MAPLE BEAR CANADAThe Maple Bear Program is an early-years learning program, designed specifically to develop English language skills in a natural active-learning environment. The program is rich in children’s literature and encourages natural curiosity and discovery through the use of “Themes” and “Centres”. What qualities can you expect in your child’s Maple Bear teacher? • Native English speaking educators trained according to international standards. • Familiar with the unique needs of young English language learners • Prior ESL classroom experience • Fun-loving, energetic and caring How do Teachers in the Maple Bear program enable students to acquire English language quickly and naturally? Teacher will assist students by: • Making English enjoyable and fun • Focused on positive steps in the learning process not on errors. • Being encouraging • Using pictures, gestures, actions, sketches • Talking a lot, especially about things they can see • Using games, rhymes, songs, finger plays • Telling simple stories with pictures, actions, different voices • Rephrasing Turkish questions into English • Using new language in different ways The Maple Bear Program is designed around “Themes” and focuses on the following elements to develop English language capacity in young learners. • Stimulating variety • Integrated subjects/skills • Rich use of children’s literature & a home reading program • Whole/small group instruction • Learning centres Active Learning is the foundation of the Maple Bear program. Managed by teacher Supported by care takers or parents Thinking versus memorizing Creativity, problem solving, independent learning Developing exceptional learning capacity Developing two languages easily and simultaneously Teachers in the Maple Bear Program understand the characteristics of young second language learners. A Maple Bear student is: • Developing quickly as an individual • Learning by watching, listening, imitating, doing • Can’t understand rules of grammar • Makes sense by reading non-verbal clues • Uses 1st language to talk about what they understand and do • Imitates and mimics adults • Naturally curious • Learns through play and using imagination • Comfortable with routines, enjoys repetition • Needs much variety 
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