Playgroup Affiliates with Children’s University

by John Clarke

Spielgruppe (Playgroup) and Kinder Klub (Children’s Club), conducted by the Barossa German Language Association, have extended their range of activities through affiliation with the Children’s University.

Begun in Great Britain, the Children’s University concept has spread through many parts of the world. Its aim is to encourage children from a very young age to think and value the acquisition of knowledge. Affiliated bodies run programs that are accepted by the Children’s University, and the children’s involvement is recognised by the awarding of stamps, which leads on to a graduation ceremony. The significance of their achievement is indicated by the venue for the graduation ceremony, usually a university. The children acquire a way of thinking that sees university graduation as a desirable goal, a goal that may well result in professional careers.

Spielgruppe and Kinder Klub have always been different from other playgroups and clubs. Some aims are the same: to provide a safe, friendly environment where young children can have fun, develop their social skills and learn through play. The major difference is that those in charge are fluent in German and the activities are conducted in German as well as English. Research shows that learning a foreign language improves intellectual development, and the earlier a child learns a language the more likely that child is to retain that language.

A second difference is that Spielgruppe and Kinder Klub are run at the same time after school hours and at the same venue, which means that parents are able to bring along both their pre-school children and their early Primary children. 

For children who are home schooled the program has an added advantage. In a largely one language country like Australia few parents have the ability to teach their children a second language. By attending Kinder Klub the home schooled child is able to fill a gap in his or her education.

Karin Simms has been bringing her children to Spielgruppe and Kinder Klub for nine years and is excited by the opportunities affiliation with the Children’s University offers. Robert von Linde has been bringing his children for seven years. While the children enjoy themselves, he says, “Don’t forget the parents. It is a chance to chat and meet people often from very different backgrounds.”

And there is the German connection, which is so important to the Barossa Valley. Rose Flint grew up speaking German, but she sees that so much has been lost. For her daughter she wants a knowledge of the German language and an understanding of a culture that differs from the culture she experiences every day, but which has been so influential in forming the unique character of the Barossa Valley.

Spielgruppe and Kinder Klub meet at the Langmeil Centre, 7 Maria Street, Tanunda every Tuesday during school term from 4 to 5.30. Further information can be found on the Barossa German Language Association website.