Principles
Lahti English Kindergarten follows the same educational principles as other Finnish daycares, based on the National Curriculum Guidelines for Early Childhood (VASU). However, we provide the experience in English.
Total Immersion
The method of language development we use is total immersion. The children experience the English language from the teachers and staff as they would in a native English speaking country. The teachers and staff speak only English to the children in all situations.
Our activities are child-centered, which means your child learns English through daily interaction with teachers who encourage them to develop their knowledge of English. We creativity and patiently guide your child through language immersion by using picture cards, body language and other aids to ensure they understand the meaning of English words without the use of Finnish. Children often will help each other with understanding by translating what the teacher said or by setting an example.
In exceptional circumstances (eg, injury), we may speak Finnish to your child in order to calm them and learn what’s wrong.
Additionally, your child will learn Finnish as children prefer to speak Finnish during play. Parents and / or caregivers bear the responsibility of teaching Finnish at home. To further develop your child’s native language of Finnish, we encourage caregivers to follow advice given by the Neuvola Clinic; read a lot to your child, and just talk with your child in Finnish. Together, we guarantee your child will develop a good knowledge of Finnish alongside their learning of English.
Why choose total English immersion for your child?
Natural Language Acquisition
Young children have a remarkable ability to learn languages effortlessly and mimic native speakers. Immersion provides an environment where the target language is the primary means of communication, allowing children to naturally absorb vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation patterns similar to how they learn their first language.
Pronunciation and Accent
By being exposed to native speakers from an early age, children develop a keen ear for accurate pronunciation and natural intonation. This gives them a head start in mastering the sounds of the language and reducing the likelihood of developing a foreign accent later in life.
Cultural Understanding
Language and culture are deeply intertwined. Through total language immersion, children not only learn the linguistic aspects but also gain insights into the culture, customs, traditions, and social norms associated with the language. This fosters cultural empathy, appreciation, and a broader worldview.
Cognitive Benefits
Studies suggest that learning a second language early in life can enhance cognitive development. Immersion requires children to think, process, and communicate in multiple languages, which exercises their brain and strengthens cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
Increased Language Proficiency
The immersive nature of language learning provides an intensive and consistent exposure to the target language. Through immersion, children are continuously exposed to a wide range of vocabulary, grammar structures, and language contexts, which accelerates their language learning process. This immersion experience often results in higher language proficiency levels compared to traditional language instruction methods.
Academic Advantage
Bilingual or multilingual individuals tend to have cognitive advantages that can positively impact academic performance. Research suggests that they often excel in areas such as literacy, math, and problem-solving skills. Total language immersion provides a strong linguistic foundation that can facilitate future academic success, as it allows individuals to communicate with a broader range of people and access diverse cultures.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION Education and Culture Culture and Communication Multilingualism Policy The main pedagogical principles underlying the teaching of languages to very young learners