Entrance Class
A strong foundation to start!
The JFKS Entrance Class serves as a developmental bridge between family and school, supporting each child's social and academic growth in a bilingual, bicultural environment.
German and English-speaking children learn and play together in every classroom, with instruction delivered in both languages.
The curriculum prepares children for first grade through pre-literacy lessons, an early math program ("Math Their Way"), arts and crafts, singing, and one hour of physical education per week.
Cultural celebrations such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, St. Martin's Day, and Fasching introduce students to the traditions of both partner nations.
The school day runs from 8:50 to 13:25 and follows a consistent daily structure. After school, children go to Hort or Late Birds, or met by parents.
I love the toys and all the books in the classroom!
Max
Entrance Class
A Typical Day in Entrance Class
![In the foreground, several tall, slender poles topped with colorful, curved shapes stand on a grassy area, while in the background, a large teddy bear sculpture is visible amidst trees and buildings under a clear blue sky.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784654537/jfksde7/bluz2di2fjkwhsarbr4j/Bear02-edt.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784654537/jfksde7/bluz2di2fjkwhsarbr4j/Bear02-edt.jpg","width":441}])
The children are picked up by their teachers every morning at 8:45 at the main gate. Each class then enters the building together.
![In the foreground, a classroom features tables and chairs, while the background reveals bookshelves, a colorful wall, and a chalkboard.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784621396/jfksde7/ncaanqkxvbcxpolzawga/EC_RoomPlayground_DSC_1693_103.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784621396/jfksde7/ncaanqkxvbcxpolzawga/EC_RoomPlayground_DSC_1693_103.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784621396/jfksde7/ncaanqkxvbcxpolzawga/EC_RoomPlayground_DSC_1693_103.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784621396/jfksde7/ncaanqkxvbcxpolzawga/EC_RoomPlayground_DSC_1693_103.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1784621396/jfksde7/ncaanqkxvbcxpolzawga/EC_RoomPlayground_DSC_1693_103.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1784621396/jfksde7/ncaanqkxvbcxpolzawga/EC_RoomPlayground_DSC_1693_103.jpg","width":2200}])
Each day begins with a morning circle. We sing songs in both languages, we report and discuss and learn about particular themes tied to the seasons and the school year.
The calendar is used for cultural learning, as well as a basis for beginning mathematical and numerical learning.
Every day, we complete a small project to train fine motor skills. We learn how to use different materials and practice painting, drawing, gluing, ripping, cutting, stamping, and beginning writing skills.
A long day full of hard work and paying attention makes children hungry!
We stop for a snack break around 10:30 or 11:00 when children may eat the snacks they have brought from home. No sweet snacks, please!
During free time play, children play together and make new friends taking advantage of the many games and toys in the classroom.
We emphasize cooperative play, train social competencies, and encourage compromise and conflict resolution.
There is always at least one story each day, which corresponds to current themes. It is read in either English or German, roughly translated, and discussed as a group.
![Three young girls play with hula hoops in a sun-dappled yard in front of a brick building.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784622955/rlu04xsjecmaqwpwnkiv/EC-Playground-450x650.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784622955/rlu04xsjecmaqwpwnkiv/EC-Playground-450x650.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784622955/rlu04xsjecmaqwpwnkiv/EC-Playground-450x650.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784622955/rlu04xsjecmaqwpwnkiv/EC-Playground-450x650.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784622955/rlu04xsjecmaqwpwnkiv/EC-Playground-450x650.jpg","width":1308}])
The playground area is designated for use by the entrance classes only.
The children are picked up by Hort or Late Birds staff, as applicable. Pickup-children are brought to the back gate to meet their parents.
Lunch
Provided for free by the Berlin Senat for students in Entrance Class through grade 6.
After-School Care
Transportation
JFKS serves families from different Berlin districts, depending on age and area they use different means of transportation to get to school.