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Activities for the fall holidays

The fall holidays are coming up in Germany in September, and you might wonder what to do with the kids all day long. Here is a fun activity for kids ages 4 and up (under supervision), as popular in German Kindergarten and first grade: Build a chestnut zoo:

You need:

- various big and small chestnuts
- acorns (optional)
- toothpicks
- glue (UHU)
- pipe cleaners
- pieces of string or wool
- small handdrill
- permanent marker
- large sheet of paper, crayons (optional)

Drill 4 holes into a big chestnut (bottom). Drill one hole on top (for neck). Do not let kids use drill unsupervised. Coat toothpicks with glue and attach into bottom holes for legs. Coat ½ of a toothpick with glue and attach to top. Drill a hole into a small chestnut or acorn. Attach to toothpick/neck. Coat end of big chestnut with glue and attach wool or strings for tail. Attach more wool for a mane, if desired. Paint face (eyes, nose etc.) with permanent marker. Glue on whiskers (optional). You have your first chestnut animal.

If you want to create chestnut animals with bendable legs, use pipe cleaners instead of toothpicks. Or build an elephant with a pipe cleaner trunk. You may also want to encourage your kids to paint a large sheet of paper with paths, trees, houses and fields for your animals to play in. There is no limit to your imagination.

Tip: if you cannot find any chestnuts, use potatoes instead.

Numerus Clausus and the university

Certain fields of research require a certain level of previous education. If your high school diploma does not meet these demands, you will be excluded from this particular branch of studies. "Medicine" is such a "Numerus Clausus" (closed number) field, meaning that only a particular number of new students is accepted per year. The better your diploma, the higher the chance you will be accepted. It is also possible to get your name on a waiting list. This means you will get notified if a university has room for you. Note: that way, you cannot choose your university and might end up where you feel uncomfortable. Since this procedure changes all the time, it is wisest to go to ´study counselling´ (Studienberatung), which is offered for free at most universities and get the latest details. You ought to expect a waiting period of several months until you can get the necessary papers together and reach a final decision about your studies.

Nachhilfezirkel

A Nachhilfezirkel is an independent institute, in which kids with school problems receive extra tuition. The teaching is done by retired school teachers and college students. Kids are usually taught in small groups. A Nachhilfezirkel is usually less expensive than a private tutor.

Schultuete

A Schultuete ("school cone") is presented to kids on their first day of school. It is a colorful cardboard cone filled with candy and school supplies, such as pencils, erasers, glue etc. - The idea is to make the transit from Kindergarten to a more formal kind of education easier for the child. Tip: if you have a younger sibling at home, give him or her a small cone, too. That way, rivalry can be avoided.

Physical Education

Physical Education is compulsory in most German schools. Your kid needs training shoes (2 pairs, for indoors and outdoors), a training suit, bathing trunks etc. - Schools generally do not provide kids with team uniforms, and if they do, these must also be paid for. If your child cannot participate in some sports activity due to a health condition, you need to obtain a doctor´s certificate (Attest) stating the problem. The teacher will then find a different activity for the kid.

Schulzahnarzt

A Schulzahnarzt is a dentist who visits classrooms on an annual basis and inspects the kids´ teeth. The service is free. If he finds a problem, he will inform the kid´s parents with a slip. Parents will then arrange for an appointment with the family dentist.

School Books

It used to be customary for school children to hire out school books for free directly from the school. Nowadays, however, parents must buy most of the books themselves. Tip: Put a note on the school´s board explaining that you are willing to buy books 2nd hand. There are a lot of older kids who would be glad to get rid of their old books.

Fun activity for kids: kite flying

The fall season in Germany is ideal for kite flying. This sport is very popular in Germany, and it is no longer considered a “kids-only” activity. You will find lots of information on kite flying at this website:

http://www.kinderdrachen.de/

Grammar school or secondary modern?

Before your child can move on from "class 6" (ages 11-12) to class 7, there will be a test to determine which kind of school is more appropriate. Secondary modern (middle school) lasts until age 16, is less work-intensive and usually leads to an apprenticeship. Grammar school will continue for another 6-7 years (ages 18-19), and contain the "Abitur" (high school diploma), which is needed to study at any German college. You as a parent can not choose, it is the skill and knowledge of the child that determines the school´s recommendation. However, there is an alternative, the "Gesamtschule", which has both school types in the same building. If your child starts at middle school and ecxells at it, it can easily transfer into grammar school.

School Lunch

A subsidized school lunch is not so common in Germany. Usually kids take their own lunch boxes, which they eat during the "big" breaks (20 minutes). Most schools sell drinks, such as soda and chocolate milk from vending machines.

Getting your child into Kindergarten

Getting your child into "Kindergarten" (day care) in Germany can be both difficult and expensive. There are too many kids, and not enough facilities. You might want to start looking for a good kindergarden as soon as your child is 2 years old. "Kindergarten" generally starts at age 3. Check with your local churches and your employer. Consider ´renting´ a day mom. Read ads in your local paper. Start early.

Internat

An Internat is a privately run boarding school. It is not associated with ´normal´ schools and can put emphasis on subjects that may not be taught in a different kind of school. Internate are inspected by the German school board, however, to ensure that kids reach university standards. German Internate are popular for parents with "problem kids". A lot of them are run by the Church. Generally speaking, they are all expensive.

Klassenlehrer

A Klassenlehrer is a teacher who supervises one particular class over a couple of years. His tasks are somewhat similar to those of a homeroom teacher. He teaches more than one subject to his class. He is the first person a parent should approach if there is a problem. The Klassenlehrer will then investigate the problem and report back to the parent.

Schulimpfung

A Schulimpfung is a free health service, in which school children get vaccinated by visiting nurses. Your kid does not have to be vaccinated, but it is a good idea to take advantage of this service. Regulations are strict, and you do not have to worry that the vaccination is unneccessary, or might cause health defects.

Schuelerlotse

A Schuelerlotse is a guide who helps pupils cross busy streets near the school. Schuelerlotsen are usually older school kids. They were a uniform and are easily recognizable. Kids can volunteer to become a Schuelerlotse and will receive training prior to the job. It is a good idea to encourage your kid to do this kind of job, as it teaches responsibility.

Bundesjugendspiele

Bundesjugendspiele are a bi-annual sports event in German schools. Attendence is compulsory. If a child misses the games due to a health condition, it will have to do them at a later date. Kids compete against each other and against other local schools. If they do well, they receive a certificate. Bundesjugendspiele are a good way to improve the kids´ PE grades. The Sommerspiele are held outdoors, the Winterspiele are held indoors, and activities vary accordingly. They are supervised by PE teachers and independent school board members.

Schulreise

A Schulreise is a field trip taken by the entire class, accompanied by one or two teachers (usually the Klassenlehrer). A school trip takes between 1 - 2 weeks. The idea is to enable teachers and kids to form a closer relationship and study in more relaxed surroundings. Most Schulreisen are subsidized by the government to enable kids of low-income families to take part.

Lenghth of German school lessons

German schools start their lessons at 8 o/clock sharp. A typical lession is 45 minutes long, followed by a 5 minute break, or a 20 minute break. There is no lunch hour. School usually ends between 1 and 3 p.m..