German 1 for High Schoolers (Part 1 of 4) - full curriculum, licensed teacher

Why invest in a four-day-a-week class? Simply put: This is the kind of class your child needs 1) to actually learn to speak German and 2) to meet college entrance requirements.

Smaller-scale classes are great for exploration. But around the age of 13 or 14, it’s time to get serious. Let’s get your child started on an exciting language-learning journey that will…
• transform your child into a confident communicator
• prepare your child to meet college entrance requirements
• open doors for a career in business, engineering, global health, communications, government, the arts…the sky’s the limit!

The German for High Schoolers curriculum will give you peace of mind and your young person a rich learning experience with solid outcomes.

+ ENROLL YOUR CHILD in German 1 today to secure a spot for 2025-2026.
+ MESSAGE ME with any questions. I’d love to send you a PDF on the World Language College Entrance Requirement, a link to my $1 Sampler Class, and a link to a $1 Open House session.

I can’t wait to get to know you and your German enthusiast!

--Jennifer Bjornstad, PhD

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INTERACTIVE LEARNING & CLASSROOM COMMUNITY
In German 1 for High Schoolers, your child will be immersed in a highly interactive approach to language learning. They will do all kinds of things in German, with just the right amount of support from me. They will play games, read stories, take surveys, watch video clips, do role-plays, ask and answer questions, listen to mini-lectures, discuss favorites (and least favorites!), sing songs, describe pictures, and express their opinions. They will work on their own, with partners, and in the large group. They will get a lot of daily practice, and they will learn German quickly.

Extra benefits?
• Your child will gain an understanding of German culture, past & present. 
• Your child will strengthen their organizational and study skills.
• Your child will enjoy spending time each day with lively, like-minded classmates.

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PRICING & CLASS VALUE
I know that the cost of this class represents a significant investment in your child’s education. 

The class price includes…
+ expert instruction, four days a week
+ instructor-created lesson plans, activities, & materials
+ once-a-week Family Letter
+ once-a-quarter individualized Quarterly Report
+ close instructor-parent communication

You’re getting the real deal here. I am a true advanced professional with 25+ years of teaching experience, training, awards, and a PhD. Teaching on Outschool is my full-time job. I take my work seriously and spend a lot of time thinking about how best to support each student. I teach just a small number of students per year, so you can be sure your child is getting the personalized attention that builds confidence, honors each student’s unique abilities, and leads to language-learning success.

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FAQ
Q: Do you teach the class in GERMAN or in ENGLISH?
A: Both! I use a “partial immersion” approach. Most of our class time is focused on reading, writing, listening, and speaking—in German. But there is a role for English in the classroom, as well. A targeted use of English promotes student confidence and increases learning efficiency.

Q: Are you a NATIVE SPEAKER of German?
A: I am a “near-native” speaker of German. I have a BA, MA, and PhD in German and I have spent significant time in Germany, so my language skills are top-notch. As a near-native speaker, I offer students the best of both worlds: I have clear pronunciation, advanced vocabulary, and excellent grammatical accuracy, and I speak a standardized “textbook” German that is very easy for students to follow.

Q: Does it matter that you are a TRAINED TEACHER?
A: I sure think it does! I have read hundreds of books and articles on teaching, presented at dozens of teacher conferences, and published articles on specific teaching methods. In my class, your child will be the beneficiary of years’ worth of training.

Q: Is FOUR DAYS A WEEK really necessary?
A: Yes, it is. Language learning is super-fun, but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy! Consistent, guided practice is the key. With a four-day-a-week class, your child will make quick and steady progress.

Q: What PROFICIENCY LEVEL will my child achieve?
A: The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) provides a scale of proficiency levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. By the end of German 1 for High Schoolers, your child will have logged the estimated 100 instructional hours needed to achieve the A1 level. German 2 brings your child to the A2 level, German 3 to the B1 level, and German 4 and German 5 into the coveted B2 range. (Compare that to a one-day-a-week class, which could well leave your child at the introductory A1 level even after 5 full years of classes!)

Q: We have a SCHEDULING CONFLICT. Can my child still take the class?
A: Absolutely. Your child can catch up on a missed class by watching the class video, posted by Outschool after each class session. This works great for one-time absences or for families who have a standing conflict one day of the week.

Q: Can we count this class for HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT?
A: Quite possibly. If you are a homeschooling family creating your own transcript, simply list German 1, Parts 1 – 4 as one full high school credit. If you are working with a high school guidance counselor, you can submit the class description, my credentials, and your child’s exam scores and narrative reports for possible credit from your school.

Q: We missed the beginning of the school year! Is it TOO LATE TO START?
A: I often accommodate students with a late start. Message me and let’s see if we can make it work. If your child has already done some work with German, they may be able to jump right in.

Q: I don’t think we’ll be able to get the TEXTBOOK by the first day. Is that a problem?
A: No problem. Last-minute enrollments are welcome. I can provide scans of the first few pages until your child’s book arrives.

Q: I have more questions. Can we GET TOGETHER to talk?
A: Yes, please! I love getting together with students and their families to learn about their particular questions, concerns, and needs. Send me a time that works for you, and we can do an Open House session: 
https://outschool.com/classes/german-placement-assessment-open-house-8GBQiwIM?refuid=zBNxOaog.