Did you send your children to regular Polish preschool or English one? How did your children find it?

Can anyone with bilingual English/Polish children, originally from an English speaking country, tell me about their experiences with preschool here in Poland. Did you send your child/ren to regular Polish preschool or English, how did your child/ren find it, how did you find dealing/communicating with the preschool e.t.c...do you have any advice for a Polish preschool newby?

Thanks!

Children learn very fast, especially in early age. I think it would be better idea to give them to Polish preschool - they would know Polish language, and still do not forget English. Preschool isn't a regular school, so there is no such pressure on the child - it should get used to the language pretty fast, meet new friends, enjoy. I think it can only positively affect your child's development.

Exactly, I think a standard preschool is best because it will instill communication skills vital to your child making friends in Poland (provided this is where you want to stay). Also a lot of pre-schools now are doing English classes which will help with basic reading and writing skills which you can continue in the house.

I really do think that, at that age, a childs social development is more important than an intellectual one so I think pick the one which you think will most positively affect your child's social life in the area.

I am an English Woman married to a Polish Man with a 3.5 yr old. At present she goes to Nursery 5 mornings a week in England which she loves. My plan was to go and stay in Poland and start her at Polish preschool in September but I am debating whether to put her in English school for one year to give her a basic knowledge of reading and writing English? The school is a village school with only 10 pupils if I do so she should learn alot. She will not start Polish school til she is 5 so that gives us one year to put her in preschool. Does this sound like a good or bad plan? I just don't know? She is our world and just want her happy.

Not a good idea. The phonics of English being so different to Polish, it may confuse her when she comes to learning to read in Polish. Just put her in a local Polish pre-school and she'll be fine. I'm a Montessori teacher by the way Deb. You can let her have books in both languages and read to her of course. You'll find that she may begin to pick up some words by sight in both languages. Just don't obsess over it. Let nature take its course.

On the basis of personal experience, I don't think English preschool in Poland is not a good idea. By the time you get to Poland she will have a good grasp of English which all you need to do is keep it up by speaking at home. In a Polish preschool within 2 months she will be chattering away in Polish like a antive, so outsiders wouldn't be able to tell that she isn't born and bred Polish. Kids naturally take to their peers and through conversation, games and general interaction sop up a new language like a sponge. Good luck!


Please delete the superfluous "not".
The sentence should read: I don't think English preschool in Poland is a good idea.

I'm Irish married to a Pole and we moved to Poland when our daughter had just turned 3. Happy to discuss our school adventures via email.