The educational program of the “Kinderstube” German Immersion Preschool is modeled after the modern German Kindergarten, which strives to create an environment that educates the child as a whole person. One focus of the program is the development of social skills through multi-age interaction; another is our philosophy that child’s play should not be directed by, but rather enhanced by adult interactions. Our goal is to offer all children the fundamental building blocks that they need for later learning, and to encourage the natural curiosity and love of learning that all children share.
To this end, we focus on the following principles, which are described in greater detail below:

1. Immersion in the German language and exposure to many aspects of German culture.
2. Movement, play and hands-on learning.
3. Imagination and creativity.
4. The importance of music.
5. Communication and social contacts.
6. Consistent daily rhythm/structure.
7. Emotional development.


• Immersion in the German language. All teachers are either native German speakers or have near-native fluency; by making the German language and Germanic culture a clear, consistent and natural aspect of the preschool environment, we foster young children’s innate ability to acquire a second language.

• Movement, play and hands-on learning. Studies have shown that children acquire cognitive skills more effectively when both the body and the mind are involved in the learning process. By allowing children time for free play, as well as providing many hands-on learning activities , we encourage them to explore their world and discover their natural curiosity.

• Imagination and creativity. Through a reliance on fewer toys and higher quality natural materials, children are given the chance to let their own eyes, hands and imaginations decide what something is (or can be) and how it works. Children grow in self-confidence as they take pride in their own ideas and creativity. The skills they develop in imaginative play are important building blocks for later learning in math, science and language.

• Importance of music. Music provides an important dimension of mind-and-body learning, and is also a channel for expression and creativity. In addition, the patterns and rhythms inherent in music also aid in the acquisition of language. Through music, children lay the groundwork for increased success in learning their second language, and enhance their verbal abilities in their first language as well.

• Communication and social contacts. Our teachers guide children through interpersonal experiences, supporting them as they work out difficulties on their own, modeling and encouraging tolerant, friendly and respectful treatment of others and offering puppet shows, stories or skits that demonstrate these ideas.

• Consistent daily rhythm/structure. A consistent schedule with daily routines enables teachers to be more effective and helps children feel safe and comfortable in the preschool environment. Because of the importance of nutrition to growth and development, we encourage healthy, natural snacks.

• Emotional development. Emotional well-being is crucial for physical, social and cognitive development. In our preschool environment, we strive to give all children the freedom to feel their emotions and learn to identify and express them. Children are allowed to set their own pace and are encouraged to choose the activities that most appeal to their individual abilities and interests.