Native language instruction for children at MERIDIAN

Native Language Instruction at Private Primary School MERIDIAN Grinzing

Language is an important part of a child’s personality. It connects children with their family, culture, experiences and identity. For this reason, at Private Primary School Meridian, we place great importance on strengthening the linguistic resources of our pupils and promoting multilingualism as a valuable opportunity.

Private Primary School Meridian is a school operating under the Austrian Private Schools Act and has public-law status. Our teaching is based on the Austrian curriculum for primary schools. Within the framework of this curriculum, first language instruction may also be offered.

First language instruction supports children in using their family or first language not only in everyday life, but also in developing it further in a structured and age-appropriate way. The aim is to expand the children’s oral and written skills, enrich their vocabulary and gradually guide them towards a confident use of the standard language. The children’s different linguistic backgrounds and prior experiences are taken into account — each child is supported at their individual level.

In lessons, the key areas of language learning — listening, speaking, reading and writing — are connected with one another. Children learn to express themselves in their first language, understand texts, formulate their own thoughts and become more aware of language. At the same time, language comparisons are encouraged, helping children to deepen their understanding of German and other languages as well.

A special focus is placed on the joy of language. Through varied methods such as conversations, stories, songs, creative writing tasks, playful exercises, media and cultural content, children experience their first language as something lively and valuable. The lessons strengthen not only linguistic competences, but also self-confidence, motivation to learn and the development of a multilingual identity.

At Private Primary School Meridian, we offer first language instruction in the following languages:

Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Spanish and Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian.

In this way, we would like to give children the opportunity to nurture their linguistic roots, further develop their multilingualism and experience language as a bridge between family, school and society.

For us, multilingualism is a strength — and an important part of open, modern education.