Becoming bilingual: why and how can you help your children?

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In an increasingly globalized world, becoming bilingual in English from childhood is much more than an asset: it's an essential skill. By mastering several languages, children open themselves up to a variety of social, cultural and professional opportunities. What's more, becoming bilingual as a child doesn't just mean speaking a second language: it also develops cognitive skills such as memory and concentration. And, of course, it promotes a better understanding of different cultures.

The first years of life are ideal for acquiring a new language, thanks to the cerebral plasticity of young children, a faculty already recognized by Maria Montessori. This natural capacity for absorption enables children to immerse themselves in a foreign language with ease. It makes learning intuitive and fluid.

At Esclaibes Montessori Schools, we believe that bilingualism is a key to preparing children for their future. By integrating language learning into a caring and stimulating environment, we offer young students complete immersion from an early age. Thanks to a pedagogy based on a balance between French and English, our schools enable each child to grow in confidence and openness. They learn to communicate in a multilingual world.

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3 benefits of bilingualism in childhood

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Learning a foreign language from an early age is not just a linguistic opportunity. It's also apowerful lever for children's cognitive, cultural and social development.

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#1 - Mental agility and cognitive development

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Early bilingualism improves essential cognitive functions:‍

• Memory: retaining two distinct language systems.
• Concentration: ignore distractions to focus on a specific language.
• Mental flexibility: switch quickly from one language to another and boost neural alertness.

What's interesting is that these cognitive skills developed through bilingualism also apply to other areas, such as mathematics, logic and problem-solving.

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#2 - Cultural awareness: opening up to the world from childhood

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Growing up in a bilingual environment exposes children to cultural diversity:

• They learn that every language carries with it unique ways of thinking, acting and living.
• They develop greater empathy and a natural respect for differences, values advocated by Maria Montessori in her pedagogy for peace.

At Esclaibes International Schools in the Paris region and Marseilles, children work alongside native teachers and peers from a variety of cultures. In this way, they acquire an open-mindedness that helps them to better understand and accept others.

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#3 - Sustainable benefits for the future

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Being able to express yourself in two languages boosts your self-esteem. Self-confidence increases your ability to take on new challenges.

Another advantage for a child who has become bilingual is that he or she develops language learning mechanisms. These simplify the acquisition of a third language, or even more.

Finally, mastery of English, the international language par excellence, opens doors in a wide variety of sectors, including science, technology and economics. The professional possibilities and opportunities will be all the more numerous.

How can we help children become bilingual?

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Helping children to become bilingual requires a thoughtful approach, based on their natural ability to learn languages in their early years. It's during this period that the brain is best able to absorb linguistic information.

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#1 - The absorbing mind of the young child to help him become bilingual

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Maria Montessori introduced the concept of theabsorbing mind to describe young children's unique ability to integrate new information naturally. Isn't it said that children are like sponges? This ability is particularly pronounced between the ages of 0 and 6.

Maria Montessori's observations have since been corroborated by neuroscience research. Results show that two key brain regions,Broca's area (language production) andWernicke's area (comprehension), adapt better when a language is learned early. Broca's area creates a specific space for each language, whereas Wernicke's area makes no differentiation.

Starting to learn English between the ages of 0 and 6 therefore facilitates the simultaneous acquisition of several languages. Children's cerebral plasticity enables them to juggle languages naturally, without confusion. They have the ability to integrate new concepts that may seem complex to us adults.

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#2 - Early immersion: an essential key

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To maximize the chances of becoming bilingual, immersing children in a French-English environment is one of the keys to success. Before the age of 6, cerebral plasticity is at its peak. In fact, between the ages of 2 and 3, children can learn a foreign language with the same fluency as their mother tongue.

