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Curriculum
GLSMC’s
curriculum basically follows a two-track program that
offers classes for German as a foreign language and
students with prior knowledge of German (German as a
first or second language).
Track
I
offers German as a foreign language and abides mainly by
the new Common European Framework of
References (CEFR)
and the New
Jersey Standards for Foreign Languages
to introduce the children to the German language with
the longterm goal to enable them to take German
proficiency exams like the AATG exam, AP exams and the
German Language Certficate (Deutsches Sprachdiplom).
Track
II
is for children with prior knowledge of German and
adapts the standards of the German school system, to
further the goal of easy integration into the German
School System for returning students and/or to obtain
the German Language Certificate (Deutsches Sprachdiplom),
which is proof of language proficiency for German,
universities and also helps to meet language
requirements at other European universities.
GLSMC
uses music, hands-on and multi-sensory activities with
age-appropriate and topic-specific instruction to
provide an integral and fun-filled program for all
classes in both tracks. Learning about the German
culture through cultural activities, songs and games are
an integral part in every track and level. Homework is
assigned weekly.
Preschool
(approx. age 3-5)
Children
are exposed to spoken German through songs and games,
and they learn to follow simple directions. The children
are learning about basic themes like: Family, Clothes,
Colors, Letters, and Numbers to 10. Playing and theme
related crafts are an integral part of this program. The
children also enjoy singing German songs. The emphasis
is on learning simple communication skills, to develop a
sense for a different language and different
pronunciation. Introduction to German holidays like
Sankt Martin or Fasching play an important role in that
class.
Book:
Meine Freunde und ich (Langenscheidt
Kindergarten
(approx. Age 5-6)
The
emphasis of that class curriculum is on the German
sounds (Anlautmethode) and the alphabet, colors,
seasons, calendar, time, weather, family, clothing,
foods, flowers, and animals. New vocabulary and sentence
structure is introduced through simple rhymes, poems,
and songs. The children start learning to recognize
German words, are introduced to simple reading and
writing in German. A relaxed and fun-filled environment
is created through a variety of games and crafts.
Textbook:
Tinto: Vorübungen zum Lesen und Schreiben (Cornselsen),
ABC mit allen Sinnen, Tinto blau
Elementary
school level
Track
I : 1./2. a: (approx. 6-8 years old) and 3./4. a
(approx. 8 – 10 years old)
Introduction
to the basic language with emphasis on comprehension and
simple communication, reading and writing. Young
learners build upon and refine the skills and vocabulary
developed in the previous level in a relaxed and
fun-filled environment through songs, crafts, reading
circles, pantomime, etc. Standards are adapted from the
New Jersey Standards for foreign languages and the
Curriculum for DAF for German Schools.
Textbook:
1./2. a: Tinto blau (Cornelsen), 3./4. a. Der Grüne Max
1 und 2
Track
II: (1./2. b) (approx. 6-8 years old) and 3./4. a
(approx. 8 – 10 years old)
The
emphasis here is on developing a sense for the German
language through being introduced to the German sounds (Anlautmethode).
The children work improving their writing and reading
skills and are introduced to different writing styles
(letters, stories etc). Standards are adapted from the
German elementary School system.
Textbook:
1./2 b: Tinto blau, Tinto 2 (Cornelsen), 3./4. b: Tinto
3, Tinto 4
Middle
school level
Track
I: I a (approx 10 – 13 years), II a (approx. 13 – 16
years)
These
classes follow the standards of the Common European Framework of References (CEFR).
Class I a covers the levels A1 and A2 where the students
learn how to use simple daily expressions and sentences.
They learn how to introduce themselves and learn how to
answer simple questions and write short texts. They get
introduced to basic grammatical concepts. Class IIa is
designed to reach the levels B1 and B2. The students
learn how to use the German language regarding topics
that they are familiar with like school, hobbies, family
etc. They learn how to use the German langue to write
and talk about dreams, interests and goals. They will
also be introduced to more complex themes like German
literature or certain areas of expertise. They learn how
to write and analyse a large variety of texts like
poems, literature, letters etc. They will also be
introduced to making presentations in German and how to
write essays. They will get exposed to more complex
grammatical structures. AATG exams are used to monitor
the progress.
Textbook
Ia: Team Deutsch, Level A1 and A2, IIa: Planet, Level B1
and B2 (Hueber)
Track
II: Ib (approx. 10 – 13 years), Ib (approx. 13-16
years)
These
classes adapt the standards of the German school system
for our Saturday class curriculum. The children learn
how to understand complex texts, are introduced to
German literature, poetry and popular culture and
improve their writing and expression skills. They will
learn how to write different texts like letters,
stories, essays, presentations, interviews etc. and how
to present their ideas. AATG exams used to monitor the
level of proficiency.
Textbook:
Deutschbuch 5 (Cornelsen), Deutschbuch 6 (Cornelsen)
High
School level
IIIa
(approx. 16-18 years)
This
class prepares all students from both tracks with a high
standard in German to German proficiency tests: the
German Language diploma (Level B1 and C1) for entry to
the German university system and/or the AP exams from
the American College Board. The students are prepared
for listening comprehension, text analysis, writing
letters, interpreting graphs, oral presentation of
controversial topics, cultural knowledge and German
politics and literature. The students are expected to
take at least one of the tests if they do want join that
class.
Textbook:
em neu 2008, Level B2 und Level C1 (Hueber)
Adult
Conversation Class
This
class is usually comprised of a small group of adults
who are very motivated because they have a great
interest in Germany and the German culture, are working
in a German company, have a German speaking spouse, or
do have children enrolled in our school. Through
conversation about different topics, the use of a
textbook with an audio CD, videos, short stories, games
about idiomatic expressions, proverbs, cultural topics
and the explanation of relevant grammar, the acquisition
of German happens in an enjoyable environment.
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