German

Guten Tag! (Good day!)

What a great start to the year we’ve had. Here’s a brief reflection on our learning in Term 1 followed by an overview of the topics that we are learning about this term, by year level.  

I will be working with all year levels again this term, supported by Herr Chronopoulos in some of our Foundation classes. 

Foundation 

In Term 1, students enjoyed finding out about each other's cultural backgrounds and the many languages spoken amongst their class and cohort. There were some great discussions about why we learn different languages and respecting other cultures. The children were introduced to German and Germany as the country that German stems from. They learnt how to greet each other and introduce themselves in German. We hope you’ve enjoyed their renditions of our Hallo, Guten Tag song at home! 

This term, we are continuing to practice our German greetings and introductions each week.  Students are also learning how to count in German. We will be using the beloved children’s book ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ (Die kleine Raupe Nimmersatt) to learn about numbers and colours. We are using a range of songs, videos, simple role plays, games and activity sheets to make language learning fun. 

Year 1 and 2 

Last term, students extended on their German conversational skills, learning to ask how someone is and a range of basic responses. Structured verbal interactions and games helped them get to know their new classmates and continue building their interpersonal skills alongside their language skills. We also explored German Easter traditions comparing them with our own and others around the world before making 'Osterkarte' (Easter cards). 

This term, our junior school students are taking a closer look at the German alphabet and learning how to spell their name in German. We will also be learning the names of different farm animals and how to describe them. To keep learning fun and engaging, we will be using a range of songs, videos, simple books and games as well as verbal and written activities. You can find the German ABC song here to practice at home. 

Year 3 and 4 

In Term 1, students added another song to their repertoire to learn and recall the months of the year. Students learned how to form dates in German and practised asking and answering questions about each other's Birthdays through a combination of role-play, activities and games. We finished term with a cultural focus on German Easter traditions, comparing them with others from around the world.    

During Term 2 students are revisiting the German alphabet to assist in developing their in language reading and writing skills. Students will also be learning about the seasons and how to talk about the weather. We will be integrating previously learned topics to build on existing knowledge and increase vocabulary and language skills. A range of multimedia texts, classroom dialogue, games and activity sheets will be used to support their learning. Stay tuned, there are more catchy songs coming your way! Find the ABC Rap here. 

Year 5 and 6

During the previous term, senior students furthered their vocabulary and language skills to be able to talk about their family in more detail. Students created individual family trees and worked at their own level to be able to introduce and describe family members. This provided the opportunity to revisit and practise how verbs change to reflect first and third person in German.  

In Term 2, we are focusing on how to ask and tell the time in German. The learning unit supports students’ developing language skills as well as their mathematical knowledge and numeracy skills. Students will build fluency with German numbers, use of digital and analog clocks, and comparison of 12- and 24-hour time systems. They will be applying their knowledge to everyday activities such telling the time and arranging meet ups. This aligns with our focus on functional language skills while supporting interdisciplinary learning. 

If you have any questions or would like to contribute to the German language and culture program, please feel free to reach out.  

Tschüss!

Lisa Hunt

LOTE Specialist

 

There are 4 additional letters in the German alphabet. Who can name them?