Language learning with fun and games

Project owner: STARTKLAR

Responsible person: MMag. Janine Fischer

2021

Nominated

AT

Civil Society / Social Economy

Challenge

Pupils who speak German as a second language begin primary school without sufficient language skills to follow their lessons.  However, they also do not fully acquire the skills to speak and write in the language spoken at home. This programme works with children to solve this challenge.

 

Idea

The programme supports early childhood language acquisition for children growing up in a multilingual home. Children between 2 and 6 years old join small playgroups to improve their German skills. In addition to supporting children, we also work with their parents.

Actors

Our work is a part of the daily lives of children and their families. We believe that close cooperation with the children’s parents is important; their suggestions and experiences are incorporated into our work. We also reach many children through our cooperation with partnering kindergartens.

Impact

Children leave kindergarten with sufficient German skills and preparation to begin primary school. This process makes it easier for them to participate and engage in school with their classmates. Parents are also more confident managing and supporting their children’s multilingual education.

Transfer

The programme can be transferred to other locations and regions. The scale of implementation can be determined based on the need and number of children growing up in multilingual households.