both languages can participate fully in Canadian society.
Benefits of a French Immersion Program for Your Child
Ø A Lovely Accent
When your child learns a new language as a young one, they will likely have a lovely accent. You would love hearing them speaking French even if you don't understand it much.
Ø A Deep Appreciation of Language
Learning a language from an early age will allow your child to appreciate the language better. They will also get the opportunity to express themselves in two languages.
Ø Better Brain Development
Some data says that learning two languages can help with brain development. It might also make it easier for your child to learn other languages in the future.
Is a French Immersion Program Worth It?
If you are wondering if a French Immersion Program is worth it, you should know that it can be greatly beneficial if your child has a knack for learning French. If not, you can come to their rescue! Do deep research before making this decision, as your child's life might depend on it!
Sources:
https://www.lbpsb.qc.ca/content/msc2010/CCLFrench_ImmersionEducation.pdf
https://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/what-you-need-to-know-before-enrolling-your-child-in-french-immersion
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/parentguidefrench.pdf
Pros and Cons of a French Immersion Program
A French Immersion program is meant to help children learn French and English from an early age. As both are the official Canadian languages, the worth of this program is more in our country. It is usually offered in two stages. The first stage is from kindergarten to middle school, where more than half of the classes are delivered in French. Then, it is learned through extended French in High school. About 25% of classes are delivered in French. If you are considering this course for your little one, read on to know the pros and cons of French Immersion programs.
Pros of French Immersion Programs
Ø More Career Opportunities
When your children know a second language, they will get more career opportunities later in life. They also get more career opportunities outside the country, especially in France.
Ø Easy to Perform
It’s easy to perform in French immersion programs. Most of the students do well in a French Immersion Program.
Ø Travels Made Easy
When your child knows how to speak French, they can travel to many parts of the world where French is easily understood and used as one of the primary languages.
Ø Opens Doors for More Languages
If your child excels at the French language, it can help them learn other languages. Speaking three or five languages is not uncommon in an increasingly global world. So, with French, you can make things easier for your children.
Ø Beautiful Accent
Children who can speak French fluently usually have an incredibly beautiful accent that makes them stand apart in a crowd and get the attention they need. You will love your little one speaking in French even if you don’t speak the language yourself as a parent.
Cons of French Immersion Programs
Ø It’s Tough for Many Children
Learning French as a second language is tougher than many other global languages. It’s particularly tough for children who have a learning disability, especially one that includes auditory or language processing difficulties,
Ø Lack of Support at School
The support available to students in French Immersion Programs is not adequate and far beneath the support offered at many other types of schools/programs.
Ø Lack of Support at Home
Often, the parents of the children learning French don’t speak the language at home, so the child cannot practice at home and feels a lack of support. This particularly happens at homes where English is spoken as a second language, and the primary language is something else like Mandarin, Hindi, Urdu, and many others.
Ø Money Factor
Reliable data has proven that wealthier families usually have more resources to cater to the tutoring and homework needs of children enrolled in a French immersion program.
Should You Choose a French Immersion Program for Your Child?
It is recommended that you talk to a few people who have enrolled their children in a French Immersion program in addition to doing internet research. Also, make sure your little one doesn’t feel excess pressure and can learn the additional language with ease.
Sources:
https://www.canadianliving.com/life-and-relationships/family/article/french-immersion-schooling-one-parent-s-look-at-the-pros-and-cons-1
https://thereadingschool.ca/is-french-immersion-a-good-idea-for-your-child/