German as a Second Language (DaZ) in the Kindergarten

Language - The gateway to the world

Multilingualism is a central focus at the German Section of TES. In addition to Chinese or German, many of the children speak English or one or more other languages in their families. Children growing up bi- or multilingually should feel as much at home in our kindergarten as German-speaking children. The appreciation of the mother tongue is as important to us as learning a new language.

At the German Section, we offer a modern language education programme that ensures targeted, supportive and continuous language development from kindergarten onwards.

How does language support take place in our kindergarten?

In our kindergarten, the German language is taught in a natural way through the interaction of children and teachers in everyday group activities, which include, for example, play situations, shared meals or morning circles.

Children who come to us with little or no knowledge of German need additional targeted language support.

The children are supported in small groups of approx. 3 - 5 students. This additive language support takes place in a separate room. German language play is implemented according to the latest scientific findings. Parents receive materials to support their children’s German at home from the German Kindergarten via the Internet portal Seesaw (songs, fairy tales, factual stories, etc.). In our theme-based language support, we work in a child-friendly way with songs, rhymes, pictures and movements using psychomotor approaches. In addition, integrative language support may take place in the individual kindergarten groups. The German language teacher will join the group for this purpose.

The children's language progress will be assessed and recorded in regular meetings of the language support and kindergarten team. Language development is reviewed at certain intervals. If there is an additional need, the child will be intensively supported in special language support lessons.