Timetable 2010 / 2011

Daily Bilingual Montessori Language Program for children 3-5

 Preschool 1 / 2
Kindergarden

German as a foreign language 
> Class 1 
> Class 2
> Class 3
> Class 4

German as a foreign language for adults
> Class 1
> Class 2

Elementary classes
> 1. Grade
> 1./2. Grade
> 2. Grade
> 3. Grade
> 4./5. Grade
> 5./6. Grade/ Preparation for the ‘German Sprachdiplom’
> Science and social studies 1./2./3. Grade
> Science and social studies 4./5./6. Grade

Musikgarten
> Family musik for babies
> Cycle of seasons – toddler & preschool
> Musikgarten Elementary Level
> Children’s choir and piano

 Music & Arts Program 
> Arts and crafts ‚Meet the Masters’
> Recorder lessons

Daily Bilingual Montessori Language Program at Wesgami Montessori School:
This program is aimed at children between the ages of three and five and is taught as a bilingual, German – English curriculum. Using games, puppets, songs, rhymes, and small scenes, this course builds upon German speech patterns the children may apply to various settings they find meaningful. While the children will become more and more fluent in speaking the German language, they will get prepared to enter an American Kindergarten, since letters, phonics, number etc. will be mostly taught in English. The teaching principles of ‘Learning With Your Head, Heart, and Hands’ like those of ‘Learning With All Your Senses’ play a particularly important role for this age group. Our classroom is equipped with only educational materials and we are working according to the principles of the „Montessori Method“. The ‚Montessori Environment“ is quiet, respectful, and non-competitive. Children move freely and purposefully throughout the classroom choosing materials they wish to “learn” with, returning them to the shelf as found before moving on to new work. Lessons are usually presented individually, with ample opportunities for group interaction during circle, music, art, and outdoor activities. Most lessons are independent from the language spoken and are wonderful instruments for a bilingual setting.

Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Preschool 1 / 2 :
These classes are aimed at children between the ages of three and five who have not yet learned to read. Using games, songs, rhymes, and small scenes, this course builds upon simple speech patterns the children may apply to various settings they find meaningful. The subject areas touched upon include: myself, colors, ‘Who’s who?’, playing, school, family, animals, and more. The teaching principles of ‘Learning With Your Head, Heart, and Hands’ like those of ‘Learning With All Your Senses’ play a particularly important role for this age group.
Saturdays 11.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.

Kindergarten:
This course builds upon the preschool 1/2 level classes and is intended for children at the elementary school level. The class teaches the German languge as well as the basics of reading and writing in a fun way. The subject areas all evolve around the children’s interests.Children of this age group like to talk about themselves, their family, school, friends, and about their games. All of these topics find consideration in realistic and age appropriate settings and texts. Simple sentence patterns are being taught, allowing the children to be versatile when applying those to small situations. Movement, play, music, rhymes, rhythms, and a broad spectrum of alternating exercises keep the children motivated and create a relaxed class atmosphere.
Saturdays 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

German as a Foreign Language 1:
This course builds upon the preschool level classes and is intended for children at the elementary school level with little or no prior knowledge of German. The subject areas all evolve around the children’s interests. Children of this age group like to talk about themselves, their family, school, friends, and about their games. All of these topics find consideration in realistic and age appropriate settings and texts. Simple sentence patterns are being taught, allowing the children to be versatile when applying those to small situations. Movement, play, music, rhymes, rhythms, and a broad spectrum of alternating exercises keep the children motivated and create a relaxed class atmosphere.
Saturdays 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

German as a Foreign Language 2:
Tying in with the lesson contents of ‘German as a Foreign Language 1', this class focuses on children at the Elementary school level with some prior knowledge of German. Children of that age bracket gradually expand their scope of experience from their immediate to broader surroundings. The topics of this course, e.g., circus, birthdays, school, shopping, pets, friends, and leisure time stay abreast of those changes. Regional studies, like the way German children celebrate birthdays, how the schedule of a German school looks, what pets people favor, etc. are also taught along with these subjects.
(to be announced)

German as a Foreign Language 3:
Tying in with the lesson contents of ‘German as a Foreign Language 2', this class focuses on children at the Elementary- ans Middelschool level with prior knowledge of German. The topics of this course are aimed at children of that age bracket. Examples are“Adventure, Fair, Traveling Germany, Television, Children around the world“ etc. Appart from learning the language, geographical and cultural Information is also part of the curriculum. The teaching principles of ‘Learning With Your Head, Heart, and Hands’ like those of ‘Learning With All Your Senses’ still play a role for this age group.
(to be announced)

