'BACK TO SCHOOL' is already on the horizon, and here are two timeless 'School in Germany' articles that have already be posted, for those with children and who are busily planning what in France is known as Le Retour, the return.


SCHULTUETEN, ZUCKERTUETEN AND THE FIRST SCHOOL DAY
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art46007.asp


It is already ‘Back to School’ time in some regions of Germany. This means for first graders there are traditions to be followed on the ‘first real school day’ that go back generations, which have remained popular throughout the country and are looked forward to, and enjoyed, by the families as well as the children themselves.



FOREST SCHOOLS, GERMANY'S WALDKINDERGARTEN
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art12183.asp

Meanwhile the school system from pre-school onwards offers many alternatives from conventional schooling. Home schooling is not allowed but there is every other type of education from Bilingual, Montessori and Rudolph Steiner, to the Forest Schools, Waldkindergarten. A concept that began in the 19th century, and which is in line with present day Germany’s Green thinking and living ideals.





germanculture.bellaonline.com has many articles covering a variety of 'life and living in Germany' topics, and a site forum:

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=247

If you have any questions, comments or ideas please let me know, either in the forum or via email.



Francine McKenna, German Culture Editor
http://germanculture.bellaonline.com