Bilingual Pre-School Launch
Wednesday 11 June 2008 Wee Care Day Nurseries are launching Northern Ireland’s First English - French Bilingual Pre-School Class in their Windsor Avenue North Nursery, Malone Road, South Belfast as part of their commitment to ensuring the best possible education and care for children.
WEE CARE DAY NURSERIES LAUNCH NORTHERN IRELAND’S FIRST ENGLISH - FRENCH BILINGUAL PRE-SCHOOL Wee Care Day Nurseries are launching Northern Ireland’s First English - French Bilingual Pre-School Class in their Windsor Avenue North Nursery, Malone Road, South Belfast as part of their commitment to ensuring the best possible education and care for children. The bilingual programme provides children with no experience in speaking a second language a great foundation in French as well as providing children who already have experience of the language an opportunity to continue to develop their skills. Journalists, photographers and camera crews are invited to attend the launch: Date: Wednesday 11th June, 2008 Time: 4pm - 5pm Location: Wee Care Day Nurseries, 1 Windsor Avenue North, Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6EL To attend call Claire Noble on 028 9058 2889 / 07866 116 207. Introducing a second language into the pre-school environment has countless advantages for children. It helps them develop knowledge of other cultures, broadens their horizons and opportunities for the future and promotes positive attitudes towards other cultures. There is also growing evidence to suggest that a child’s ability to learn a second language is highest between the ages of 0-6. At this age, children are naturally curious and highly motivated to learn and also less self-conscious than in later years. Research conducted by CCEA during its recent Foundation Stage Pilot project indicates strongly that an early second language experience encourages children’s enthusiasm for languages at an early age, whilst fostering positive attitudes towards other cultures. Furthermore, results also suggest that early second language experiences enhance not only listening and speaking skills in their own, as well as the second language whilst enhancing self-esteem and confidence. (“Developing Little Linguists Evaluation” http://www.nicurriculum.org.uk/) Dr Janice Carruthers, Head of French at Queens University Belfast said; “Young children have the ability to acquire a second language very easily. A bilingual pre- school not only gives them a wonderful opportunity to acquire an important skill but it also makes language learning fun.” Ann McNaull, Co-ordinator of Wee Care’s Windsor Avenue North Nursery agreed and commented; “We are very excited about the bilingual pre-school, we have undertaken a lot of research and invested in many resources to ensure the children get the best possible experience during their day at Wee Care. We feel we have developed a programme which will keep the children stimulated and entertained throughout the day.” The Nursery has also implemented an Immersion technique of teaching rather than learning the language through timed lessons. Ann continues; “We feel immersion has better results as the children are able to experience the language throughout all their daily activities in Wee Care rather than for specific intervals so it occurs much more naturally.” The children have been taking part in the bilingual pre-school since the end of March and parents are already impressed with the results. Christine McGranaghan, parent of Bria, aged 4 who attends Wee Care’s Bilingual Pre-School said; “I think it’s an absolutely brilliant idea for the children to learn French. I love the idea that my daughter Bria is learning a second language as I think it will only be of benefit to her in the future.” If parents would like more information about Wee Care Day Nurseries’ English - French Bilingual Pre-School or to have a tour of the nursery then contact co-ordinator Ann McNaull on t: 028 9058 2001. Notes to Editors § Wee Care Day Nurseries are registered private Day Nurseries, Nursery Schools and After School Clubs located in North, South and East Belfast and also in Dublin. They cater for children from 6 weeks to 11 years old. § Wee Care are renowned for the quality care and flexible service provided. They were the first private day nurseries in Northern Ireland and last year celebrated their 20th Anniversary. § For media enquiries contact Claire Noble; T: 028 9058 2889 M: 07866 116 207 E: claire@weecare.co.uk W: www.weecare.co.uk § Wee Care’s Summer Holiday Scheme returns for its second year following last summers huge success. The scheme runs throughout July and August and there is a different exciting theme each week, with plenty of trips and activities to ensure the children are entertained and have fun all summer long. All primary school aged children welcome. << Go BACK
|
