French Preschool in Newton, MA

The Teddy Bear Club, Newton:
The Teddy Bear Club Preschool and Kindergarten located in Newton, Middlesex County, MA, has an international flavor not only because of its French atmosphere and culture, but also thanks to the diversity of students who attend the program. We cater for children from Newton, Aubumdale, Waban, Chestnut Hill, Nonantum and surrounding communities. Over one hundred and fifty students constitute the Teddy Bear Club body. While at least seventy percent of our students are American, many families come from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru and Russia. Our programs focus on the development of the whole child by enhancing the child´s cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills. Children explore their world through active play, use of manipulatives and nurturing guidance. They participate in well-organized, bilingual learning experiences designed to stimulate and promote curiosity, imagination and independence.

The primary goal of The Teddy Bear Club is to foster the development of positive self-esteem by instilling confidence in all of our students. We encourage children to develop a strong sense of pride in their achievements and experience the joy of learning and the wonder of discovery.

Philosophy:
The Teddy Bear Club was started in 1993. Our unique program combines learning through play while introducing the French language and culture through our daily activities. The Teddy Bear Club is a place where many children often have their first experiences with cultural differences.

Clearly, there are certain fundamentals that every parent seeks for their child when making preschool decisions. These basics include safety, warmth, kindness, understanding loving teachers and beautiful surroundings filled with sunshine and fresh air. We provide these elements for every child within a balanced, developmentally appropriate program. When you leave your child at the Teddy Bear Club, you know that your child is getting the very best in care, teaching, safety and love. Our primary focus is to provide a safe and nurturing environment to all of the children. At The Teddy Bear Club, children come first and we do everything necessary to ensure that your child is secure, confident and happy.

Much media attention has recently been focused on the importance of early learning experiences on brain development. Newsweek devoted a special edition to the critical first 3 years of a child’s life and indicated that there is a “window of opportunity” for second language learning starting at 1 year of age. A February 1997 article in Time magazine suggested that foreign languages should be taught to children as early as possible. With so many demands already placed on children, parents might ask: Is it important that my child learns a second language at a young age? Why? What options are available?

What Are the Benefits of Knowing a Second Language?
In addition to developing a lifelong ability to communicate with more people, children may derive other benefits from early language instruction, including improved overall school performance and superior problem-solving skills. Knowing a second language ultimately provides a competitive advantage in the workforce by opening up additional job opportunities.

Students of foreign languages score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English. In its 1992 report, College Bound Seniors: The 1992 Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, the College Entrance Examination Board reported that students who averaged 4 or more years of foreign language study scored higher on the verbal section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) than those who had studied 4 or more years in any other subject area. In addition, the average mathematics score for individuals who had taken 4 or more years of foreign language study was identical to the average score of those who had studied 4 years of mathematics. These findings are consistent with College Board profiles for previous years.

Students of foreign languages have access to a greater number of career possibilities and develop a deeper understanding of their own and other cultures. Some evidence also suggests that children who receive second language instruction are more creative and better at solving complex problems. The benefits to society are many. Americans fluent in other languages enhance our economic competitiveness abroad, improve global communication, and maintain our political and security interests.

Why Is It Better for My Child To Learn a Language in Elementary School?
Studies have shown — and experience has supported, that children who learn a language before the onset of adolescence are much more likely to have native-like pronunciation. A number of experts attribute this proficiency to physiological changes that occur in the maturing brain as a child enters puberty. Of course, as with any subject, the more years a child can devote to learning a language, the more competent he or she will become. In any case, introducing children to alternative ways of expressing themselves and to different cultures generally broadens their outlook and gives them the opportunity to communicate with many more people.

Our warm and enthusiastic teachers are one of our most important assets. These experienced, certified preschool teachers have been selected because they truly care about the development and happiness of our students. All members of our faculty are bilingual, and many of them come to us from France or from other French speaking countries.

Programs:
Bilingual (French/ English) preschool and kindergarten programs:
* Le Petit Jardin program for children two to two years nine months.
* Le Moyen Jardin program for children two years nine months to four years old
* Le Grand Jardin is a pre-K program for children four to five years old.
* Le Jardin Maternel is a kindergarten program for children five years old and older, and also serves as a transitional kindergarten program for children slightly under age five. This afternoon program is only available as a 5-day option.