Prague Czech-German school creates cultural harmony with music and technology

In a world where innovation is increasingly shaping every aspect of our lives, the field of early education is no exception. There's a growing recognition that the traditional, chalk-and-talk model of education needs to evolve to prepare our young ones for a rapidly changing future. Music and digital tools are emerging as powerful allies in this transformative journey, helping to foster creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning.

In the heart of Prague, KIDS Company, a Czech-German bilingual kindergarten, is embracing these progressive elements. They're intertwining music and digital learning into their curriculum, creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment for their young students.

Under the leadership of Markéta Frank, KIDS Company is more than just a kindergarten. It's a hub of exploration and discovery that nurtures the minds of its young learners. "Our mission," Markéta shares, "is to provide a unique and quality education for children of both Czech and expat families. We harness the power of music and digital tools to spark a love for learning and equip our students with skills for the future."

Music is a universal language, one that transcends borders and cultural differences. It has the power to soothe, inspire, and energize. Research suggests that engaging with music can help enhance cognitive abilities, boost language skills, and cultivate emotional intelligence. In education, it becomes a powerful tool to facilitate learning and nurture creativity.

Understanding this, KIDS Company has made music an integral part of their curriculum. "Music accompanies us every day. Each educator plays an instrument, making it a natural part of the day," says Frank. This integration of music into daily routines allows children to experience and enjoy it in a personal and interactive way.

Further enriching their program is a special music class led by a renowned musician from the Czech Philharmonic.

Here, children are introduced to a variety of instruments, ranging from drums to violins. They learn not just to play, but to appreciate and express themselves through music. The excitement reaches its peak when children get to participate in concerts, a fulfilling experience that builds their confidence and sense of achievement.

Frank reflects on the impact of their music program, "When an instrument starts to play, children calm and quiet down and love to play music themselves. Music beautifully connects with languages. Children learn through rhymes, songs, and often, the first thing they can articulate in a foreign language comes from these."

This approach has proven invaluable for KIDS Company, especially when accommodating children from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Many children who join the kindergarten do not initially speak either Czech or German. However, through music, a universal language, KIDS Company finds a unique approach to engage, integrate, and communicate with these children.

Today's world is rapidly digitalizing, and this trend is not limited to our workplaces or homes; it's influencing education too. While this raises valid concerns about increased screen time for children and the possible loss of more traditional play, it also opens up opportunities for new, interactive ways to learn and prepare kids for the future.

The key is to strike a balance - to integrate digital tools in a way that enhances learning, fosters creativity and problem-solving skills, but also promotes responsible and safe use of technology. This is precisely what KIDS Company is achieving through its innovative digital education initiatives.

Participating in the Erasmus+ program, a European project in collaboration with kindergartens from Denmark, Estonia, and Germany, KIDS Company has been able to exchange knowledge and experiences, and incorporate innovative digital practices into their curriculum.

"We are now introducing programmable toys and tablets to our preschool classes," Frank explains. "These tools not only enhance motor skills and cognition but also familiarize children with the digital world they grow up in, without them sitting in front of a screen for hours."

It's not about replacing traditional toys or activities but augmenting them. Digital toys, QR codes, and even microscopes linked with tablets are used in a way that keeps children engaged, curious, and always learning. Activities are carefully planned and monitored, ensuring a healthy balance between digital and non-digital play.

This proactive approach in teaching digital literacy, while maintaining a balanced screen-time, prepares children for the digital age. It empowers them with an understanding of technology that goes beyond mere usage, teaching them how to navigate the digital world safely and effectively.

By integrating digital education in this thoughtful and balanced way, KIDS Company is helping to shape a future where technology enriches learning, rather than detracting from it.

Innovation in early education is more than just a buzzword—it's an essential driver for nurturing curiosity, creativity, and the joy of learning. Pioneers like KIDS Company demonstrate how integrating music, digital tools, and flexible bilingual programs can transform traditional learning spaces into engaging environments that promote cognitive growth and digital literacy.

The progressive strategies adopted by KIDS Company not only provide an enriching curriculum but also ensure a supportive transition into kindergarten life for both children and parents. This holistic approach cultivates confident, bilingual speakers and sets the foundation for lifelong learning.

A glimpse into the workings of KIDS Company shows us a future where each melody a child plays, each digital tool they master, is a stepping stone towards a brighter, more confident tomorrow. It paints a picture of a world where innovation in early education can create a future that's worthy of our children.

If you're interested in exploring more about how such principles can come to life in a real-world setting, check out the KIDS Company website (available in Czech and German only).