I find it very important to start each year brainstorming with students about why it is important to learn another language.
This gives the students the chance to reflect on why they think it is important, to share ideas with others and to develop an understanding on just how many ways second language learning benefits them.
Here is some more information about language learning at Craigburn Primary:
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” – Nelson Mandela
Why Learn a Language?
Learning a second language has intrinsic benefits such as developing cultural awareness and empathy and promoting self-reflection within the learner. Academically, second language learning improves first language ability, improves memory and heightens cross-curricular skills.
Languages and the Australian Curriculum:
The German language and culture taught at Craigburn Primary correlates with the three main aims of the Australian Curriculum, enabling students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills to:
• communicate in German
• learn about cultures from around the world
• understand themselves as communicators
This gives your child the opportunity to express themselves in another language, empathise with other cultures and gain skills to be successful in all areas of their studies.
German at Craigburn:
In 2018 every class at Craigburn Primary will attend one German lesson 50 or 70 minutes in length. The program is delivered in an engaging manner which encourages students to develop their cultural awareness and language skills while working towards reaching their relevant Achievement Standards. Learning occurs in many different forms in the German classroom, from songs, stories and games to using a range of devices to demonstrate understandings. Above all, the program aims to immerse students in German language and culture in a safe, enjoyable and constructive environment. The German program is taught by Carly Smith on Monday – Thursday in A7.
Sharing Our Learning:
The Craigburn German blog is an effective platform to share our learning with not only the school and wider community but also on a global level. The blog showcases the current learning in our German classroom through written accounts, photos and videos. The blog can be found at: http:// blogs.craigburn.sa.edu.au/german/. Learning is also shared with families via the Seesaw app, if used by the classroom teacher. This gives timely updates about what is happening in our classroom and allows families to share learning together.
If you have any questions or queries concerning the German program at Craigburn Primary, please feel most welcome to come and discuss with Frau Smith.