Selecting the right preschool program can set the tone for your child’s future learning. While many parents in the US choose a traditional program, international preschool gives children opportunities they won’t find anywhere else.
The German International School Chicago’s preschool program is a great example, with an educational approach that embraces language acquisition through immersion in German, a global perspective and the importance of creative play. GISC offers American students a window to the world, as it serves both US students and those from around the globe.
“We adopt a child-centered, discovery-based approach to preschool. We believe that preschool is not limited to sitting down and doing worksheets, but rather, allowing children to explore and discover the world around them,” says Benjamin Hebebrand, School Director of the German International School Chicago (GISC).
Here are five reasons why an international preschool program like the one at GISC could be the perfect fit for your child.
1. German immersion offers a gateway to multilingualism
With our society becoming more globally focused, learning languages and understanding other cultures is paramount. At GISC, children are immersed in the German language from day one, with no prior German language skills required. This immersion strategy is beneficial for language acquisition, one of GISC’s most important goals for its students. In fact, the benefits of a bilingual brain are well documented.
“Preschool is the best time to acquire another language,” notes Hebebrand. “While older children may be afraid of making mistakes, preschool kids have no hesitation about speaking another language. They are more free in their mindset and they are naturally curious.”
With a teaching staff composed of native German speakers, children are exposed to authentic pronunciation and cultural nuances, setting a solid foundation for bilingual or multilingual proficiency.
“Among our diverse student body, we have children coming to us from all over the world,” says Hebebrand. “They will often speak to each other in their own language whether it’s German, Chinese or Spanish. All GISC students learn from an early age that not everyone speaks the same language, which is eye-opening for them on many levels.”
2. A discovery-based approach fosters independence and confidence
GISC’s preschool program honors each child’s interests and learning pace. The role of play is important to the school’s discovery-based educational philosophy.
In fact, Hebebrand notes, the GISC approach to learning is inspired by the work of such luminaries as Friedrich Fröbel, German pedagogue and creator of ”Kindergarten” (German for ‘preschool’).
“Fröbel has one of my favorite quotes about early childhood education,” says Hebebrand. “‘Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.’”
Adopting Fröbel’s approach not only enhances cognitive development but also builds self-reliance, says Hebebrand. “At GISC, our discovery-based learning encourages children to explore and inquire, leading to self-initiated learning experiences and confidence.”
3. IB-PYP project-based learning: learning through inquiry
GISC’s curriculum differs from other preschools in that it aligns with the International Baccalaureate (IB)’s Primary Years Program (PYP). This approach follows project-based learning methods. Children engage in a series of projects that cultivate critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills.
“Inspired by IB principles, our teaching approach for preschoolers is inquiry-based,” says Hebebrand. “We have four units each year that explore big-picture questions. Through this, children develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.”
As part of this self-initiated inquiry, Hebebrand notes that outdoor play is integral to GISC’s philosophy. Children are encouraged to play outside in almost all weather conditions, fostering resilience and a love for nature and the outdoors.
4. Learning pre-academic skills in an international environment
One of the things that distinguishes an international preschool like GISC is that children are exposed to languages and cultures in all activities. At GISC, older preschoolers have the opportunity to explore pre-academic skills during their pre-kindergarten year.
“We call this our “Maxi Program,” Hebebrand explains. “Through this program, we foster number recognition, basic math concepts and phonological awareness as a basis for learning how to read and write in kindergarten.
While Hebebrand emphasizes that GISC’s preschool program is rooted in discovery-based learning, another important goal is kindergarten readiness. “Our Maxi Program is a tailored approach that ensures preschoolers are well-prepared for the transition to kindergarten, both academically and socially,” he says.
5. A multicultural learning environment fosters global awareness
GISC prides itself on its multicultural community, with children from both the US and various parts of the world bringing a wealth of languages and perspectives to the classroom. This diversity enriches the learning experience, fostering global awareness and cultural sensitivity from an early age.
“We incorporate the German language into every part of our curriculum: The books we read to the children, how we look at various subjects, everything,” Hebebrand notes. “We also make a point to explore the languages and cultures shared by our students. We love to invite families to visit and speak about their culture as well.”
The goal is for children to appreciate and respect different backgrounds and ideas, setting the stage for them to become open-minded global citizens.
By choosing an international preschool like GISC, parents ensure that their children are ready for the many challenges ahead, says Hebebrand.
“Our curriculum offers a global perspective, but equally important, it is rooted in inquiry and discovery, which offers benefits that last a lifetime.”
For more information about international preschool at GISC, visit: germanschoolchicago.com. Find out about the admissions process here.
