The Bilingual Kindergarten Program in a nutshell

The Bilingual Kindergarten Program fosters an environment where children acquire English naturally and joyfully, while our partner institutions provide the high standard of Hungarian kindergarten educationBy immersing children in the English language through play, routine activities, and cultural experiences, the Bilingual Program allows for organic language development at each child’s own pace, making the process both effective and enjoyable.

2 in 1: The full Hungarian Kindergarten Education, but in 2 languages

The Bilingual Kindergarten Program is designed to introduce children to the English language in a natural and unforced manner within the framework of a traditional Hungarian Kindergarten. In this program, as well as the Hungarian Kindergarten teacher, a  Native English teacher is present all day,  whose aim is to gently immerse children in the language, creating an environment where language acquisition occurs organically through play and interaction rather than formal instruction.

One Person – One language: just as in a bilingual family

Following the Bilingual Family Model, also known as  the One Person, One Language Model, in the Bilingual Program, the native English-speaking teachers speak solely in English, while the Hungarian teachers speak only in Hungarian to the children,  without mixing languages or offering translations. English teachers maintain their authentic pronunciation and integrate cultural elements into their interactions. They spend the entire day with the children, ensuring consistent exposure to English. The goal is for children to ‘pick up’ the language in a way similar to their mother tongue, through mimicking, gestures, hand movements, and facial expressions.

English acquisition instead of learning

The Bilingual Program emphasizes language acquisition over traditional learning. Children often experience a “silent period” where they primarily understand the language before gradually starting to use words and expressions, even if their structures are not entirely correct. This method mirrors how children acquire their first language, relying on context and repetition.

Living English: Culture and Language every moment of the day

The immersion principle is central to this approach. English is woven into everyday activities and games, as well as during routine tasks like getting dressed, eating, and brushing teeth. The native English-speaking teacher integrates the language seamlessly into these contexts, ensuring that children hear and use English throughout the day. Special programmes, celebrations, walks, and excursions provide additional opportunities for language exposure. The teachers seize every chance to communicate with the children, whatever the situation.

IMPORTANT: Language development in the Bilingual Program occurs at the child’s own pace

English language growth at your child’s own pace

There is no pressure or forced learning; children are motivated by their desire to play and communicate with their native English-speaking teacher. The emphasis is on making the children feel comfortable in the group room, with the teachers, and with the English language. Some children may be active listeners, building up a vast passive vocabulary, while others might start speaking sooner. There is no right or wrong pace, and some children may not speak English until they reach school age.

“We just played, Mom!”

The Bilingual Program aims to teach children in such a natural and engaging way that they do not realize they are learning. If asked what they learned, and they respond with “Nothing, we just played all day,” it is a testament to the program’s effectiveness.

Unified bilingual growth: Seamless collaboration for comprehensive development

Cooperation with Hungarian teachers is crucial to the success of the Bilingual Program. Hungarian and English teachers plan together in detail to ensure that all planned activities support bilingual development while focusing on developmental areas.

The educational approach adheres to the kindergarten’s pedagogical framework, where learning is a continuous activity occurring throughout the day. Organised Activities such as Art & Crafts, Music (using the Kodály method), Environment/Maths, Story/Verse, and Physical Education are integrated into the bilingual curriculum.