Stamford American International School uses a unique one-bilingual-teacher approach for its English-Mandarin Bilingual Program. We find out how this benefits its students…
As more parents want to help their kids gain “the bilingual edge”, the demand for bilingual programs in schools has also increased – with English-Mandarin programs being one of the most popular. To cater to this growing need among families, Stamford American International School (SAIS) has developed an innovative and research-based approach for its English-Mandarin bilingual classes, which students can join at no extra cost!
A unique one-bilingual-teacher approach
SAIS uses an innovative one-bilingual-teacher approach for its Bilingual Program, which requires teachers and teaching assistants to be fluent in both languages. Besides being masters of English and Mandarin, SAIS’ bilingual teachers have extensive experience in teaching in a bilingual environment.
This approach makes the transition between languages seamless, and students can explore their lessons more deeply in both languages. Having a single bilingual teacher also builds trusting relationships between students and teachers. This is important as bilingual learners need to feel a deep sense of belonging in both languages and cultures. Having a strong and trusting relationship with teachers helps students feel confident, encouraging them to take risks and be comfortable making mistakes in their learning journey.
This approach promises a more immersive English-Mandarin learning experience for students as it provides them with equal exposure to both languages in every subject. As the learning content is the same as those taught in mainstream classes, SAIS’ Bilingual Program teachers regularly collaborate with their grade-level colleagues to design lessons as well as share best instructional and assessment practices.
Teachers act as bilingual role models to their students
It’s a known fact that teachers are key role models to their students as they’re capable of influencing the latter’s attitudes and interest in learning. This is perhaps the most beneficial aspect of SAIS’ one-bilingual-teacher approach, as the teachers themselves can demonstrate to students how bilingualism works in everyday life. SAIS’ Superintendent Dr. Mark Wenzel’s sons also attend the school’s Bilingual Program and here’s what he has to say, “My boys are thriving in Stamford’s program. They chatter between themselves at home, get excited for a class presentation in Mandarin, memorize lines for a skit, sing songs and sit at the kitchen table practicing their characters. They’re living the language.”
Parents with children who are interested in dedicating more time and effort to learn Mandarin as a second language can consider enrolling them in SAIS’ Bilingual Program, which is offered to students as young as Pre-K (three years old) to Grade 5 (10-11 years old). If you’re keen to see if this is the right program for your child, you can contact the school’s Admissions Team and find out more about its unique Bilingual Program.
This post is in partnership with Stamford American International School