German as a Foreign Language 4:
This course is aimed at teen students who have previously studied German as a foreign language. All four skills needed to learn a foreign language, i.e. hearing, speaking, writing, and reading find application in this class. Apart from the continued expansion of their genuine vocabulary, the grammatical contexts, i.e., sentence structures, the use of articles, adjective endings, and the conjugation of verbs etc., take center stage. In addition to dialogues, in which students systematically learn new speech patterns and practice them through variations, the students gradually expand their means of speech required for fact commenting, the expression of opinions, and subject discussions. Songs, learning games, stories, and the principle of ‘Learning With All Your Senses’ also play a role in this class.
Thursdays 6:00-7:00 p.m.

German as a Foreign Language for Adults 1:
This course is directed at teens and adults with little or no prior knowledge of German. The students learn to take part in everyday conversations, to write simple texts, and to understand the core information of average texts in everyday life. Through a variety of exercises, this methodical approach closely unites all four techniques needed to learn a foreign language, i.e., hearing, speaking, reading, and writing.
(to be announced)

German as a Foreign Language for Adults 2:
This course builds upon the lesson contents of ‚German as a foreign language for Adults 1’. Teens and adults continue to expand their prior knowledge of the German language. The students continuously learn to take part in everyday conversations, to write simple texts, and to understand the core information of average texts in everyday life. Through a variety of exercises, this methodical approach closely unites all four techniques needed to learn a foreign language, i.e., hearing, speaking, reading, and writing.
Thursdays 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Elementary Level / First School Year:
Native speakers between the ages of five to six years of age build the target group of this class. The children acquire German reading and writing skills. The lesson contents are in line with the guidelines and the curricula of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). In this class we work with the ‚LolliPop Fibel“. Using the well tested analytical - synthetic method, children learn reading and writing in a safe proven way. Its flexible design contains an initial sound index which encourages children to independently explore sound-letter combinations, thus enabling them to do their own writing. The subject and text selection is child-appropriate and reflects the children’s environment. The exciting story throughout the textbook switches between reality and fantasy, the students solve little riddles, which keeps them highly motivated throughout the learning process. Various assignments, materials, and learning games entice children to learn according to their individual talents and skills, their individual developmental stages, and at their own paces. The four aspects of language teaching in German elementary schools are integral elements of these classes:

1.) ‘the orals use of the language’ (with focus on ‘interacting’, ‘listening and telling’, ‘conducting a conversation’, ‘factual communication’, ‘scene play and performing’)

2.) ‘text management’ (with emphasis on ‘engaging into a text’, as well as ‘text analysis, evaluation, and application’)

3.) ‘written language use’ (with focus on ‘text planning, writing, and revision’)

4.) ‘spelling’ (with emphasis on ‘the comprehension of sound-letter relationships’, ‘the acquisition and reinforcement of a basic spelling vocabulary’, the ‘comprehension of rules and their application’, as well as on ‘becoming an independent speller’)
Saturdays 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Elementary Level /First - Second School Year:
This course ties in with the topics covered within the ‘Elementary Level / First School Year’. After about half the school year, working with the ‘LolliPop Fibel’ comes to a conclusion. A second grade reading and language book used in German elementary schools is then being adopted for this school year. A variety of alternating exercises and social settings, of diverse work, study methods and games encourage and motivate the children to apply the German language creatively. Promoting each child individually continues to be of great importance at this grade level. Despite the time restrictions, the students are increasingly steered toward open work forms. As a result, the students enjoy the learning process while being motivated and becoming self-reliant. Once again, the ‘German School of Fort Lauderdale’ is in line with the guidelines and the curricula of the State of NRW. The four aspects of language teaching in German elementary schools are integral elements of these classes:

1.) ‘the oral use of the language’ (with focus on ‘interacting’, ‘telling and listening’, ‘conducting a conversation’, ‘factual communication’, ‘scene play and performing’)

2.) ‘text management’ (with emphasis on ‘engaging into a text’, as well as ‘text analysis, evaluation, and application’)

3.) ‘written language use’ (with focus on ‘text planning, writing, and revision’)

4.) ‘spelling’ (with emphasis on ‘the comprehension of sound-letter relationships’, ‘the acquisition and reinforcement of a basic spelling vocabulary’, the ‘comprehension of rules and their application’, as well as on ‘becoming an independent speller’
Saturdays 1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m.

