If you have a child going to Bilingual Kids English school near the Mitaka area, or are interested in joining, here is a little on what to expect. Before we talk about English learning at our school (Commonly known as BKI) lets talk about distance. Bilingual Kids English School is currently in the process of building a brand new school only a block away from its old location at Sakai 5. The English School is really close to Mitaka, so close in fact that many of our customers bike to BKI from Mitaka, a trip that only takes about ten to fifteen minutes, depending on where you live. If you are able to convince yourself that its worth the ride for a really great English School, then you certainly wouldn't be the only one.

Regarding English learning at our school; We accept toddlers at our school from around 18 months. This is a good age to join any English School as it allows time for a young toddler to get settled. At this time however English conversation and development is relatively slow. Its not until around the age of 2 years old that language development (and therefore English Learning) picks up. At this age, word order and imagination, both improve and vocabulary also increases.

While most children learning a second language are going to be behind when compared to a native speaker, they can still learn relatively quickly in the right environment. Much of this is going to be learnt through social play. For example, we have several young Japanese students in our present class (as of writing 14/10/16) who are at the following level after having joined us at 18 months of age (Toddler level) and have now been with us for a year and a half. They are both now 3 years old.

Here is a brief description of their English level:

When making English sentences, both students talk about known objects, events and people not present. “My mummy is at work.”
Both students talk about the actions of others. “Lisa is drawing a picture.”
Both students can appropriately answer simple questions. “Yes, I can.”
Increasingly, both students are asking more and more questions about people, places and what things are.
These students always join in on opportunities to say “Hi”, “Bye” or “Please.”
When making English sentences, they always comment about objects (real or imaginary) within sight. “This is my camera.”
They frequently comment about ongoing events. “We are in the train.”
Both students can remember and sing along to many nursery rhymes and songs.
English speaking staff can understand what the students are saying at least 80% of the time.
When making English sentences, both students can expand their phrases with nouns“…..this little brown Teddy Bear.”
Both students use verbs with “ing” endings. “We are going now.”
Both students use the preposition “in” “Kai is in the box”
Both students indicate a negative by putting the word “No” or “Not” before a noun or verb that is simple. “Not Dolly”

From this we can determine that they are not so far behind a native English speaker, and in fact are really doing quite well. These children are more than capable of expressing themselves well as far as English conversation is concerned. As their Japanese at this point is obviously native, these kids are well on their way to being fully bilingual. While all students develop at their own pace, this typical example from our school should give you some idea of what to expect at the toddler level. Please continue to read this blog for further examples of our other students at the ages of 4, 5 and 6 years of age.

Our English school, (Kindergarten and Preschool ) could also be described as an English Daycare or Childcare center. Whatever you wish to call it, it is the perfect environment to foster Children’s English Conversation. Why not contact us to book your interview today?