Most of the children at Nordic Star Nurseries speak English at nursery and have one or both parents speaking an additional language at home. This means that they will practise different types of vocabulary as they use their language in different contexts. It is important to also keep in mind that each child develops at their own pace and that no two children are alike. Instead of comparing children with each other, it is best to focus on the individual child’s progress in their bilingual journey and to acknowledge their milestones.

All of our teachers speak English, using context, mimic and gesture when modelling and extending language. Books, songs and rhymes offer playful ways to support language learning. Additionally, Nordic Star teachers use FinlandWay® visual support tools, such as emotion cards and a visual timetable for children. Teachers also support children’s learning of their home language, e.g., using books and key words in children’s home languages, or inviting parents to the Nursery to do activities in their home language for all children.

In our London nursery, we have a few Finnish teachers. Through them, children are regularly exposed to foreign sounds, when the teachers sing popular Finnish children’s songs such as ‘Kuka saa lorupussiin kurkistaa?’ which is about a ‘song bag’. The children really enjoy the Finnish language and will often bring the “song bag” and ask for “Kuka saa?”. The same can be done with any language that is spoken by the staff, such as Spanish, Hindi or sign language.