5 Ways to Help Your Children Thrive at an International School with English as their Second Language

As a Japanese language speaker considering our international school for your children, you’re probably wondering how they will excel with English as their second language.

Though the curriculum here at International School Bangkok (ISB) is rigorous, helping each and every student achieve success is fundamental to our learning philosophy. And multilingualism is a large part of our campus. 

As you can see by the image above, a vast majority of our community speak more than one language, with 7% speaking Japanese as their native language.

ISB provides every opportunity during the school day to help students with English as their second language. You, as a parent, can also encourage your children to thrive in their new international school setting. How exactly you can do this is what we explore below.

Our Native Language Program is thoughtfully designed to help your child maintain their Japanese language and culture. 

In order to provide the best support to Japanese families interested in transferring schools, ISB designed a unique ESL program tailored to help students maintain their native language while studying a curriculum in English. Learn more about how ISB Japanese families transfer to ISB here.

5 Ways to Help Your Children Thrive at an International School with English as their Second Language

1. Praise and acknowledgment

Whether it’s a simple, “great work today” or an acknowledgment of their English language development, praise and recognition are essential to helping your children thrive in their learning.

"Students who see their previously developed language skills acknowledged by their teachers and parents are also more likely to feel confident and to take the risks involved in learning in their new school environment. They are able to view English as an addition to their first language, rather than a replacement for it,” wrote Elizabeth Coelho in her book Adding English: A Guide to Teaching in Multilingual Classrooms."

2. Inquire about ISB’s resources to help children excel 

As an international school, with a largely multilingual and diverse community, we have many resources for those who speak English as a second language. 

We have:

• Japanese resources in the library both for you and your children
• An English as an Additional Language Program
• A comprehensive, proactive, supportive counseling department

3. Become familiar with ISB’s curriculum 

Take a read through our ISB curriculum and discover what your children are expected to learn at school.

We understand as a Japanese language speaker, it can be difficult to understand exactly what is outlined - that’s why we have Japanese glossaries - compliments of NYS Statewide Language Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network - to help you understand what your children may be learning. 

4. Partner with the school to help your children achieve their language goals

At ISB, we partner with you to help your children thrive. Speak with your children’s teachers and create a transparent relationship where you can share any concerns about the curriculum or how your children are progressing. 

You can also get involved in the school community by participating in parent workshops or community events to learn more about ISB, how we help students who speak English as a second language, how to raise multilingual children, and more!

Click here to find out more about our native language parent workshops. 

5. Encourage your children to develop, maintain, and celebrate their native language

While the development of English is essential to be successful at ISB, we also encourage families to maintain and celebrate their children’s native language. 

“We believe that native language is at the heart of human communication, thinking, and feeling,” said Udagawa. “Language is a marker of identity and culture, helping us to make sense of ourselves, our perspectives, and our world.” 

Learn how a strong Native Language program helps ESL students thrive in an English academic setting while also maintaining their native tongue, here.

Want to learn more about an ISB education for your children? Click the link below to discover how to apply to ISB.