It is important for all parents, especially those most familiar with other school systems to understand why math and reading are not emphasized/taught in Swiss kindergartens: the goals are set by the cantons and are focused on social competencies.
My Intention: I am currently working as an English teacher at Children`s World, a kindergarten in Switzerland. When I first began searching for a teaching job, I noticed significant differences between the school goals here versus in the United States where I formerly worked as a teacher. I want to help parents realize the schools are following goals established by each canton and that the kindergarten goals are based on social competencies. I have heard complaints from expat parents that they do not feel their children are learning enough math or reading in kindergarten and it is important to understand why they may feel that way. Quite simply, it is a different school system and students are taught these skills later in the Swiss schools. For those interested, there are supplemental classes at private institutions to give your children an opportunity to learn these skills earlier, but I am not very familiar with those institutions. A second intention is to describe what I feel is the school that offers children the most holistic educational experience in the Zug, Zurich, and Baden areas: Children`s World. I fortunately was able to observe multiple lessons/activities in multiple kindergartens while looking for the school where I wanted to teach.
My Background: I have a Masters degree in education from a university in North Carolina, USA. I was a kindergarten teacher in the public school system of North Carolina. I also was a remediation teacher in the public school system in North Carolina, working in small groups with students in the 4th and 5th grades who were struggling in math and reading comprehension. I also have experience working in a daycare in Germany, an English school in Japan, and as a part-time nanny in Switzerland.
My Observations: I am very familiar with writing lesson plans based on federal and state guidelines. When I first arrived in Switzerland and searched for teaching positions in kindergartens throughout the German-speaking part of Switzerland, I began to notice significant differences between the two systems. The lesson planning is quite similar, but the goals are very different. It is important to take a look at the goals of the canton before entering a school. I have talked with many teachers and parents here that have experience with school systems in other countries and the first thing they notice is the absence of math and reading/writing in the kindergartens around Switzerland. These activities are reserved for first grade in the Swiss school system. Some basic counting and number recognition skills are included in some kindergarten curriculums here, but not much beyond that. In most public Swiss kindergartens, it is not allowed to teach math and writing skills. In some private kindergartens, there is a bit more flexibility, but the most important goals in each school are those set by the canton, which consist mostly of social competency objectives.
Choosing a kindergarten: why Children`s World stands above the rest (it was the original!)
Why Children`s World from my point-of-view (the teacher): Children`s World was established 7 years ago (a long time for a private kindergarten in Switzerland and the first to be officially recognized as a kindergarten outside of the public kindergartens in Switzerland). The founder, a Swiss native, wanted to find a better system for her son. After speaking with experts in the field of education and undertaking much research, she created the concept of Children`s World. Only 22 months after her first kindergarten opened, the kindergarten concept won the LENA AWARD for the most "Successful Women's Start-up-Company".
I was offered several positions at kindergartens in the Zürich, Zug, and Baden areas. After multiple days of observation, discussions with the administrations, and conversations with teachers about their experiences and backgrounds, it was extremely clear to me which school stood out beyond the others. I have not been disappointed. We are supported by the administration in workshops, classes, etc… and therefore, the staff is updated regularly on new information in the field of education. The lead teachers of each school also have met with experts from PH Zug to continuously revise teaching methods. It is a very professionally run school, which in return creates an environment of confidence and respect, as well as creating a good supportive team atmosphere. The program we offer is challenging both to the teachers and the students. When looking into other kindergartens, I realized professionalism was lacking there, but I finally found the right fit for me.
Why Children`s World from a parent`s point-of-view: Children`s World offers Montessori classes in the mornings and offers bi-lingualism with German and English as constants throughout the week. At some locations, even Chinese lessons are offered. Students participate in yoga, gym classes, one complete forest day, and nutrition classes. The schools are in multiple locations: Cham, Zug, Baden, and Ennetbaden. The opening hours are extensive and the vacation hours are not as long as in the public schools. Therefore, it is a great place for parents who are working full-time. The school also gives the parents multiple opportunities to be involved. Once a year, the school offers parent evenings, two weeks of visiting days, a turnip carving event (including carving, soup and sausages, and a parade of lanterns), as well as a summer party before the two week summer break. Twice a year, the school offers teacher-parent conferences. These are a few highlights of the Children`s World concept.
I hope the above information is helpful. I am including the school`s website to give you further information, if you are interested.
http://www.childrensworld.ch/
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the school or send me a message. Some of the cantons only have their goals in German. I speak C1 level of German and would be glad to try to help you translate the goals so you can better understand them.
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