In order to become bilingual, it is therefore essential for children to be able to develop in a bilingual environment on a daily basis:

• by alternating the languages used during the day, as in the Montessori International Esclaibes schools, from kindergarten (and even nursery) to CM2;
• by offering constant interaction in both languages, without forcing learning, for natural, gradual assimilation.
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#3 - The Montessori environment: an ideal setting for learning

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The Montessori method, renowned for its child-friendly pedagogy, is perfectly suited to language learning. For example, in our bilingual Montessori schools in Paris and Marseille, we offer students from the age of 2 :

• A balanced, bilingual Montessori environment: in kindergarten, thanks to two classes, one with materials in French, the other in English, children alternate their learning between the two languages. They spend 4 half-days in one class and 4 in the other. In elementary school, pupils have as many teaching hours in French as in English.
• Sensory learning with Montessori sensory materials for learning English: using rough letters or miniature objects to help children familiarize themselves with the sounds and letters of the English alphabet.
• Phonetic learning: in French, as in English, the same activities focusing on sounds and letters are proposed.

Not to mention,

• Language activities to encourage oral expression and active listening in both French and English. Children can take part in role-playing, group discussions, oral presentations, guessing games and more.
• Stories read in French or English, inviting children to ask questions, discuss content and develop their understanding of the language in which they are immersed.
• Vocabulary activities (matching, sorting and classifying), similar in French and English. Children can match pictures to corresponding English words, sort words into categories, or play memory games with vocabulary cards.
• Rhymes and songs to help children memorize words and expressions. Folk songs and nursery rhymes from Anglo-Saxon and Francophone heritage reinforce vocabulary and language structures.
• Integration into everyday classroom life: English and French are not taught in isolation, but integrated into everyday tasks and moments (meals, snacks, recess, motor skills, etc.).
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#4 - Thematic teaching to captivate children

Learning a language becomes more engaging when activities focus on specific themes. This thematic approach links words and concepts to concrete experiences. In our Montessori boarding schools, we develop bilingual projects in English, such as :

• the discovery of constellations and the creation of galaxies in painting ;
• exploring the elements of nature through sensory activities;
• learning cooking-related words, by preparing simple recipes.

Thematic lessons help you assimilate vocabulary in a fun, natural way.

#5 - Individualized learning that respects children's rhythms

Every child learns differently, and Montessori pedagogy pays particular attention to these variations:

• Educators adapt to individual interests and needs. In our Esclaibes Internationale Schools, they offer personalized support and follow-up.
• Activities are designed to respect each child's rhythm. The aim is to encourage fluid, pressure-free learning.

Why choose an international Montessori school?

The international Montessori schools founded by Alexandre d'Esclaibes and Marie Robert offer much more than just a bilingual environment. They embody a global vision of education, where language learning goes hand in hand with cultural openness and personal development for children thanks to an active pedagogy.
Here's why this educational model is ideal for guiding young people towards bilingualism:
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#1 - Balanced immersion in two languages

As previously explained, in an international Montessori school in the network founded by Marie Robert and Alexandre d'Esclaibes, bilingualism is built into the very structure of the day.

Unlike approaches where one language is favored over the other, our schools offer a balanced alternation between French and English. This equivalent exposure ensures that :

• Each language is perceived as having equal importance, which reinforces the child's confidence in both languages.
• Children evolve naturally in an environment where language change is part of their daily routine, without disruption or confusion.
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#2 - A rich and diverse cultural environment

Our bilingual Montessori schools often welcome children from all over the world, making it possible :

• Authentic cultural immersion, where children discover and share the traditions, values and languages of their international peers.
• The creation of a learning space where diversity is an asset. This reinforces tolerance and open-mindedness.
• A preparation for a globalized world, where understanding and collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds is becoming an essential skill.
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#3 - Key values for growing up as a global citizen

Maria Montessori designed her pedagogy to foster peace and understanding between peoples. This vision is reflected in Montessori's international schools, where learning a language is not just a tool for communication, but also a means of building bridges between cultures:

