Program introduces youth to German language

Tue, August 25, 2009 |

A Valparaiso University program that introduces first-grade children to German language and culture is being offered for the 10th consecutive year during the current academic year.

Valpo's "Kinder lernen Deutsch" program, sponsored by the Kade-Duesenberg German House and Cultural Center (http://www.valpo.edu/germanhouse), emphasizes learning German through fun and games. Classes begin Sept. 21, with weekly one-hour sessions taught by undergraduate German and elementary education students at Valpo.

Dr. DeMaris, professor of foreign languages and literatures and director of the German House, supervises the program and said approximately 300 children have enrolled in "Kinder lernen Deutsch" over the past decade. She says the German classes are an important first step for children.

"Children learn language easily and are not afraid to do so," Dr. DeMaris said. "Why not start early and help them become open to linguistic and cultural diversity?"

Children who begin taking German in the first-grade program can continue for two additional years in "Kinder lernen Deutsch." Fourth and fifth-grade children then have the option of continuing their German or starting a new language through the "Bridges to World Languages" program, another after-school program taught by Valpo students and offered by the Valparaiso Community Schools.

Registration of first-grade children begins today, Aug. 25, on a first-come, first-served basis until the class is full. To register a child, call (219) 548-1569 on weekdays between 1 and 5 p.m. The registration fee for the full 22 sessions is $60 and is due on the first day of class.

Sessions begin at 4 p.m. on Mondays, with a total of 22 sessions in the program, which concludes April 19.