Children learn most effectively through immersion

Mulberry House is a school that strongly promotes immersion, a wonderful educational approach that’s first established in the US and Canada which promotes children to learn Spanish and French with English speaking children. Immersion fully engages children in an environment where they are surrounded by a language or subject. Instead of relying on textbooks, translations and rote learning methods, they are exposed to the topic or language in question through different mediums, such as communication, music, or art. This is a highly effective and powerful method for children to learn, as their young minds are capable of absorbing knowledge and information rapidly through different ways, unlike adults who often need translations and memorisation strategies to acquire new vocabulary due to their primary language being highly fluent. Children can absorb new languages more naturally, especially between the ages of 0 to 5, the golden window of opportunity in each child’s brain development.

Here are some key aspects of immersion learning:

Natural Exposure: Immersion allows children to hear and use the language in everyday situations. This constant exposure helps them intuitively grasp pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, much like they acquired their first language. Because they are engaged in real-life contexts, children learn naturally without the pressure of focusing solely on a new language. When they like what they are doing and like to play with their caretakers and peers, in that immersion learning environment, they naturally grasp the language to communicate and to play.

Active Learning for Long Term Retention: Immersive environments often feature active learning and interactive activities such as games, songs, storytelling, science experiments etc. These engaging methods not only make learning enjoyable but also reinforce learning through play and promote long term retention. 

Cultural and Social Context: Language is inherently tied to culture. Immersion provides children with opportunities to explore cultural elements associated with the language, including traditions, customs, and values, which deepens their understanding and appreciation. At the same time, children are engaging with peers and native speakers, fostering their confidence and developing their social-emotional skills. 

Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Learning a language through immersion can enhance cognitive abilities. Research indicates that bilingual children often excel in problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking compared to their monolingual peers. If children learn Mandarin Chinese, which is a multi-tone language and requires children to use left and right of the brains to coordinate; if children learn English, which is a mono-tone language and requires children to use left side of the brain only. If children are bilingual or multilingual, that will hugely benefit and enhance their cognitive development and brain development. 

In our winter camp, children will learn through stories, songs, games, and science experiments within a fully immersive environment. In the Mandarin stream, led by native Mandarin-speaking teachers, all interactions will be conducted in Mandarin, allowing children to navigate daily life, socialise, and engage without needing to memorise vocabulary without the opportunity to use it, instead placing emphasis on grasping language more naturally. 

For instance, through our science experiments turning water into ice and making fluffy snow from shaving cream and cornstarch, the children will both understand the concept and process of the experiment, whilst at the same time, using key words and sentences to describe what they are seeing and doing.

True immersion experiences will improve both their cognitive and communicative development in many aspects. Thus, in providing a rich and engaging environment for children to learn intrinsically, and by integrating language learning into their daily lives, the children will develop strong linguistic skills as well as a love for the language and culture it comes from.