Mornings:
- Language Introduction: Young students engage with Italian, French, or English through playful methods like music and games.
- Creative Activities: Mornings feature singing classes and arts and crafts sessions to enhance language learning.
- Focused Language Classes: Dedicated time for structured language learning.
Afternoons:
- Rest Period: Post-lunch downtime for relaxation.
- Vocabulary Enrichment: Learning through science classes and engaging in special projects.
- Special Events: Preparation for unique events like Circus Day and a Renaissance Fair.
- Local Explorations: Visits to significant sites such as Bellinzona Castles, downtown Lugano, and Swissminiatur for practical language use and cultural immersion.
Minnows Daily Schedule
Kids have the opportunity to attend as either a Standard Day or Extended Day student:
STANDARD PROGRAM:
- 08:45 - Minnows arrive to lower campus
- 09:00 - Morning meeting
- 09:20 - Interactive music class
- 09:50 - Language class
- 11:15 - Indoor/outdoor activities
- 12:00 - Mindfulness time
- 12:15 - Three-course lunch
- 13:00 - Rest hour
- 14:00 - Story & activities
- 15:00 - Standard-day Minnows depart
EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM
- 15:00 - Transition to main campus
- 16:30 - Snack & arts hour
- 17:00 - Singing
- 17:30 - Extended-day Minnows depart
Italian language:
- Italian classes focused on Ticino's culture and language, Switzerland's only Italian-speaking canton.
- Teaches vocabulary and phrases for use off-campus, including ordering gelato, alongside Italian culture.
- Suitable for beginning or intermediate learners.
French language:
- Introduces students to diverse French-speaking countries and cultures.
- Focuses on vocabulary and phrases to boost student confidence in French.
- Ideal for beginning or intermediate learners.
English language:
- English as the primary language of instruction and communication throughout the program.
- Offers ample time for students to practice and enhance their English skills.
- Small class sizes, accommodating beginning, intermediate, and advanced learners.
Play:
- Key Ingredients: Play and creativity are central, fostering interaction, problem-solving, innovation, and laughter.
- Benefits: Enhances bonding, verbal and non-verbal communication among children.
- Choice Time: Students can engage in open-ended play with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.