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Description
Geistreich! (Brilliant!) German is a charming program to introduce your children to the German language. You can start at any point between kinder and Grade 4. The publisher suggests using the textbook with a student starting in 1st grade and adding the workbook once your child is reading/writing in their first language well (about 2nd grade.) So, to implement the whole course simultaneously, begin with students in 2nd to 4th grades. Younger students (K-2) can use the course without reading and writing.
- German has 2 levels available
- Textbook is a small-format (5.5"x 8.5"), spiral-bound print book with 96 units and a pronunciation guide. Several of the units actually review previous lessons (e.g. units 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 & 24 are all reviews, followed by a review week (units 25-27). The lessons are pretty short, 1-4 pages, and instructions are in English. A good schedule would be a unit per day (3 days a week) for 32 weeks.
- Textbook is also available as a PDF download
- Workbook has 1 page of practice per unit and is also available as a PDF
- Audio portion is available on CD or as an MP3 download
- Flashcards are optional, but kids enjoy them!
- Light bundle includes the textbook, workbook and CD (choose print books/CD or all digital)
- Full bundle includes the textbook, workbook, CD and all 4 sets of flashcards (books in print only)
Unit 1 covers greetings (good morning/day/evening/night). You use the audio CD/download here to model the correct pronunciation and accent (the audio also has 96 units). The speaker on the disc talks pretty fast, but it is easy enough to listen to it several times. Then, you learn to say yes/no. The teacher asks the student several questions in English and the kids respond with ya/nein. For example: Do you like apple pie? Ja! Adding to the theme here, kids are asked: Would you like...? and have to answer with Ja, bitte (yes, please) or Nein, danke (no, thank you). Students are encouraged to use these phrases throughout the day. Doesn't that sound like an easy way to teach and learn German? I think so!
The flashcards add a fun,
interactive, colorful opportunity for language practice outside of the lessons.
One side has a colorful illustration with the word printed very small in
English. On the back is the German word in large, bold black type on a white
background. There are 4 different packs, A-D, each pack with 52 cards
(5.75"x 3.5"). Use them to reinforce vocabulary, practice
pronunciation and even come up with your own games! ~Sara
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.