TASIS Young Learners Experience Infants

Course Overview

TASIS - The American School In Switzerland is famous for its beauty, high standards and Summer Arts Festival where all boarders of all ages get to have fun and showcase their skills. Features included

• Courses in languages, science, STEAM, and visual and performing arts
• Exciting array of clubs, sports, and outdoor activities
• Fun and educational trips to a number of nearby destinations

This program gives 7 to 10 year old students the unique opportunity to explore Switzerland while forming strong bonds of friendship with peers from around the world.

Topics your child can explore

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math)

All children also attend an hour of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—or STEAM—every afternoon, focusing on creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Performing Arts

Talented performing arts professionals challenge students’ creativity in singing, dancing, drama, musical theater, percussion, and ukulele! Children prepare an original musical and songs to perform at the Summer Arts Festival.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

CDE offers a truly immersive English-language learning experience. English is the language of instruction and communication program-wide, and the courses offer students time to practice and build on their existing skills. Class sizes are small and cater to beginning, intermediate, and advanced learners.

French

This course introduces students to a variety of French-speaking countries and cultures while focusing on vocabulary and phrases that help students build their confidence. This course is designed for beginning or intermediate learners.

Italian

CDE Italian classes are immersed in the culture and language of Ticino, the only Italian-speaking Swiss canton. This course teaches vocabulary and phrases that children can use when off-campus (learning how to order gelato is a favorite) as well as Italian culture. It is designed for beginning or intermediate learners.

Excursions & trips

All students take part in weekday excursions that explore beautiful Ticino. Taken with their teacher and classmates, these field trips connect to the classroom curriculum. Past favorites have included visiting the Locarno Falconeria, seeing the bear caves on Monte Generoso, taking nature walks on San Salvatore, and pedal boating on Lake Lugano. On Saturdays, boarding students take weekend trips where they travel to destinations further afield. Destinations change each summer but have included the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne, the Parco San Grato botanical gardens in Corona, Lido Locarno, and a rainy-day favorite, the Splash & Spa water park in Rivera! On Sundays our boarders take part in two half-day weekend clubs that allow them to play and learn in creative and exciting ways. Popular clubs have included tie-dying t-shirts, nature photography, kayaking, creating board games, and a DIY Spa Day…the opportunities are endless! One of the highlights of the summer is a camping trip to a site in the foothills of the Alps, just 25 minutes from campus. The trip helps children build confidence as they help with setting up tents and preparing meals—and even learn to make S’mores by a campfire! Throughout the years, CDE has taken thousands of students camping, many for their very first time. All boarding students camp overnight while CDE day students have the choice to camp overnight at no additional cost.

Offsite adventures

• Observe the skies at a local planetarium.
• Hike high above beautiful Lake Lugano.
• Explore the depths of an ancient cave.
• Watch Swiss chocolatiers work their magic.
• Visit the historical Bellinzona castles.

Example Lesson Plan

Morning Activities

Morning activities focus on fitness and movement. Students choose from a number of options, including organized sports (kickball, basketball, dodgeball, cooperative games), individual activities (yoga, hiking, table tennis, mindfulness), or swimming. Sports Clubs As an alternative to our morning activities, students can enroll in sports clubs that take place at the same time. These are at an additional cost and are in lieu of our morning activities. Possible options include Milan Academy Scuola Calcio, featuring coaches from the distinguished club AC Milan; Tennis Junior Camp with Lugano-based professional coaches; and time with award-winning instructors from local top-tier horse riding schools. 

Afternoon Activities

Afternoons are filled with creativity and hands-on learning through the arts and sciences. These activities allow children to grow in courage and confidence as they express themselves in new ways. All students take part in daily Tutti Singing classes to prepare songs to perform at the end of the session. Students choose two afternoon electives each week that center around the culinary arts, visual arts, design, and science. Past activities have included crêpe-making, wax sculptures, painting, ukulele, drumming, knitting/crocheting, soap-making, fashion design, robotics, and environmental science. CDE Musical Young performers may choose to audition for the CDE musical. Rehearsals take place at the same time as our afternoon activities. 

Accommodations

The boarding program reflects the tradition of TASIS as one of the world’s most exclusive boarding schools. Students are housed in dormitories that give them the opportunity to be away from home in a nurturing, structured environment. Roommates are from countries and cultures different to one another, encouraging cultural exchange and global friendships.