Elementary Level / Second School Year:
This course builds upon the topics covered by the previous ‘Elementary Levels’. The work with the reading and language book ‘Leseschule 2' by the Oldenburg publishing house will be continued in this school year. Given the time restrictions, this book combines reading with language studies, making it a sensible choice for all intents and purposes. In addition, the book allows for ample flexibility to incorporate working in so-called ‘open classroom’ settings such as shops and centers. Increasing the children’s motivation to read and to write also plays a significant role in this class. Within this course, the teacher once again puts great effort into meeting the individual study and developmental stages of each student. The four aspects of language teaching in German elementary schools are integral elements of these classes:

1.) ‘the oral use of the language’ (with focus on ‘interacting’, ‘telling and listening’, ‘conducting a conversation’, ‘factual communication’, ‘scene play and performing’)

2.) ‘text management’ (with emphasis on ‘engaging into a text’, as well as ‘text analysis, evaluation, and application’)

3.) ‘written language use’ (with focus on ‘text planning, writing, and revision’)

4.) ‘spelling’ (with emphasis on ‘the comprehension of sound-letter relationships’, ‘the acquisition and reinforcement of a basic spelling vocabulary’, the ‘comprehension of rules and their application’, as well as on ‘becoming an independent speller’)
Saturdays 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Elementary Level / Third School Year:
This class also builds upon the contents of the previous school years. We continue to work with the reading & language book ‘Leseschule 3’ by the Oldenbourg publishing house. This textbook further develops the concept of ‘Leseschule 2’.The lessons are being conducted with a holistic approach, i.e. beginning with a given verbally acted out situation, they combine speaking with writing, grammar, as well as language studies. The ‘Leseschule 3’ uses highly motivational child literature, enabling children to discover and experience the German language patterns, and inspiring them to draft their own writings. The lessons stimulate the children’s joy of reading and further develop their reading and writing abilities. Within this course, the teacher once again puts great effort into meeting the individual study and developmental stages of each student. The four aspects of language teaching in German elementary schools are integral elements of these classes:

1.) ‘the oral use of the language’ (with focus on ‘interacting’, ‘telling and listening’, ‘conducting a conversation’, ‘factual communication’, ‘scene play and performing’)

2.) ‘text management’ (with emphasis on ‘engaging into a text’, as well as ‘text analysis, evaluation, and application’)

3.) ‘written language use’ (with focus on ‘text planning, writing, and revision’)

4.) ‘spelling’ (with emphasis on ‘the comprehension of sound-letter relationships’, ‘the acquisition and reinforcement of a basic spelling vocabulary’, the ‘comprehension of rules and their application’, as well as on ‘becoming an independent speller’)
Saturdays 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Elementary Level / Fourth-Fifth School Year:
This class also builds upon the contents of the previous school years. We continue to work with the reading & language book ‘Leseschule 4’ by the Oldenbourg publishing house. The work with the ‚Leseschule 4’ comes to a conclusion and a 5th grade textbook will be introduced. The textbooks further develop the concept of ‘Leseschule 2,3 and 4’.The lessons are being conducted with a holistic approach, i.e. beginning with a given verbally acted out situation, they combine speaking with writing, grammar, as well as language studies. The ‘Leseschule 4’ uses highly motivational child literature, enabling children to discover and experience the German language patterns, and inspiring them to draft their own writings. The lessons stimulate the children’s joy of reading and further develop their reading and writing abilities. Within this course, the teacher once again puts great effort into meeting the individual study and developmental stages of each student. The four aspects of language teaching in German elementary schools are integral elements of these classes:

1.) ‘the oral use of the language’ (with focus on ‘interacting’, ‘telling and listening’, ‘conducting a conversation’, ‘factual communication’, ‘scene play and performing’)

2.) ‘text management’ (with emphasis on ‘engaging into a text’, as well as ‘text analysis, evaluation, and application’)

3.) ‘written language use’ (with focus on ‘text planning, writing, and revision’)

4.) ‘spelling’ (with emphasis on ‘the comprehension of sound-letter relationships’, ‘the acquisition and reinforcement of a basic spelling vocabulary’, the ‘comprehension of rules and their application’, as well as on ‘becoming an independent speller’)
Saturdays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.        

