Children's courses to learn English during the vacations

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During the school vacations, the Montessori International Schools in the Esclaibes International Schools network regularly organize English language courses for children. Language courses are a highly enriching experience for children. In our schools, they offer a stimulating and caring environment in which to learn English. From an early age, introducing children to a second language like English not only fosters their linguistic skills, but also their cognitive, social and cultural development.

At Montessori Esclaibes international schools, learning English doesn't just take place during class time or Wednesday Workshops. Vacations are also transformed into unique learning moments thanks to our bilingual Holiday Workshops. These are designed to awaken children's curiosity and creativity . In a fun, international atmosphere, these workshops offer complete immersion in English while respecting the natural rhythm of the little learners. A real springboard to bilingualism, with captivating activities that combine learning and fun.

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Why are these children's courses essential for developing bilingualism?

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Learning a foreign language, particularly in childhood, is a gateway to the world. What's more, more and more studies are demonstrating the positive impact of bilingualism on brain development.

From ages 3 to 6, children are in a sensitive language period, according to the Montessori pedagogy. Their ability to absorb and assimilate new languages is at its peak. The bilingual courses offered by Montessori Esclaibes schools take advantage of this learning window. They introduce children aged 3 to 12 to English in a natural, intuitive way.

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The cognitive benefits of bilingual immersion

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Participating in bilingual workshops from an early age stimulates several essential cognitive functions:

• memory ;
• concentration ;
• mental flexibility.

What's more, this regular immersion in English fosters the development of early language skills, which are then integrated on a long-term basis. Children who learn a second language also benefit from greater cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness.

That's why, in addition to bilingual teaching and children's courses during the school vacations, we organize activities to learn English on Wednesdays.

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A language-learning method adapted to children's natural rhythms

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Thanks to the Montessori approach, each child is encouraged to learn at his or her own pace, in an environment that values autonomy and discovery. Our bilingual educators use concrete, interactive activities to introduce simple English vocabulary and structures. In this way, learning takes place without pressure or traditional methods.

Whether cooking, tinkering or singing, children learn by playing, without even realizing it.

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International immersion to boost confidence and ease of use

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These English courses for children are much more than just learning the language. They enable young participants to gain self-confidence:

• by daring to express yourself in a foreign language;
• by interacting with their peers in a caring environment.

Children explore a variety of themes:

• constellations ;
• the 5 senses ;
• the seasons ;
• the 5 elements, etc.

They enrich their vocabulary and develop their ability to express themselves fluently and naturally. Each step forward, however small, boosts their self-esteem and their enjoyment of learning.

These special times during the school vacations are a great way to help children become bilingual. This experience gives them a solid foundation for future language learning.

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How do the children's courses work?

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The organization of these children's courses to learn English is designed to maximize learning time while respecting children's natural needs.

These workshops, open to children aged 3 to 6 (and up to 12 at certain sites), alternate educational moments, creative activities and relaxation time. They offer a complete and enjoyable immersion experience.

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A balanced structure for rich, varied days

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The days generally begin with targeted learning activities, such as the introduction of new vocabulary words or interactive language games. These are followed by fun and creative activities, such as art, cooking or music workshops, in line with the week's theme.

After lunch, there's a quiet time for reading and relaxation. Stimulating group and individual activities then resume.

This schedule guarantees a balance between active learning, self-expression and relaxation. It allows children to integrate new notions while having fun.

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Supervision by qualified bilingual educators

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Each course is run by passionate, bilingual English and French instructors. They ensure that every child feels at ease. Their expertise enables them to adapt activities to each child's level and pace, taking into account individual interests and needs. These qualified professionals use interactive and caring approaches to encourage children to express themselves freely in both languages.

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Captivating themes for immersive learning

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One of the strengths of these courses lies in their thematic approach. Each week is dedicated to a specific theme that serves as a common thread for all activities. Themes include :

• The 5 senses: sensory activities to discover vocabulary related to touch, smell and taste.
• Constellations, sky and stars: artistic creations inspired by the stars and exploration of the solar system.
• Nature and the 4 elements: workshops on flowers and insects to explore the world of the minuscule, or water, air, earth and fire, with manual activities and outdoor outings.

