Dialogue with parents - questions - answers
Numerous studies by language research institutes have shown that the speed at which we learn a foreign language is related to the age of the learner and the degree of exposure to the language. Thus, the younger the age and the greater the degree of exposure, the faster and more thoroughly the foreign language is learned.
The basic principle governing the method of foreign language learning in kindergarten is "live the language you want to learn". The children will always be surrounded by German; the teachers will always speak to them in German; in class, at meals, in the bathroom, at play, etc.
"But my child doesn't know a word of German; how will he communicate with the teachers; what will happen if he has a need and can't express himself? How will he do? -are common questions asked by parents when they come to register.
You must not imagine that the teachers will never speak Romanian to the children; in the small group "PITICA" and in the 3 year olds most of the words will be learned initially starting from Romanian; but from the beginning in a few months, once the level of understanding allows communication (understanding the message) in German, the teachers will let the German language come to the fore.
"How will I get along with my child, especially since neither of us knows German; how will I help him, listen, check, help him at school later? Will my child be weaker in Romanian, will he have difficulties in communication or later in school?"
Our staff comes from bilingual families or even from Romanian families, who learned German with their children, some of them are still learning German. The unique system of communication and monitoring of the children's linguistic and behavioral development allows parents to keep track of their children's performance and development, to check if they master the vocabulary, poems, notions, concepts learned in kindergarten. Your children don't only learn German, they learn to live in society, to understand their environment (and from the age of 4, English, which is easily learned after German). All these discoveries, evolutions and great victories of your children will be able to be followed by you, thanks to the communication system with their parents. You are always welcome to hear how well it works from its beneficiaries; the parents who already have their children with us or who are already at school.
Ways to analyze a good kindergarten: Learning through play
- Children play with materials or with other children. Children cannot be forced to sit still for long periods of time.
- Children have different activities during the day such as: building, imaginary games, drawing books, painting, lego, puzzles, etc. Children don't always do the same thing at the same time.
- Educators work both individually, in small groups, and as a whole group throughout the day. They do not spend the whole day just in a group.
- The classroom is decorated with children's artwork.
- Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of everyday experience. Exploring nature with plants and animals, cooking in the kitchen, serving meals - all these are meaningful activities for children.
- Children work on projects and have long periods of play and exploration. Filling in pencils should not be their main activity.
- Children have the opportunity to play outside, outdoors, whenever the weather permits. This will not be sacrificed for more education time.
- Educators read books to children throughout the day, not just during story time.
- The curriculum is adapted for those who are more advanced, as well as for those who need extra help. Because children differ in experiences and background, they do not learn at the same time, in the same way.
- Children and parents are looking forward to kindergarten. Parents feel safe sending their child to kindergarten. Children are happy, don't get sick often and don't cry.
