Language is the child’s primary tool for communication, thinking, and learning.
At our preschools, we spark children’s curiosity and joy in acquiring a new language. Our goal is to empower children by creating a context where language, identity, and learning form a cohesive whole. This helps children develop their own unique identity.
As children expand their language skills, their world also becomes larger and more comprehensible.
We use various methods to support children’s language development, such as Dialogic Book Reading (DBR). This is a structured, evidence-based method for reading and discussing books. The educator leads book discussions where children become active participants in dialogue instead of passive listeners.
The Joy of Language, Reading Aloud, and Singing
At Tellusbarn’s bilingual preschools, you’ll find an environment filled with joy for language. All activities are based on the Swedish language, while teaching is also conducted in English.
The environment at our bilingual preschools encourages children to communicate in both languages. There are books and other materials in both Swedish and English, and during singing sessions, we sing in both languages.
In our daily activities at the bilingual preschools, we speak to the children in both Swedish and English—during playtime as well as in caregiving situations. The educators working with the languages speak fluent English. They either have English as their mother tongue, have studied it at college or university, or have lived or studied in a country where English is spoken. Our experience shows that all children absorb both languages, regardless of the language spoken at home.
Swedish-English Profile
At our Swedish-English preschools, there is always at least one English-speaking educator who primarily speaks English with the children, both during teaching and caregiving. The preschool staff use strategies to meet the needs of children who already speak both Swedish and English and adapt their approach according to the child’s language level.