Valparaiso University Offers Kinder lernen Deutsch for Young Language Learners

The Kinder lernen Deutsch German Language program at Valparaiso University is accepting registrations for children in grades 2-4. Registration is $75, and sessions will take place Tuesdays starting September 24 through February, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kade-Duesenberg German House and Cultural Center. Beginners, repeat attendees, and children with prior exposure to German are welcome. 

“Students, in a playful way, are exposed to German culture and German language,” Tim Malchow Ph.D., professor of German and director of the Kade-Duesenberg German House and Cultural Center, said. “They will sing German songs, do arts and crafts, things like that. That way they can get some of that exposure and learn some of the basics, and have a positive experience with languages.”

Classes are largely taught by Valparaiso University students with an excellent track record in German courses using a course designed by the University of Texas, Austin. These students get the benefit of real experience with teaching, and many prior instructors in the program have gone on to attain Fulbright scholarships to teach abroad. 

Thanks in part to their experience with the program, several former student-instructors have become high school German teachers across the region. Amanda Beck ’07, the 2024 Central States Languages for All Teacher of the Year and a 2023 Indiana Department of Education Teacher of the Year Top 10 Finalist was also a teacher in the program.

“Kinder lernen Deutsch was my first real foray into teaching German,” Beck says. “I’m now a 17-year veteran high school teacher, and it was a good way to dip my toes into creating lessons and working with students. It was fun to come up with songs and games to get them excited to learn German, but I also learned that I’m definitely cut out to work with high school kids.”

Fostering quality second language teachers bolsters education in the community, and serves the goals of service, learning and leadership described in Uplift Valpo: Our Beacon for the Journey Forward.

For the students that come to learn the basics of the German language, the experience can be the beginning of numerous opportunities. In addition to the general benefits of foreign language and cultural education, participating students are exposed to a prominent player on the international and historic stage. 

“Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world, and the largest economy of the European Union,” Professor Malchow said. “Germany is known for technology, classical music, and contributions to philosophy and the sciences. Germany is a place to know about if you plan on expanding your knowledge beyond the U.S.” 

Kinder lernen Deutsch also contributes to Valpo’s overall goal of enriching the community through the University’s resources and expertise. 

“It’s great for the University because it creates goodwill, it’s great for the community because people benefit from the expertise and resources on our campus, so I think it’s giving back to the community and an enrichment for us,” Malchow said.

Kinder lernen Deutsch is currently accepting registrants to take part in the 2024-25 program. For more information, or to register, click here.