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Preschool & Kindergarten
Preschool & Kindergarten (Ages 3–5)
Where children are empowered to think beyond limits, dream freely, and reach new heights.
At AvH, we nurture young learners in an environment where curiosity is celebrated, exploration is encouraged, and every child’s journey is valued. Preschool and Kindergarten at AvH center around discovery, creativity, and joyful learning. Our supportive atmosphere fosters growth, confidence, and a lifelong love for learning.
Learning Through Play
Play is the foundation of early learning at AvH. In our dynamic classrooms, qualified teachers guide children through enriching activities in arts, science, language, and more. Through these activities, children develop their imagination, problem-solving skills, and social abilities.
Whether they are experimenting in our creative lab, building projects, or exploring the wonders of science, children’s play naturally extends their understanding of the world.
A Holistic Approach to Growth
We focus on developing the whole child, addressing academic growth, fine and gross motor skills, social-emotional intelligence, and creativity. With small class sizes, children benefit from personalized attention, and our hands-on learning environment evolves based on their interests and discoveries.
Our experienced teachers adapt to each child’s needs, encouraging them to take risks, ask questions, and embrace their unique learning styles in a nurturing, supportive space.
Language Learning: Unlocking the World
At AvH, language is the key to cultural understanding and global connection. From the earliest years, children are immersed in a multilingual environment, learning German, French, and English through songs, stories, and interactive activities.
German serves as the primary language of instruction, and our multilingual classroom environment helps children—many of whom come from non-German-speaking families—quickly develop strong communication skills. This multilingual approach enhances cognitive abilities, strengthens problem-solving skills, and fosters a love for multiculturalism.
In addition to daily German immersion, children are introduced to French weekly through engaging activities like storytelling and singing, laying the foundation for future language learning and cultural appreciation. Learn more about our multilingual approach here.
A Smooth Transition: Our Unique Settling-In Phase
Every child’s transition to school is unique, and at AvH, we prioritize a personalized settling-in phase to ensure they feel comfortable and confident.
During this phase, we take time to understand your child’s personality, interests, and needs, providing tailored support as they adjust to new routines and build connections with peers. This thoughtful approach helps children begin their learning journey with confidence and joy.
The Joy of Outdoor Play
Outdoor play is a daily priority at AvH, no matter the weather. From building snow castles to splashing in puddles and exploring under sunny skies, children spend extended time outdoors every day.
Time in nature promotes creativity, physical fitness, and social skills, while fostering resilience and a love for the natural world. Guided by the motto: There is no bad weather, only the wrong clothes, we encourage children to embrace the elements and grow stronger, more adaptable, and ready to face new challenges.
Contact: Ms. Christiane El Aboudy-Kalz
“Learning a new language is child’s play at AvH.”
Each child goes through developmental stages at their own pace. We take our time, gently guiding each child through these stages while fostering individual skills. Age-appropriate activities help create self-confidence and self-reliance. Learning through free play is especially important; children learn to take initiatives and pursue their own ideas. With the multifaceted use of play and the development of basic skills, the daily routine is a balanced mix of organized activities and playtime.
Social Skills
Your child will learn how to express his or her own feelings and needs, as well as learning to handle conflicts. Empathy and tolerance are developed. Increased independence while contributing to the smooth functioning of the group is a valuable skill acquired during these years—one that will pay lifelong dividends.
Table showcasing: Daily Preschool Routine
SCHEDULE | |
|---|---|
Arrival of children | |
Free play | |
Morning Circle | |
Breakfast | |
Activities – free play | |
Recess | |
Lunch | |
Activities – free play – clean up | |
Closing circle | |
Afternoon supervision (optional) | |
Preschool: 5-day program from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Early drop-off and afternoon supervision are available to make family life easier.
Kindergarten at AvH is known as “Eingangsstufe”, to signify the transition from preschool to elementary school. The basic principles from preschool are combined with learning skills your child needs for grade 1 and beyond. Although play is still a major component of learning, children are now ready for a more structured environment.
Each day, an elementary teacher spends time with the class, teaching with the kindergarten teacher. This allows our educators to focus on the unique learning requirements of each child. As your child is ready for new intellectual challenges, individual learning objectives can be set at the appropriate pace. Usually, the elementary teacher will also be the future homeroom teacher in grade 1 and grade 2. A relationship based on trust has already been established, and this will increase your child’s confidence going to the “big school.”
In kindergarten, the children also learn how to organize their schoolwork, allocate time to specific tasks, and set priorities. These are important skills children will use throughout their academic career.
Examples of kindergarten topics of study include:
• Development of German language skills
• Differentiation between sounds (phonemes)
• Introduction of the alphabet
• Basic reading (simple words)
• Pre-printing exercises
• Calculations of sums up to 10
The “Eingangsstufe” concept allows teachers to focus on a child’s individual development. Teachers and parents communicate and consult regularly on their children’s progress. A positive start towards organized learning tends to be a reliable predictor of academic success.
Schedule
Students arrive
Morning circle: Introduction of the themes and activities of the day
Classroom activities (including a 15 minute mid-morning snack)
Recess
Grade 1 homeroom teacher schooling
Lunch, free play
Classroom activities
Afternoon supervision (optional)
Kindergarten: 5-day program from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Early drop-off and afternoon supervision are available to make family life easier.