Monday Morning – From a German Teacher’s Diary
It’s Monday morning, and as always, the classroom is filled with energy. The children from Year 2 are eagerly waiting by the door, ready to greet me with smiles or even a hug, showing off whatever new things they’ve brought in – a shiny new water bottle, a favorite toy, or something they’re proud of from the weekend. From the tooth that just fell out to the fact that they forgot their slippers, the children are wonderfully open and honest.
As we walk up the stairs to the classroom, we start singing our favorite song, “Wie geht’s?” and the sound of their voices fills the air, giving us the perfect start to the day. Their energy is contagious, and it’s the ideal way to kick off the week on a positive note.
Once we arrive in the classroom, the first thing the children do is check for Felix and Franzi, our beloved stuffed animals from a German zoo. These two aren’t just toys – they help us explore the German language and culture. We can’t begin our lesson without them! If they’re missing, the children quickly remind me, and we have to go on a little “adventure” to the staff room to retrieve them.
We started the day by watching a fun video about Felix and Franzi. These little characters take us on adventures through German life, introducing the children to the language, culture, and traditions. The children absolutely love it – they laugh, point, and eagerly ask questions. It’s always a great way to dive into German for the day.
Today, we had a special game of hide and seek, but with a twist. As we were learning numbers up to 10, the children played while counting in German as they searched for each other. The classroom was full of laughter as they hid, giggling and calling out numbers. But the best part was when, instead of hiding themselves, the children decided to hide Felix and Franzi. It was their idea, and it worked brilliantly! They had so much fun searching for Felix the frog and Franzi the duck – two of our most treasured class companions.
While the children were still enjoying the game, I noticed that Franzi, our beloved duck, was missing again! I searched the classroom and even checked the staff room, but no sign of her.
It wasn’t until later, when I was about to leave for lunch, that I discovered where Franzi had been hiding all along. To my amusement, one of the little ones had sneakily tucked Franzi into my coat pocket as a little surprise. I couldn’t stop laughing when I found her there – she had been quietly resting in my pocket the whole time.
The children’s natural curiosity and boundless energy make teaching Primary students such a rewarding experience. They approach every lesson with enthusiasm and a sense of wonder. Whether it’s hiding toys, making cards, or singing songs, their enthusiasm is infectious, and they bring a special kind of magic to every day. I couldn’t imagine a better way to start the week than with them – and of course, with Felix and Franzi, who continue to introduce us to the wonders of German culture in the most delightful way.
