CURRICULUM
Kindergarten children develop their social and emotional skills and are encouraged to actively reflect on their uses and choices of languages, as well as to notice the similarities and differences between them.
English reading and writing continues using the next steps of the UK program which was started in Pre-School. Reading and writing in German is introduced as well. Most children end their kindergarten years at Tandem IMS with a solid foundation in literacy skills and are ready to take on the challenge of furthering both reading and writing in two languages in first grade. The children are also introduced to numbers, the number system and basic mathematical concepts during their Kindergarten years to prepare them for the beginning of Primary School. Literacy and mathematical objectives in Tandem’s Kindergarten exceed those set for the Swiss public school system.
Other activities such as excursions, project weeks, nature walks, specialist art lessons, music, IT projects and gym will increase throughout Kindergarten 1 and 2.
LANGUAGES
Through our translanguaging approach, children at Kindergarten level are introduced to the daily use of several languages. English and German teachers spend approximately half the week co-teaching each class. We aim to support children in their ability to comfortably interact in different languages whether in academic or social activities. Kindergarten children are given daily opportunities to discuss diverse topics, role-play, and create stories to share in different languages. These discussions often lead to an investigation of the words and expressions used within the language itself. As a result, Kindergarten children are encouraged to progress in language and concept switching.
All Kindergarten children also have the option of choosing French as an additional language.
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