English Immersion House

Today is ! We're celebrating it with "The Chaos," a poem I created a few good years ago. It is one of the most humorous poems that depicts the complexities and the chaotic nature of the English language.

Larisa English House 2 likes. "800 irregularities of the English language - The Chaos"

I asked the children of various ages from different schools to share their thoughts on their school experiences. They said that they do not have much choice in their learning: too many lessons, too much homework, too many tests, too short breaks, too many peers, and the teachers patronise them constantly (most of them, not all of them).

When I asked them how they felt about school, their initial reaction included anger, stress, a sense of being forced to do things, annoyance, and frustration. They frequently express feeling overwhelmed.

However, we expect our kids to perform well, achieve good grades, and pass exams, under stress and feelings of being overwhelmed.

While some argue that this helps develop resilience and strength, recent research indicates that repeated exposure to a stressful environment leads to erosion rather than resilience.

In Romania, a student spends approximately 14,000–15,000 hours in school, 2,500 days of their life (excluding weekends and homework).

81% of this time is allocated to core subjects (such as Romanian, Math, History, etc.)
19% for breaks

From my observations, children don't disengage from learning because it is difficult; they rather lose interest because it often feels pointless or overly controlled. The current school system in Romania reflects this reality. It operates at a standardised pace. Promotes passive learning. Lacks connection to real-life experiences. This model may have been relevant before AI.

Moreover, who can guarantee that today’s teenagers preparing for university will still have jobs in the AI era? AI bots are already performing tasks faster and more efficiently in at least 18 industries, disrupting the job market. Roles in translation, programming, writing, graphic design, fast-food service, accounting, postal services, data entry, banking could vanish within five years.

Why do prestigious universities like Harvard or Stanford seek students from homeschooling backgrounds or disruptive, free, student-driven schools?

Why do high-tech companies prioritize hiring highly skilled young individuals over those with expensive degrees and certificates?

To what extent are test scores and exams still relevant in this context?

So, what truly makes an educational model successful? It should prepare today’s children for an unpredictable future, unlike anything mankind has faced before.

Drawing from my research and over 20 years of experience in education, I’ve found what I already knew. Children need:

- Autonomy - let me to choose how I learn – Students should set their goals, track progress, and work at their own pace.
- Real skills/Competence - encourage me to create (projects).
- Relatedness / Belonging - Show me why it matters (through group work and discussions ).

Most parents and their children do not reject school as it is. However, everyone deserves a safe and healthy environment for their children, both emotionally and mentally—one that nurtures skills rather than just test preparation.

The child doesn’t need to adapt to the system; the system should adapt to your child.

My findings suggest that an effective school balance comprises:

- 50% structured learning (core subjects - Reading, Writing, Math, Civilisation Studies)
- 30% cross-curriculum projects (Science, Biology, Social Sciences such as Geography and History, STEM, Business)
- 20% creativity and free exploration (nature, art, movement, storytelling)

It's time to Rethink Education

What if our children could learn up to three times faster by concentrating on what truly captivates them?

As a mother educator, and English teacher with years of experience working with diverse age groups, with a deep passion for education,

I am opening a small group, a Pilot Learning Hub

This initiative is designed for children aged 7-12 years (for now), featuring:

Small, mixed-age groups
An English-Romanian* bilingual environment (*Romanian for beginners)
We adhere to the principles of autonomy, competence, and belonging.

When children:

Follow their curiosity
Confront meaningful, real-world challenges
Take ownership of their learning
—they don’t just learn better; they learn faster, deeper, and with purpose.

This innovative and proven model is tailored for the world our children are entering.

While it could complement traditional schooling for now, you might refer to it as a homeschool program that follows a structured learning system that fosters motivation and autonomy. Call it a mini-society where children shape the environment and follow their own rules.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For families who do not have the courage to start homeschooling with their children, but they believe there’s a better way than traditional school:

📍 A small, focused community
📚 Personalised, meaningful learning experiences
🚀 Children who grow confident, capable, and independent

If this resonates with you and your child, please message me or comment “INTERESTED” to find out more.

I am open to collaborations!

How do conflicts arise?
How does history influence identity and culture?
And how do people and nations understand themselves in the present?

The world’s early history isn’t random - it connects directly to us. The territory of Mesopotamia overlaps modern Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran.

Did you know that the first city ever built was in Uruk, Mesopotamia, in today’s southern Iraq, 4000–3500 BCE?

Is there a connection between Mesopotamia, known as the cradle of civilisation, and the interests of today's global powers in the region?

How can a primary school child have access to BIG questions without being overwhelmed?

I use unit studies, such as Early World Civilisations, to teach English linguistic skills, but also to learn how to use timelines, compare civilisations, understand primary sources (artefacts, inscriptions),
and ask historical questions. These skills form the foundation for later study.

Many aspects trace back to ancient Mesopotamia, considered the cradle of civilisation. Laws (Code of Hammurabi), calendar and timekeeping, mathematics and engineering, irrigation and farming systems (Hanging Garden of Babylon), and one of the earliest writing systems - cuneiform.

Ancient history is mysterious and dramatic. Dramatic and tragic still. Ancient civilisations show clear examples of how geography shapes society.

But it sparks imagination while also grounding children in real evidence and inquiry. Children are naturally curious about mummies, pyramids, kings, and queens.

Both Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt were among the earliest complex societies. Studying them helps children understand civilisation outside their own country and avoid seeing history as centred on one culture.

This type of approach to learning builds analytical thinking, encourages global awareness and understanding of the world we live in from a young age.

I am opening a conversation with interested families regarding a study group for children with good listening and comprehension skills in English (at least at an elementary level).

2–3 days/week
2-4 hours/day
4–5 children + my child
trial period

English, History, Geography, STEM, Science - targeting full curricula.

