Languages ​​for children

English and German academy for children in Girona

At KULTURFABRIK we offer English and German classes for children from 3 to 16 years. They take place mainly in the afternoons and last 45, 60 or 90 minutes. The different groups are divided according to age (mini / medium / maxi) and are small (maximum 8 children per group). In this way, we make sure that all children can receive the attention and help they need and can easily interact with each other.

For the Kulturfabrik every child is special and we want them to feel that way. That's why small groups allow us to encourage fun, play, and give them all the attention they need!

Why should my child learn another language? What are the advantatges of being multilingual?

Neuroscientific studies show that children up to the age of six are especially sensitive to languages. Young children build neurological networks in the brain faster, which facilitates learning. Through movement and games, for example, one can learn and consolidate phonetics in a manner similar to that of the mother tongue (learning naturally).

Numerous studies indicate that bi- and trilingual children can process information more quickly and direct their attention more specifically. Consequently, the early acquisition of multiple languages ​​has a positive effect on learning in general, as it helps them to encourage the development of their own learning strategies.

At Kulturfabrik we try to reinforce and motivate different psychological factors appropriate to the age of the children: curiosity, thirst for knowledge, the need for communication, as well as the will and the ability to imitate others. These first contacts with foreign languages, properly worked and directed, offer children the opportunity to develop personally and to promote a positive attitude towards other languages ​​and new challenges.

At Kulturfabrik we like to think that in addition to helping children acquire a new language in a natural and fun way, we are helping them to develop a cultural interest and motivation to learn new things. A very ambitious thinking that is in line with the goal of the European Union’s (EU) language policy, which aims to enable every EU citizen to speak two languages ​​in addition to their mother tongue.

By acquiring additional languages, you give your children the opportunity to communicate with other people from other places and therefore the option to get to know other cultures and thus expand their minds. In addition, their brains are better prepared to acquire languages ​​naturally, which will make it much easier for them to learn other languages ​​in the future. Boys and girls under the age of 10 have the facility to transfer information from one language to another, either to expand vocabulary or to improve grammar structures. It's a gift to be reckoned with!

Last but not least, in the future, multilingual people have advantages acquired in certain professions, when looking for better paid jobs and also with the option of accessing international companies.

The normalization of a third language in the daily life of children becomes a key element for their social and linguistic development. For this reason,  KULTURFABRIK offers spaces for natural learning and linguistic normalization for foreign languages ​​(English and German) where the child can enjoy play and pedagogical activities through a second or third language.

Moving away fromclasses, KULTURFABRIK offers a natural learning program through play, activities and crafts, stimulating group socialization as a basis for children’s motivation and interest in the new language.

LEARN BY PLAYING

How is the first session of the English and German language courses at KULTURFABRIK?

During the first session it is all about getting to know each other. The space, the material and the persons, of course. To do this we use various games, materials, songs ... In this way we can see and determine what are the previous knowledge and what are the real interests that children have, and thus take them into account when 'choose the topics and activities when preparing the following sessions.

It is important for children to know from the beginning that they come to KULTURFABRIK to learn a new language in a playful and fun way, and that they do not have to know or master it when they come. We don’t want them to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed at any point - quite the contrary! 

And then?

In the following sessions we always start with a greeting ritual and repeat briefly and in a playful and dynamic way what we have learned in the previous session.

Then we let the children choose the topics and projects that they like and are most interested in, so that they can work on them. These can be everyday topics, but also projects on specific topics or simply experiments. All suggestions are welcome and every effort is made to accommodate them.

Based on these chosen projects, ideas and topics, activities and games will be prepared so that the children can develop and acquire the vocabulary of these topics that are of interest to them. 

Why is it important for children to be involved in choosing language course topics and projects?

Children learn to express their own ideas, desires and needs. Through active participation, children experience that they and their interests are heard, that their opinion counts, and that they are part of the group. This gives them independence and self-confidence, and makes them come much happier and willing to learn

In addition, if boys and girls can choose the topics and projects they like and are most interested in, their motivation and interest in learning and acquiring a new language increases exponentially.

Playing as a basis for learning

When young children discover the world, they do so in a playful and natural way. They try a variety of things, imitate and experience the world in a sensory way.

Through play, skills and knowledge are acquired in a casual and repeatable way, and this is the best way to learn and lay the foundations of knowledge.

There is nothing more natural than learning things by experiencing and enjoying!

What else is important when learning a language?

At Kulturfabrik we believe that it is very important to offer varied and dynamic activities that encompass all areas of development and allow learning with all the senses. In addition, we also try to make frequent changes in work methods and the alternation of "tension" and "relaxation", ensuring that the child's ability to concentrate is not overwhelmed. 

What materials and media do we use in language classes?

Learning naturally, playing and with all the senses - based on this premise we choose the material we use in language classes. At Kuklturfabrik what matters most to us is that it is educational material of good quality, that it can be used in various ways to stimulate the imagination and that it corresponds to the age of the children. We also use a lot of recycled materials and avoid textbooks.

At Kulturfabrik we really like working with "flashcards", material that we design and make ourselves, which can be used in various ways. They are a very useful material that allows us to create our own board games for each of the topics selected by the children, they give a lot of visibility to the vocabulary of the chosen projects and give a lot of flexibility when doing all kinds of activities.

In addition, after almost all the sessions, the children take home some kind of material that they can use to repeat the content learned, independently and playfully in their family environment, when and how they want.

Children with and without prior knowledge of a language learn together. What are its advantages?

In language courses, children with and without prior knowledge of the language are mixed. In this way, children with prior knowledge build confidence in themselves and their language skills by explaining things to other children and sharing their existing knowledge.

Children without prior knowledge, on the other hand, benefit from these children’s language skills and see them as motivation and a goal to achieve.

This is a Nordic methodology that works very well and gives very good results in learning languages ​​and other subjects. In fact, it is a method that has been implemented in public kindergartens in Catalonia for some years now and is also beginning to be introduced in some primary schools. This concept of education is very common and has been implemented for many years in northern Europe, where the soul of the Kulturfabrik originated, giving very good results.

Prices

Payment

Payment is made by credit card or cash at the Kulturfabrik facilities quarterly. 

Registration fee: 1 month

Responsibility

KULTURFABRIK is not responsible for the loss or deterioration of valuables.

Children can only participate in play groups with an adult. In the event that the companion is not the parent, the parents must indicate this in writing at the time of registration.

Photos

Photographs taken at the center can be posted on social media without mentioning the names of the children or showing their faces. If you, as a parent, do not agree, please indicate this on the registration form.

COVID-19

At KULTURFABRIK we follow all the hygienic and disinfection measures marked by the corresponding authorities.