6 Tips for Fostering Independence and Autonomy in Children
“I can do it myself!” As parents and teachers, we all recognize and celebrate the look of pride when a child confidently declares, “I did it myself!”. Instilling and nurturing a sense of independence in young children is one of the best ways to ensure a successful transition into preschool and from there into elementary […]
Bilingual Parents’ Breakfasts
At the French American Academy, a unique feature of our school year is when students invite their parents into our classes for a breakfast showcasing bilingual projects. Our bilingual lessons, when teachers and students collaborate in French and English to create projects that emphasize knowledge building and language sharing, are some of the most worthwhile […]
15 Ways to Facilitate Your Child’s Transition to Writing
Developing and refining motor skills is an essential component of child development. From the moment an infant starts grasping things in their chubby fists (a dangly earring, your nostrils and hair, their siblings’ toys…), they are improving their dexterity and building strength. This work continues naturally throughout their toddler years, through playing, drawing, eating, and […]
Pen Pal Exchanges with French Schools
Bilingualism, among its many other benefits, “unlocks” the world for our students. Growing up speaking both French and English, they are better able to access both anglophone and francophone countries and cultures across the globe. To take advantage of these linguistic abilities, teachers in some of our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes at our Jersey City […]
An Underwater Adventure in Preschool
Get ready to dive into the deep blue sea with our PK students! In January, PK3 and PK4 students embarked on a journey to explore the marine world and its incredible ecosystem and above all, they learned about the importance of protecting our oceans. Dive In to Learn How Preschoolers Discovered the Marine World Students […]
How to Motivate Students: The Power of Energizers
Sitting still takes energy! Maintaining the discipline to digest new information in the classroom while remaining calm and still can be very draining. For this reason, Responsive Classroom teachers are vigilant about students’ energy levels and their ability to concentrate. We know that focus can’t be forced. Energizers are a tool that teachers use to […]
