German IB

The Well-Trained Mind Academy's Full-Year course, Foundational German 1A and 1B, is an introductory course for younger students to learn the basics of the German language and culture. The course is designed to excite students about German-speaking countries and provide them with foundational knowledge for further study in high school or college. Over the academic year, students will cover topics such as families, hobbies, fitness, and giving simple directions in a town or city. The course is designed for the logic stage (grades 6-9) and moves through the core German textbook at half the pace of the high school course. This allows students to spend more time on grammar instruction and better understand grammar rules.

The course does not offer a delayed section due to the importance of live interaction in language learning. The course aligns with the World-readiness Standards for Learning Languages from the ACTFL, covering skills in Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. The Well-Trained Mind Academy recommends that students enrolling in German IB be comfortable with the topics covered in Grammar I. A grammar course is not a pre- or co-requisite, but having a strong understanding of grammar rules is found to be beneficial for learning a new language.