German Enrichment Program

Supplementary German instruction as integrated component of class instruction

In the Elementary School, supplementary German instruction is provided parallel to regular German instruction. The number of hours is designed as follows:

  • 1st grade → 5 hours per week
  • 2nd grade → 4 hours per week
  • 3rd grade → 3 hours per week
  • 4th grade → 3 hours per week

In this time, the instructional specialist works individually with students on subjects that are currently being covered in class. Work is generally done with one to three students at a time or with small groups in or outside the classroom. Occasionally, work is done in larger groups. The instructional specialist works mainly with students who need additional instruction and more intensive support, especially in the areas of vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and/or reading. Work in small and very small groups allows for very specific, targeted instruction in the areas mentioned above in order to enable the students to learn as well as they can.

Additional supplementary German programs as part of the school’s Afternoon Program

Deutsch Fit

Deutsch Fit is an addition to and support for curricular German instruction and is therefore not a separate course. The binding bases for Deutsch Fit are the instructional goals and instructional content of the German lesson plan.

Deutsch Fit takes place – like the integrated supplementary German instruction – in consultation with the German instructor and supplements regular German instruction, strengthening and deepening what has been learned and closing any gaps through regular practice.

Deutsch Intensiv

Deutsch Intensiv, by contrast, is an additional supplementary offering for students with a background of German as a foreign language (DaF) and is thus directed primarily at students who are non-native German speakers . In this course, which is scheduled twice a week, instruction is based on DaF textbooks (DaF = German as a second language), which are independent from the classes’ German curriculum.

The focus of Deutsch Intensiv includes the acquisition and reinforcement of basic vocabulary, conjugations, declinations, etc. Students‘ shortcomings in particular areas are addressed specifically through individualized instruction.

Reading-Spelling Training (LRT)

LRT assists students who have difficulties in reading and/or spelling. Here, instruction is based on textbooks independent from the German instruction in class. The supplementary instruction in these courses is directed entirely according to participants‘ individual academic needs, however, the general emphasis of instruction is on:

  • Spelling capabilities (perception and rules)
  • Reading capabilities (knowledge of letters, sound-letter assignment, structure of syllables)
  • Phonological awareness (perception of sound structure)
  • Morpheme training (recognition and handling of the smallest elements that carry meaning)
  • Prerequisites for learning (gross and fine motor skills, perception, concentration, relaxation, etc.)

OVERALL LANGUAGE CONCEPT:

To learn more about how we are supporting German language competency from preschool to high school graduation, please see the Overall Language Concept (currently only available in German).