When I was young, I changed schools a lot. It was always difficult. The first day at a new school is inherently dramatic and frightening. As often as I moved, however, can not imagine what it must be like to start at a new school in a new country where you do not speak the local language. This is exactly the situation of my son was in at the start kindergarten in China this year. Here are eight things we have learned - often the hard way - on navigation garden Chinese children with a child who is not Chinese
Photo: Stephen Andrews know what is available in your area <. p> Most foreigners in China, where they live do so for work-related reasons. Many foreigners I know are at least as concerned about the city and province where their work stands as they are with the role itself. Thus, in most cases, looking for a kindergarten for your child means looking inside their city or its immediate vicinity.
This is exactly what my wife and me. We chose where we wanted to live and trust that we would find several suitable facilities nearby. If you are living in a city where it is believed that this could be difficult to reverse the order and choose a kindergarten before deciding where to live. know what you want
probably find once you start looking, there are more options than initially thought. So how do you choose? The answer depends on what exactly you would like your child to get experience. My son spent the first four years of his life in the US .. He speaks English but not Chinese. For this reason we reduced our selection of traditional Chinese nurseries, where only be exposed to Mandarin and therefore it is expected that the acquisition of language through necessity.
Of course, there are numerous gardens international infants in China, which may be the best option if you want your child to a more global perspective, but through a Chinese lens. There is often, but not always, more English spoken in international facilities. Which brings us to the next point. Do your research
In our experience, the gardens more Chinese children are excited by the prospect of a new foreign student and be very happy to show you around. Go to school, check out the facilities, resources and security practices, and talk with teachers and other parents. When possible, read reviews online and do not be afraid to ask any question in your mind.
Again, most schools are more than happy to spend time address any concerns you may have and let your child explore the gardens. Meant for our exploration of the playing fields and making case ignore everything else. Priorities! Remember that kindergartens in China are companies
It is important to note that kindergartens in China more run companies compared to the West. Make sure you know what tuition is and how often payment is expected. If you have the impression that the nursery is too business like at the expense of the quality of the staff and learning resources, you may want to look elsewhere.
Installation ultimately chose is a popular chain of kindergartens in China. It is not uncommon for a private school to be string or a subsidiary of a huge conglomerate. It is simply the nature of the beast in China. Learn what your child can handle
It is well known that Chinese schools are more demanding than most of its Western counterparts. The days start earlier and end later, the workload is much higher, and teachers are often very strict.
In Chinese kindergartens this is a minor problem, but the comparison between East and West still can be quite stiff. Such thinks once your child would benefit from a little discipline. If not, look for a garden of international childhood that values independent learning. Be prepared for the culture shock
Children change handle differently. I am continually amazed by the way my son roll his back major changes, yet had a fit if he wants the shirt is still in the wash. Going to a new school is difficult. Going to a new school in a new country trying to learn a new language is a great fit.
We did not know how I would handle it. We try to prepare as best we could, but there is really no way to know until you are there. For the most part, my son likes his teachers and new friends, but often frustrated by the language barrier. As a parent, you have to be prepared for an inevitable increase in mood swings and need. involved in the school community
Do not be alarmed if your child's transition to a Chinese school is a little bumpy. I am sure that this is the norm for most parents in this situation. We have found that staying involved in school and attend events and trips sponsored by the school has helped. We have also come to know some of the friends of our son and his parents, since it is a small neighborhood kindergarten and everyone lives nearby.
A word of caution about getting too involved, however. My wife is a teacher at my son's daycare. When she was hired thought it would be great if he was on hand to whether and when cultural and language barriers were becoming too much for our son. Instead, she spends a lot of time asking him to return to his classroom. Knowing that she's in the building is too much of a temptation. Do not be afraid of doing it wrong
It's been several months since my son started in her new kindergarten. We are not yet sure of the whole that we made the right decision, but most schools offer prorated tuition, which means you will not have to keep paying if you decide to go. Our school policy is to pay back money that parents have already paid for the coming months if they decide to leave. Of course, check with her first kindergarten.
At the end of the day, it will be a great fit, no matter how well you research and prepare. That adjustment period could last weeks or even months. If you find the kindergarten you have chosen is not meeting your expectations, cut your losses and keep looking. Once you know what to avoid, you can make a better decision next time you updated.
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