The goal is to provide structure and meaningful social interaction in a calm, supportive learning environment.

The English Immersion House programs offer hands-on learning, a nurturing environment, and social interaction without peer pressure, bullying, social hierarchies, conformity over individuality, and social comparison and without the demands of a full school day.

Feel free to message me if you're interested! 😊

What if Shakespeare had been born in Siberia or had to sit the dreadful Cambridge exam?

I love teaching. Yet I often experience frustration. So I reflected on why I chose this crazy path.

At least one thing is clear to me: I've realised I didn't sign up to be a teacher to fill minds with rules. I want the minds to learn how to “cook”, not just how to read a recipe.

And then I realised this goes back a long way, to my school years... Does the “Sit straight! Don’t talk!” ring any bells?

I'm asking you: How often have you memorised facts, excelled in grammar tests, and understood language rules? Congratulations!

But here’s another question: How often have you felt like a deer in headlights when you had to speak English in a real-life situation? You knew the rules. You knew the grammar. You were a freaking straight-A student in school!

In reality, grammar rules take a back seat. What truly counts is a person’s ability to analyse, evaluate, and think critically in English.

However, when we stumble over endings and verb tenses in schools, we fail as educators. They are important, but once the students are already engaged, motivated, and fluent. How do I know this? I witness it in the students who come to me—children and adults alike who are afraid to make mistakes, to "fail" the... "authority". By age 10, kids often begin to hesitate to ask questions, even when it matters! Fun fact: I tell them, “You don’t need my permission to go to the restroom. You are not at school. You were born with that right! Just let me know if you’re going; I might have a cat litter box situation to handle.”

So, my first lessons focus on asking questions. Why? Because asking questions is growth. Growth comes from our ability to question. Questions help determine whether you are talking to a deep thinker or not, if their reasons are relevant, honest, useful, and valuable.

Would you dare to ask upfront, “Why?” Why should I trust what I see, read, or hear?

Is the speaker specific? - If they’re not specific, do they know what they are talking about? Or are they trying to hide something? Why?
Is there evidence or replicable data?
Who, what, where, when, how often?
Dumb questions are welcome.

Asking questions is not a sign of disrespect; it's a reflection of brilliance. You should not fear those who ask; instead, be wary of those who fear questions.

So, that is one way of teaching how to “cook”. Why? Because I believe my role as a teacher is to teach the English learners how to "cook" anything, then grant them the freedom to decide if and when they want to have dinner.

Is it a painful process? Is it necessary? You know the answer...
They won’t all be Shakespeare, but at least they will be able to strike up a conversation with him.

To be continued ...

Why reading and understanding matter - straight from the Science lab!

By ages 9–10, children shift from learning to read to reading to learn. When comprehension is weak, subjects like science, history, and even maths quickly become frustrating.

🧠 What Science says

Decoding with Phonics + actually understanding what you're reading = the secret mix

Reading isn’t just sounding out words—it’s a thinking process, like a mind workout. Even fluent readers can struggle if they don’t understand what they read.

Knowledge makes reading easier. A child reading about volcanoes will understand more if they already know what lava, pressure, and mountains are. Without background knowledge, the same text becomes confusing—even if all the words are known.

Thus, students understand texts better when they already know something about the topic. This is especially important for ESL learners, who may lack background knowledge that schools often assume.

Vocabulary grows through meaning. Words don’t stick from lists alone. They stick when students use them in discussions, stories, and real-life contexts.

Memory loves a good story. When you understand what you're reading, your brain retains information longer, stress goes down, and motivation goes up. Without it, facts slip away fast. This can put a dent in academic progress.

Language blossoms through rich content. Kids pick up language best through chats and real connections, not watered-down texts.

🌱 How do English Immersion House sessions help?

Our programme is built around a rich, literature-based curriculum that helps children grow as confident readers, thinkers, and English speakers.

📚 Children read high-quality stories and informational texts that expose them to history, science, culture, and big ideas—so reading is never empty or random.

🧠 Better understanding, not just faster reading. Strong comprehension comes from knowing what you’re reading about. We build background knowledge and vocabulary together, making texts easier to understand and remember.

🗣️ Language grows from discussions. Students regularly talk about what they read—answer questions, retell stories, and share their perspective. This naturally strengthens spoken English and academic language.

✍️ Writing without overwhelming. Students create texts based on earlier discussions, so they always have ideas to express. This removes anxiety and supports clear, structured writing in English.

👩‍🏫 Small groups, big support. With only 6 students per group, every child receives guidance, encouragement, and the time they need to succeed.

All these build confidence and a sense of belonging.

We respect the students' intelligence!!!
We encourage long-term academic success.
We don’t teach tricks.
We focus on deep understanding and strong language.
We build strong readers.
Children don’t just learn English; they can learn through English.

English Language Arts through

*Poetry.
*Art.
*STEM Project.
*Student-generated mystery story

All skillfully intertwined.

This is a testimony to an organic, English session where children, as co-creators, got immersed in a thinking game and tapped into a realm of sensations.



How?

By inviting students into the realms of and , bringing awareness to an understanding of how language influences our emotions.

By allowing them to create the setting and the characters of a story, providing them with both autonomy and agency.

By encouraging inquiry through questions rather than simply offering ready-made answers.

By fostering an environment where students can use language freely in a safe space for expression without fear of judgment. If they still feel too shy to express themselves verbally, they will still learn, as they are immersed in an environment they helped create. This experience allows them to make language connections in the future.

What we do goes beyond just learning random words and grammar structures; it encompasses developing thinking and real communication skills in English.

Embrace the opportunity to thrive in a setting where only English is spoken. Let your natural learning process unfold as you acquire English just as you did with your native language.

Join us!