Indianapolis German Language Institute

I.Ge.L Institute
Indianapolis German Language Institute

History
The Indianapolis German Language Institute was created in 2002. It was founded by a few parents of the local German playgroup. These parents wanted to further encourage their children's bilingual language development by providing structured activities in smaller, age-appropriate groups. The parents wanted to be directly involved in helping their children reach not only a high level of verbal skill, but also attain additional skills in reading and writing. Thus, this home-schooling group was started.

Mission
The I.Ge.L Institute exists to develop, maintain and expand German literacy skills (speaking, reading and writing ability) as well as teach about German culture, history and traditions.

Goal
The I.Ge.L Institute's goal is age-appropriate speech and language comprehension and production, and reading and writing skills that will allow successful, appropriate and interpersonal communication in German.

Philosophy
Our philosophy is that literacy (defined as the ability to read, write and speak) develops continously from birth to adulthood. We want to stimulate literacy through a variety of indirect and direct language activities at all age levels. Emergent nonverbal literacy skills (precursors of conventional reading and writing skills) are stimulated as well as verbal skills starting right at birth. This is a cumulative process - it does not just start in kindergarten.

Our intensive language immersion program is research based and has a thematic, developmentally appropriated curriculum. Cross-age grouping is utilized. Depending on the age group, the lessons range from partially to fully structured. Structured activities alternate between class times that involve fine and gross motor movement and relaxation and those that require more concentration, sitting still and listening. We use a variety of materials, media and learning channels (e.g. visual, auditory, or hands-on) but all activities involve language and are literacy sensitive.

Currently our program is designed for children ages birth to nine. In 2002 we started with two groups and have expanded in 2004 and in 2005. We now have four groups.

Our "home school" has actually outgrown our home space, so the Athenæum has been our school since 2003.