Middle School Level / Fifth- Sixth School Year/ Preparation ‘German Sprachdiplom’:
This course prepares the students for the “German Sprachdiplom” examination administered by the ZfA (Zentralstelle für das Auslandswesen). Through intense practice, the students will be prepared to pass all areas of the test, including written and spoken communication as well as reading and listening comprehension. The test will be administered in May of 2011. This class also builds upon the contents of the previous school years. We continue to work with the reading & language book ‘Das Deutschbuch 5’ by the Cornelsen publishing house. The work with the ‚Deutschbuch 5’ comes to a conclusion and a 6th grade textbook will be introduced. The textbooks further develop the concept of the previous years. The lessons are being conducted with a holistic approach, i.e. beginning with a given verbally acted out situation, they combine speaking with writing, grammar, as well as language studies. The ‘Deutschbuch 6’ uses highly motivational literature, enabling students to discover and experience the German language patterns, and inspiring them to draft their own writings. The lessons stimulate the students joy of reading and further develop their reading and writing abilities. Within this course, the teacher once again puts great effort into meeting the individual study and developmental stages of each student.
Thursdays 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Science and Social Studies -  competence through actions: 
In the ‚Science and social studies classes’ of the ‚German School of Ft. Lauderdale’, children acquire competence above all through doing. We work with the new science and social studies ‚LolliPop’ subject course books. These are modular courses for this class. In addition to the lesson taught, the course books can be used as reference and idea giver in the learning process, during free work, for projects and experiments and in the aquisition of work techniques.  

Some of the subjects covered are: 
Family/ company
Body/ nourishment
Nature/ technology
Time/ room
Plants/ animal
Music/ art

1./2./3. school year:  Saturdays 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
3./ 4./5. school year:  Saturdays 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. 

Musikgarten

Family music for babies (ages newborn- 18 months)  
This class meets once a week for 30 minutes and is taught in German. Bouncing and rocking- songs, wiggle and peek-a-boo games help the parent or caregiver to form a closer bond with the child. The exposure to a musical environment lets baby develop listening skills and a sense of beat, and lays the foundation for singing and musical thought. A parent or adult caregiver must accompany the child at each class and participate fully in the activities. The parent receives an activity book with CD along with a cloth instrument pouch with rhythm sticks, Musikgarten rattle and colorful scarf.
(to be announced)

Cycle of Seasons (Toddler & Preschool)   
This class meets once a week for 45 minutes and is taught in German. Preschoolers establish a love for nature through singing, moving, chanting, focused listening and musical games in a non-competitive environment. They also get to explore musical instruments and creative movement, which is inspired by story telling. A parent or adult caregiver must accompany the child at each class and participate fully in the activities. To continue the joyful activities at home, each parent will receive a family packet with two CDs, twelve animal cards and a parent activity book, all in a cloth pouch.
Saturdays 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.

Musikgarten Elementary Level (ages 5 - 9)
This music class on the elementary level builds on the skills acquired in “Der musikalische Jahreskreis”. The students are taking the step from recognizing tonal and rhythmical patterns to the first reading of music. The delightful activities help students to learn these new skills in a playful way.
(to be announced)

Children’s choir and piano (ages 6-10) 
The choir meets once a week for 45 minutes. While acquiring a repertoire of German songs children learn about singing posture, breathing and the healthy, musical use of their voice. Occasionally they will have the opportunity to learn how to play simple accompanying figures on the piano.
Saturdays 12:30- 1:30 p.m.

Art class: ‚Meet the Masters’
This is an educational art class 'Meet the masters', for children ages 3 and up. The children are introduced to the life, work and techniques of various famous artists from the 19th and 20th centuries, like Miro, Hundertwasser, Picasso, Klee, Matisse, Warhol, Kandinsky etc. The students are encouraged to apply the various techniques of the artist's styles, and experience different art media, while creating their own personal art works.
 Saturdays 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Music & Recorder Lessons
The Children learn the first fundamentals of playing the recorder. German children’s and activity songs entice children to acquaint themselves with the instrument and the notes in a natural way. In a playful environment they learn the right poise, breathing techniques and to read music. This class is also aimed at children who are familiar with playing the recorder. Advanced play and playing the instrument in two part harmony are the subjects of this course. The objective is to gradually strengthen the correlations between the children’s abilities, enthusiasm and aspirations.
Saturdays 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.

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