Bilingualism: how to learn creatively and achieve excellence in english

Through STEAM, theatre, music, and immersive English experiences, students develop critical thinking and achieve excellence in language learning while building confidence and innovation.


Acquiring a second language, whether in early childhood or later in life, becomes far more meaningful when learning happens in a creative way.

For this reason, the educational approach at Brazilian International School, a bilingual school in São Paulo, emphasizes creative planning and delivers outstanding results in second-language acquisition. A fun English class that incorporates creative games helps students internalize and absorb information more easily, leading to excellence in English.

The Importance of Creativity

Among the five most important social-emotional skills individuals need to develop today, one stands out: openness to new experiences. This skill reflects a willingness to try new things, engage in imaginative and intellectual activities, and develop an innovative mindset that includes the ability to think outside the box.

The bilingual program at BIS distinguishes itself through meaningful learning experiences in English that explore a range of competencies and skills, consistently encouraging creativity whether in problem-solving activities or even during play.

Creativity and the Brain

It is common to think that creativity is a specific, innate ability possessed by only a few people, but this is not true. Many neuroscientists, such as Anna Abraham, author of The Neuroscience of Creativity, have studied how the brain processes creativity. Research shows that creative thinking can be developed and practiced.

For example, when one part of the brain is compromised, individuals can find alternative ways to complete tasks using new strategies. This demonstrates that creativity is a skill that can be strengthened through practice.

According to Abraham, the idea that creative people use the right side of the brain while analytical people use the left side is an oversimplification. Creativity requires the use of both hemispheres of the brain. This is what makes creativity unique compared to other brain functions, such as language or movement, which originate in specific regions.

An educational approach that encourages creativity allows students to develop critical thinking, planning skills, and focus. Children learn through this process as different parts of the brain become active. This is why physical movement and playtime are also essential for developing imagination and creativity.

Creativity, Fun, and Learning

Creativity is valuable in education because it builds cognitive complexity. Being creative involves using existing knowledge or skills in a given context to explore new possibilities and produce meaningful results, further expanding both knowledge and ability.

There are many ways to promote second-language learning through creativity, as language use itself is inherently creative. Transforming thoughts into spoken or written language, producing sentences and even longer texts that students have never heard or seen before, are examples of creative language use. By giving students creative exercises, we encourage them to practice an essential language skill: thinking creatively.

From Early Childhood through High School, the bilingual environment at Brazilian International School promotes immersion in a second language through creative resources and active learning methodologies across subjects and activities.

Theatre and Music classes provide creative experiences that expand students’ English language acquisition, as songs and dramatized stories offer meaningful and engaging learning opportunities.

STEAM activities, implemented from Early Childhood through High School, stimulate creative thinking by challenging students to develop innovative solutions to various problems.

Students also explore classic English literature through dramatization, such as performing Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Middle School students participate in building the set, adapting the text, and performing the play, strengthening the English language skills they have developed throughout their bilingual academic journey.

Creativity is consistently present in the classroom and can be exercised in many ways, such as asking open-ended questions to spark discussion, playing music and encouraging students to express their feelings, and using dramatization techniques like role-playing.

Why not begin exercising your creativity and discover endless possibilities to connect ideas, learn, and have fun?

As Maya Angelou said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”