English as a 2nd Language at Discovery
Is English a new language for your child?
We have the expertise and experience to help your child become bilingual while developing essential 21st-century skills!
Scroll down for four video samples of Discovery students’ natural speech! (Ages 2, 4, 6, & 10)
Immersion leads to natural fluency
Discovery has the advantage of an English language development program that was carefully crafted and fine-tuned over 15 years by our School Founder, who holds an M.Ed. in early childhood education with a focus on 1st and 2nd language development. The program is administered by our preschool and kindergarten teachers, all of whom are also licensed for early childhood or elementary education!
Starting as young as 18 months old, children are immersed daily in a language-rich environment with native English-speaking teachers and classmates. Our teachers and caregivers provide each child with the vocabulary and sentence structures they need to express themselves freely and confidently. As children grow, the program focuses on developing all key language areas—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—to ensure balanced, fluent language skills.
Stages of 2nd language development
Young second language learners progress through stages of language development at their own pace. Until around age 4, most children have not yet recognized the difference between their home language and English. They may respond in their home language or mix the two languages naturally.
Children who begin English immersion at age 4 or older quickly understand that English is a separate language. During this time, they may experience a silent period, where they listen carefully to understand conversations around them.
With several years in an English immersion environment, children typically become able to use English freely and fluently by around age 6, while continuing to build new vocabulary and grammar. This early English acquisition provides a strong foundation for future academic success and international opportunities.
Discovery’s Age-Appropriate Approach to Second Language Instruction
Through the following program offerings, Discovery provides age-appropriate instruction and support for second language learners:
• Preschool & Kindergarten (Ages 18 months – 6 years)
• After School (Elementary – Junior High School)
• Saturday School (Ages 3 – Elementary Grade 2)
*Our After School program is available to students already fluent or near-fluent in English.
- Children build vocabulary through songs, stories, and other language-rich school materials
- Teachers repeat useful phrases for essential day-to-day communication (e.g., “I want to play”)
- Children are encouraged to self-express in choice of language; teachers reply or rephrase in English
- Children are encouraged to repeat English after teachers
- When there is emotional need, teachers console children in their home language
- Children continue building vocabulary through songs, stories, and other language-rich school materials
- Children are encouraged to self-express in English; teachers rephrase and encourage children to repeat in English
- Teachers begin to focus on age-appropriate grammar instruction for speech
- Teachers begin instruction of alphabet letters and sounds
- Children show comprehension of the separation of home language and English
- Children build vocabulary and grammar through direct instruction, learning apps, independent and teacher-assisted reading, research projects, songs, and other language-rich school materials
- Children are expected to self-express in English and are encouraged to help one another rephrase in English when needed
- Children are encouraged to speak in long, detailed sentences
- Children are instructed in phonemic awareness and phonics (reading and writing)
- Students continue building vocabulary and grammar through direct instruction, independent reading, research projects, learning apps, and other language-rich school materials
- Students are required to self-express in English and are encouraged to help one another when needed
- Teachers provide individualized instruction for continued reading and writing development
At Discovery International School, we believe every child has the potential to become confident and capable in English. Our experienced, qualified teachers provide personalized support at every stage of language development, helping children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in a nurturing international environment. Contact us today to learn how we can support your child’s growth in all areas of development, including language, critical thinking, and social skills.