• Children learn to respect and appreciate differences. They discover the vision of the world conveyed by each language.
• Peace education, central to our schools, encourages natural empathy and sensitivity to the needs of others.
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#4 - Proven effectiveness for long-term learning

Marie Robert and Alexandre d'Esclaibes make a point of offering international Montessori schools, distinguished by their ability to adapt teaching methods to children's needs. This personalization guarantees :

• Fast, lasting language acquisition: practical tools and methods tailored to children's specific interests.
• Smooth, stress-free learning: children evolve in a caring environment where they feel valued.
• A natural progression that allows children to master both languages at a high level while developing their independence and curiosity.
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The results: becoming bilingual to prepare for the future

Becoming bilingual from childhood is not just a linguistic skill, it's a holistic preparation for the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world. The results observed in bilingual children testify to benefits that go far beyond words.
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A springboard to a bilingual future

Being bilingual from childhood allows children to develop a natural fluency in two languages. Children acquire :

• Linguistic fluency that facilitates communication in a variety of contexts, both personal and professional.
• The ability to juggle two languages naturally, with no apparent effort, thanks to the habits acquired from an early age.

Bilingual children develop self-confidence in their ability to master two distinct language systems. They become aware of their ability to learn and express themselves. This early mastery of two languages paves the way for further linguistic and cultural learning throughout their lives.
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Certification for language skills

Esclaibes Montessori schools also prepare children to take the Cambridge Certificate, an internationally recognized qualification that attests to their mastery of English. This diploma is an invaluable asset for :

• validate their language skills according to global standards;
• build confidence in their abilities ;
• open up future academic and professional opportunities.
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Cultural adaptability: a key to a globalized world

Growing up with two languages exposes children to a variety of cultures. They develop :

• cultural adaptability, essential for evolving in a globalized world where intercultural interactions are omnipresent;
• professional competitiveness, as fluency in several languages has become a decisive factor in many sectors of activity;
• increased sensitivity to the needs and perspectives of others and, as a result, a better ability to collaborate effectively in diverse environments.
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Focus: Holiday courses to learn English

To complement the bilingual education received in the classroom, children can take part in English language courses during the school vacations. They can also take advantage of English learning activities organized in our schools on Wednesdays. These English workshops, on weekdays or during the vacations, are a great opportunity to continue practicing and deepening children's language skills.
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English language courses for children: the ideal way to maintain language practice

Vacation periods can sometimes interrupt a child's learning rhythm. English courses for children guarantee continuity in exposure to English. They avoid any loss of practice:

• The children continue their immersion in a bilingual environment.
• They reinforce their skills by actively practicing vocabulary and language structures.

This continuity allows them to return to class with a solid foundation, ready to tackle new learning without difficulty.
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Year-round bilingual activities with Wednesday Workshops

And to reinforce their English language skills throughout the year, children can also take part in Wednesday bilingual workshops. These workshops, aimed primarily at kindergarten children aged 3 to 6, enable them to :

• discover the English language through fun and creative activities;
• extend their language immersion outside of school hours;
• explore motivating themes while having fun.

These courses and workshops are not a substitute for bilingual education in the classroom, but play a key role in complementing it. They are a lever for reinforcing bilingualism on a daily basis. They are also open to children not enrolled in our international Montessori schools, a good way to test immersion in a bilingual environment.

Becoming bilingual from childhood is a unique opportunity to prepare your children for the future. Thanks to personalized follow-up, complementary activities such as Wednesday Workshops and concrete objectives such as the Cambridge Certificate, Montessori Esclaibes international schools offer comprehensive support on the road to linguistic excellence. Discover all our offers and help your child to flourish in a multilingual, globalized world.

Whether you want to offer your child a bilingual education all year round or reinforce their skills through vacation courses, the options offered by Montessori Esclaibes bilingual schools are sure to meet all expectations.

Discover our Esclaibes international Montessori schools and our bilingual courses and contact us for more information or to register your child today.

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