The German classes at RIA

The German Program at RIA was established for students with German as their First Language (GFL) and also for students who learn German as a Second Language (GSL). The overall goal of the program is to provide an enjoyable instruction in a foreign language, while promoting academic excellence and insights to the German culture. The German program provides three forty-minute hours of language instruction per week, which is taught by native German speakers. For the beginning language stages the emphasis is on basic communication and listening comprehension. The more advanced students are challenged with paragraph writing and reading comprehension. The curriculum guidelines used for the German program are adapted to the German Curriculum used in Baden Wurttemberg (Germany). For the GFL students the program uses textbooks and workbooks approved by the German government.

Preschool & Kindergarten (ages: 3-6)
In this class we teach German through songs, games, movement songs and various activities. We look at books and talk about them. Topics throughout the year include: colors, animals, seasons, body parts and story telling.

2nd and 3rd grade (ages: 7-8)
Students are introduced to basic language concepts, with emphasis on simple communication skills, reading and writing skills. An officially approved text- and workbook is used to introduce basic language. We continue to teach German traditions and culture through songs, advanced language games and seasonal events.

GFL 4th to 8th grade (ages: 9-13)
Students learn more complex concepts of the German language. The class focuses on reading stories, writing more complicated sentence structures and exploring more advanced grammar. Students continue to work on improving their advanced language skills - they read more complex texts which will expand their vocabulary and improve their grammar.

GSL 4th to 8th grade (ages 9-13)
German is introduced with a special program for “German Second Language” speakers, which has its emphasis on basic communication, vocabulary and sentence structure. Language games and a variety of language activities are helping in making this course a successful endeavour.