In the heart of Berkeley, École Bilingue de Berkeley (EB) is a vibrant, international community where children from preschool through 8th grade grow as confident, curious, and compassionate learners. Founded nearly 50 years ago, EB blends the best of French and American educational traditions, offering a nurturing bilingual environment that celebrates diversity, creativity, and joy in learning. Whether in the classroom or on the playground, EB students thrive in an atmosphere that values both academic excellence and emotional growth. Among the many ways EB nurtures these qualities, music plays a powerful role in connecting young learners to language, culture and each other.
Music as a Bridge to Early Bilingual Learning at EB: Why, When and How We Sing
From the very beginning of a child’s journey at EB, music is far more than simple entertainment; It acts as a bridge for young children to navigate new sounds, words and social experiences in both French and English. In preschool, music is a vital part of the day, woven into daily routines to spark joy and support bilingual development. Singing together doesn’t just bring children closer–it offers far-reaching cognitive, emotional, and linguistic benefits that make learning engaging and memorable.
At EB, music is much more than an activity—it’s a joyful tool for community-building and language growth, filling every day with discovery and delight.
Why Do We Sing?
Joy and Motivation: Music creates a joyful atmosphere, motivating young learners to participate and thrive in the classroom.
Building Auditory Memory: Songs and rhythmic movement help preschoolers grasp vocabulary, patterns, and coordination, strengthening memory through repetition and playful gestures.
Acquiring Language: Repetitive, catchy lyrics reinforce vocabulary and sentence structures in both French and English, nurturing true bilingual skills.
Guiding Transitions: Singing transforms everyday moments—lining up, tidying, heading to the mini-gym—into smooth, positive transitions.
Building Confidence: Performing for classmates and family allows children to express themselves and grow pride in their bilingual abilities.
Encourage Engagement: Music captures attention, helping children stay focused and interact, even with new ideas.
When Do We Sing?
Music is present from morning greetings to closing songs, supporting every part of the day:
- Daily Routines: Transition songs, learning activities, and lullabies foster calm and focus.
- Special Occasions: Students prepare for seasonal events and school shows, sharing bilingual music with families and the wider community.
How Do We Sing?
Gestures: Consistent gestures in both French and English help young minds connect language concepts naturally.
Bilingually: Favorite bilingual songs like “L’araignée Gypsie” and “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” build direct links between French and English, expanding vocabulary through familiar melodies.
Repetition and Playfulness: Singing familiar tunes in both languages makes new words stick—and keeps learning fun!
Supporting Bilingual Learning at Home
Families can play a key role in reinforcing music’s benefits. We encourage our community to:
- Create bilingual playlists—swapping French and English versions of favorite songs.
- Sing together during routines or car rides to transform daily moments into language lessons.
- Encourage gestures and movement to help children retain words.
- Invite mini performances at home to boost confidence in both languages.
Come Sing With Us!
Curious about the vibrant world of bilingual learning at École Bilingue de Berkeley?
Families are warmly invited to attend EB’s upcoming “Histoire & Chansons” sessions for preschoolers (ages 2, 3 and 4)—where children and parents experience storytelling and music in both French and English.
All are welcome; RSVP on our website to reserve your spot!
Published in partnership with Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
