At Simply Our Child, we understand the profound impact that early second language learning can have on a child’s development. Whether it’s English or any other language, introducing a second language during childhood sets the stage for cognitive growth, social development, and future academic success. Research has consistently shown that early exposure to a second language can significantly enhance various aspects of a child’s life.

Cognitive Benefits of Learning English at a Young Age

The journey of learning a new language begins naturally in the early years of life. Until around age three, children experience spontaneous language acquisition, mirroring the way they learn their mother tongue. During this phase, language learning requires minimal cognitive effort, allowing children to absorb words and phrases organically through interaction and play. The brain is exceptionally plastic during this period, making it easier for children to pick up new sounds, vocabulary, and even the rhythm of a language.

After age three, language learning transitions into a more structured academic endeavor. Children begin to learn the rules of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. However, those who have had early exposure to English often find this transition smoother, as they have already developed essential neural pathways for language processing. Early exposure to English not only makes later learning easier but also enhances overall cognitive abilities, including problem-solving skills and creativity. Studies suggest that bilingual children often outperform their monolingual peers in tasks that require divergent thinking and cognitive flexibility, essential skills for academic and career success.

Our English language courses in Milan are designed to be a melting pot of cultures, bringing together English-speaking and native Italian-speaking children. This diverse environment encourages the cross-pollination of language skills and cultural influences, allowing children to learn from each other in a variety of meaningful ways. All classes are conducted entirely in English, providing a fully immersive language experience.

Age-Appropriate Curriculum for Different Learning Levels

We believe that every child has unique language abilities, and our age-appropriate curriculum reflects this understanding. Even when children are at different language proficiency levels, this diversity serves as an opportunity for them to motivate and support one another. 

Our curriculum is designed to accommodate various learning styles and paces, ensuring that every child feels included and empowered to progress. For example, younger children may focus more on vocabulary acquisition and basic conversational skills, while older children can delve into more complex grammar and writing exercises. By fostering a collaborative learning environment, we encourage children to share their strengths and help each other overcome challenges.

Our classes are far from traditional. We prioritize creating an organic and dynamic learning environment. Instead of a static classroom setup with desks and a teacher at the front, we encourage movement and interaction, allowing children to engage fully in their learning after a long day at school.

Storytelling, Music, and Games to Reinforce English Skills

We utilize storytelling, music, and games as essential components of our curriculum. Each activity is designed to capture children’s attention and enhance their language skills.

1. Storytelling: Stories are a powerful way to engage children and introduce them to new vocabulary and concepts. Our instructors select age-appropriate and culturally diverse stories that spark children’s imaginations.
2. Music: Songs and rhymes are excellent tools for language learning. They help children remember words and phrases while also improving their pronunciation and rhythm.
3. Games: We incorporate a variety of games that promote language use in a fun and interactive way. These activities encourage children to communicate and collaborate while developing their English skills.

The duration of these activities is flexible, adapting to the children’s engagement levels and responses. This fluid approach ensures that learning remains exciting and relevant.

Hands-on activities are integral to our program, promoting active participation among children. These engaging experiences encourage speaking and listening skills in a supportive environment, allowing children to practice their English in real-world contexts.

For example, during cooking classes, children not only learn food-related vocabulary but also practice following instructions and communicating with their peers. Similarly, art projects encourage children to describe their creations and share their thoughts in English, further reinforcing their language skills.

Role-Playing and Real-Life Children Conversations for Practical Learning

Role-playing scenarios and real-life conversations are vital for practical language learning. Children engage in role-playing exercises that reflect everyday situations, enabling them to practice using English in context.

These activities build confidence and prepare children to navigate social interactions effectively. For instance, children may role-play a visit to a restaurant or a shopping trip, allowing them to practice essential vocabulary and phrases while also developing their social skills.

Our courses are led by Sara Righetti. She is a qualified instructor with a deep passion for language education. Italian is her first language. She has an advanced Cambridge certification, and an active command of English.Through Simply Our Child, and the curriculums that we offer she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom.

Bilingual Instructor with Experience in Early Childhood Education

With two decades of experience in nursery and kindergarten education, our primary instructor is dedicated to nurturing young learners. Her extensive background in early childhood education equips her with the skills necessary to create engaging and effective learning experiences for children.

The instructor’s bilingual background also enriches the learning environment, allowing her to draw connections between languages and cultures. This understanding helps children feel more comfortable and confident as they navigate their bilingual journey.

Creating a supportive and engaging atmosphere is essential for motivating children to learn. Our instructor is committed to fostering an environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore the English language with enthusiasm.

We believe in the importance of positive reinforcement. By celebrating each child’s progress and achievements, we instill a love for learning and encourage them to embrace challenges with confidence.

Tailoring Lessons to Each Child’s Learning Pace

Recognizing that every child is unique, we tailor our lessons to accommodate individual learning paces. We understand that language acquisition varies, and our personalized approach ensures that each child receives the support they need to thrive.

By monitoring each child’s progress and adjusting our teaching strategies accordingly, we create a customized learning experience that meets their specific needs. This individualized attention helps children build confidence in their abilities and fosters a sense of ownership over their learning journey.

In our fast-paced world, we understand that families often juggle multiple commitments. That’s why we offer flexible course options to accommodate the diverse needs of families.

After-School and Weekend English Classes

Our after-school and weekend English classes provide a convenient way for children to continue their language learning outside of regular school hours. These courses are designed to fit seamlessly into busy family schedules, ensuring consistent exposure to English.

The classes are structured to be fun and engaging, helping children retain what they learn while enjoying their time with peers. Our instructors focus on creating a positive atmosphere where children feel comfortable practicing their language skills.

For more information on class times and availability, please visit our Activities page.

We also offer an English-speaking babysitting service, matching families with qualified caregivers who can provide language immersion in a comfortable home setting. This service allows children to practice their English while parents enjoy peace of mind knowing their children are in capable hands.

We offer a wide variety of safe, kind, experienced English-speaking child care workers with diverse skills, availability and personalities that can be matched with the needs of your family and children . This creates a valuable opportunity for children to learn and practice English in a relaxed environment.

Private English Language Lessons at Your Home

For families seeking personalized instruction, we provide private English language lessons at home. You can select the most convenient time and day that suits your family’s schedule, ensuring that language learning fits into your lifestyle.

Private lessons allow our instructors to tailor the curriculum to your child’s specific needs and interests, providing a focused and effective learning experience. This individualized approach helps children make rapid progress in their language skills.

At Simply Our Child, we are dedicated to providing children in Milan with a comprehensive English language learning experience that is engaging, effective, and tailored to their individual needs. By emphasizing the importance of early language exposure, fostering confidence through bilingualism, and offering a variety of flexible course options, we aim to empower the next generation of bilingual learners.

Our commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment ensures that every child feels comfortable and motivated to learn. By combining interactive teaching methods with personalized attention, we help children develop a love for the English language that will last a lifetime.

Join us in creating a positive and enriching environment where learning languages becomes a delightful adventure for all ages! Contact us today to learn more about our exciting programs and how we can support your child’s journey in mastering English. Together, we can lay the foundation for a brighter, bilingual future!