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This project-based methodology allows children to fully immerse themselves in English. At the same time, they discover fascinating subjects that arouse their curiosity and enrich their general culture.

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Activities: learning through play and creativity

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The Montessori Esclaibes international schools' English courses are distinguished by their pedagogical approach: play and creativity take center stage. Each day is punctuated by immersive, playful activities that encourage the awakening of the senses, personal expression and collaboration.

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A range of interactive and immersive activities

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Children take part in a wide variety of workshops. These are designed to stimulate their imagination and enrich their English vocabulary. Activities include:

• Art workshops: painting, drawing, pottery, making objects related to the themes covered, to develop fine motor skills while learning vocabulary related to colors, shapes, gestures and materials.
• Themed kitchens: preparation of simple, tasty recipes, such as star-shaped cookies or cupcakes. Children learn culinary terms, reinforce measurement concepts and practice measuring and working together.
• Sensory exploration: tactile games, tastings or olfactory walks in a park to discover the world through the five senses.
• Stories and songs: readings or rhymes in English to enrich listening and pronunciation skills.
• Group games and crafts: make creative objects such as bracelets, insect hotels and constellation projectors.

These activities are not just a way of learning English: they also help develop cross-curricular skills such as problem-solving, cooperation and creativity.

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Examples of memorable workshops

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Each workshop focuses on a single theme, giving coherence to the activities and stimulating the children's imaginations. Here are just a few examples of workshops that made a lasting impression on the little participants:

• Constellations: children explored the sky and the stars through hands-on activities (creating galaxies with paint or building constellation projectors with a punching workshop to pierce the leaves following the suggested design) and captivating stories about the universe.
• The 5 senses: a sensory week where each day was dedicated to a specific sense, with tastings of a variety of flavors, tactile games based on textures and the making of sensory bottles.
• Nature and insects: children created insect hotels, decorated wooden insect models, and discovered the tiny world through experiments and outdoor observations.

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Gentle learning

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All these activities are designed to make English a natural part of the experience. By manipulating, singing or exploring, children make new words and expressions their own.

Thanks to this diversity of activities, there's something for every child, whether they're passionate about art, science or nature. These moments of play and creativity leave a lasting impression, both on their learning of English and on their childhood memories.

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FAQ - Where and when do the children's courses take place?

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Where are the participating schools located?

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The schools in the Esclaibes International Schools network welcome children in premises specially designed to encourage their development. Each site offers bright, safe spaces adapted to Montessori learning. Courses are held at :

• Paris, in the 16ᵉ arrondissement: ideally located for families in the capital.
• Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine (92): in the immediate vicinity of Paris.
• Marseille in the 12ᵉ arrondissement: a southern location for families from the south.

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When are these children's courses organized?

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These bilingual workshops are available during all school vacations. Children can take advantage of them during the following periods:

• All Saints' Day vacations: explore the themes of autumn or the world of insects.
• Winter vacations: discover fascinating subjects such as constellations or the five senses.
• Spring vacations: turn to nature with activities around plants and flowers.
• Summer vacations: immerse yourself in a variety of themes, such as natural elements or water.

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Each course is carefully planned to fit in with the school calendar and offer continuity in learning.

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Who are these English courses for children open to?

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And the good news is that English courses at Montessori Esclaibes International Schools are open to all children, whether or not they attend one of the schools in the network.

Montessori Esclaibes' bilingual courses are specially designed for children aged 3 to 6, a key period for language learning.

On some sites, adapted options are also available for older children, up to the age of 12. This meets the needs of families and children looking for a stimulating language immersion experience.

This opening enables a wide public to discover the richness of Montessori pedagogy and benefit from bilingual immersion. It's a great opportunity to meet other children and share learning moments in a caring and stimulating environment.

For more information or to register your child, please contact the school of your choice.

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How are the Holiday Workshops meals organized?

• Workshops run from 9am to 5pm (with on-call options until 6pm on some sites).
• Lunchboxes and snacks are available for meals.
• As places are limited, we encourage you to register your child as soon as possible to guarantee his/her participation.

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How do I register my child for an English course?

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Interested in these English language courses for children?
Request further information, reserve your place and enroll your child by emailing us via our contact form.

Find all the information on the page dedicated to internships : Holiday Workshops.

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