Classes
Spielgruppe (ages 2.5 - 3.5)
New to our program in Fall 2007, this class is for our
youngest learners and is a combination of structured class and playgroup. Themes
will be much the same as the 3.5-5.0 aged Spielgruppe. There will be two
sessions of this class each Saturday with a planned overlap mid-morning.
Duration is 1 hour 10 minutes with the teacher and the remainder of the time is
supervised play with German speaking parents and staff. Tuition for this
class is $300 per student.
Spielgruppe (ages 3.5 - 5)
This is a typical preschool-aged class with an German
preschool instructor and German speaking parent helpers. In this hand-on class,
we teach vocabulary through songs and dances and various craft activities.
Topics covered during the year will be the family, all about me, introductions,
body parts, animals, the Alphabet, colors, numbers, and German traditions
throughout the year. Taught only in German.
Kindergarten (age 5)
In this class the topics from the preschool are expanded upon
along with introduction of school themes and interests. Children increase their
vocabulary with classroom lessons and by working in alphabet books throughout
the year. Stories and songs are still a large part of this class as well as
puppet plays and games. Both native and non-native children are combined in an
immersion setting.
Grundstufe I (ages 6 - 7)
Grundstufe II (ages 8-9)
Grundstufe II Native Speakers (ages 8-10)
At these levels, it is important to maintain a balance of
playing while learning German and acquiring the –necessary skills to progress.
The first two classes are a mix of native and non-native speakers but taught
primarily in German. Children learn to read short poems, songs, and repetitive
stories to foster a sense of accomplishment and success. Language games
introduce or expand vocabulary and help understand sentence structure. Verbs and
action are a main focus at this age as children are active in learning who can
do what, (subject/verb) where and how they do something
preposition/adjective/adverb) and why the do something (clauses) and use writing
skills to communicate language skills. German customs and traditions are taught
through craft projects and cultural events. Children leave the Grundstufe I (6/7
year old) group and enter either the native speaking Grundstufe II (8/9 year
old) group, or the mixed level Grundstufe II.
Mittelstufe I (ages 10-12)
Mittelstufe II (ages 13-18)
This is a more traditional class of students learning German
as a foreign language. Workbooks are used to learn new concepts and practice
language skills. At this age, students learn language alongside grammar through
games, skits and plays and dialogue to reinforce language learned. Learning song
lyrics from current popular German songs helps keep students connected with the
things they enjoy in their own lives.
Mittelstufe I/II Native speakers (ages 11-15)
The students of this class have proven language skills and
work toward maintaining skills and learning advanced language concepts. Through
speaking, reading comprehension, and writing of more complex language, students
continue to expand and polish their knowledge of German.
Beginning German (high school age-adult)
Introduction to German includes speaking, writing, reading
and comprehension of language basics. Workbook used to help introduce language
concepts. Songs, literature, and dialogue help expand vocabulary and review
concepts learned.
Continuing German (intermediate and advanced adults)
Largely conversational classes for students with language
skills wishing to use their language and or review concepts of grammar and
vocabulary. Basic listening and reading comprehension skills along with basic
writing skills required. Most importantly, a willingness to use oral German to
improve skills!
New! Saturday School expanding to Beaverton
The German Saturday School of Portland will expand its
program to offer German classes in Beaverton beginning Fall 2007. With
adequate enrollment, classes will be held each Saturday morning from 10:00 –
12:00. Please clearly note preferred location (EAST or WEST) on your
registration forms. Registrations and tuition will be held until adequate
enrollment is established. Once Westside enrollment is known, families
will be notified of class specifics and instructor names. The open house
is to be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 29, 2007 at the German Haus, 7901
SE Division St.
New! Thursday Evening Classes
As we begin our 44th year teaching German language and
culture to the greater Portland area, the German Saturday School of Portland is
happy to announce the addition of Thursday evening classes. Classes will
meet Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:00 pm at the German Haus at 7901 SE Division
St. Tuition for this class is the same as the regular Saturday classes
when paying for the entire year or tuition may be paid per session.
(approximately 10 classes per session). Please clearly indicate either
“Thursday evening” or “Saturday class” on your registration form. Classes begin
the first Thursday in October.
For more information regarding registration for Thursday
classes, please contact:
Susan Schlesinger, Director
German Saturday School of Portland
(503) 531-0451 or email:
schlesinger.susan@comcast.net
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