Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to your questions below.
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Before registering, you can make an appointment with us for a trial session. We assign students to classes based on age and level.
After the trial class, teachers will write detailed feedback and assess whether the student is suitable for the current class.
At the end of the semester, teachers will evaluate whether there should be a change in level.
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Students learn better in small groups and children are more motivated to participate and learn from their peers! Capping the classroom to 3-4 students per teacher also ensures our teachers can provide high-quality interactions.
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When you register for the semester, teachers are fixed. Occasionally, you may see a substitute teacher in place of your regular teacher.
Rest assured, even if there is a substitute, LWL works as a team and substitutes are always debriefed on the students, class progress, and teaching tips.
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Q. What is the difference between online and in person classes?
In-Person Learning Benefits
1. More hands-on learning with crafts, group projects, and more!
2. Students may engage and make new friends more easily in the classroom
3. Fewer distractions in the classroom and no parent monitoring is needed
Online Learning Benefits
1. No commute time, and students can attend class from anywhere in the world
2. Shorter classes and more flexibility for those with busy schedules
3. Online learning can start at a lower price than in-person learning
Generally, our in-person classes include a craft portion. Online, there are no crafts.
Generally, worksheets are completed by hand with the teacher during in-person classes. Online, teachers demonstrate how to fill out worksheets on the screen. We strongly recommend students complete homework to see the most progress.
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Q: Why do some in-person courses at LWL include a craft portion?
LWL’s in-person classes are 90 minutes or longer. It is recommended that students take mental breaks approximately every 45 minutes.
The craft portion of LWL classes provides a brain break while still staying on the lesson topic. This gives students a chance to consolidate their learning in a hands-on way.
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Q. How much screen time is there in an in-person session?
Up to 45 Minutes:
Half-Day Enrichment Programs
Storytelling & Crafts
French & Project Based Learning
Human Anatomy and Physiology
In these sessions, we read digital books on the tv screen because teachers can zoom into images, enlarge words for students to see, and point to the books more clearly. We have found this has allowed students to follow along more smoothly than using physical books.
In some of these sessions, we also introduce students to songs and music on the screen. This helps students retain basic concepts in a fun way.
Up to 30 Minutes:
Novel Study & Writing Fundamentals
Confident Communication & Public Speaking
Phonics & Spelling
In these sessions, teachers may pull up digital worksheets on the screen while students have the physical versions in front of them. This helps teachers guide students on which portion of the worksheet to follow.
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It is not necessary. In general, children will gradually adapt to the new environment and classmates after their parents leave the classroom for 5-10 minutes. We generally do not recommend that parents accompany their children to classes because:
(1) When accompanied by parents, students usually interact more with parents than their teachers.
(2) Other students may feel uncomfortable or expect their parents to also join the class.
(3) This sets a precedent where children expect their parents to attend every time.
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Q: My child is currently in a phonics and spelling class, when will they change levels?
LWL has three levels of our Phonics & Spelling program:
Beginner – Students master the 26 letters and sounds, begin 3-4 letters (cvc) words, and are introduced to common sight words.
Intermediate – Students learn to blend, recognize digraphs, and read simple sentences.
Advanced – Students identify short and long vowels, vowel teams, plural rules and other tips for reading and writing fluency!
Depending on each child’s progress, students may need to study 1-3 semesters at each level before moving on to the next level.
After checking the feedback after class, you may feel that some letters/sounds have already been learned. Why do we need to review? A strong foundation is essential. Teachers will repeat exercises in areas the children are unfamiliar with (for in-person classes, the craft portion will not be repeated).
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Q: What are LWL customer service hours?
LWL customer service hours are Monday to Friday, 3-8 pm P.S.T. and Saturday to Sunday, 9-2 pm P.S.T. We are closed on BC stat holidays.
We will reply as soon as possible during working hours. Thank you for your patience.
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Q: If there is a time conflict during the semester, can I change the class time or subject?
If you need to change the class time or take a different course in the middle of the semester, we can provide one free change.
We work hard to ensure that your child is in a suitable class.
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Q: If I can't attend the entire semester, can I drop into classes?
If you need to change the class time or take a different course in the middle of the semester, we can provide one free change.
We work hard to ensure that your child is in a suitable class.
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Q: LWL accepted payment methods and refund policy
LWL accepts EMT, cash, and WeChat/Alipay (WeChat/Alipay have a 1% handling fee).
We do not offer refunds. If you are unable to attend an LWL class in the future, credit can be transferred to another student.