What happened in December?
In December, the KulturKids, as every year, visited three different Christmas markets. These visits provided the children with valuable opportunities to learn and grow in a festive atmosphere. Through sensory experiences, exploring the market stalls, storytelling sessions, and creative activities, skills such as language development, fine motor skills, social competencies, and an understanding of cultural traditions were nurtured.
A particular highlight that year was the visit to the newly renovated St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, redesigned as part of the “Bernhard Lichtenberg House” project by the architectural firm Max Dudler. During this visit, the topic of confession was addressed, encouraging reflection on values such as honesty, forgiveness, and handling mistakes. Additionally, the KulturKids drew connections between the church’s architecture and its spiritual significance. Storytelling sessions with Christmas tales from around the world stimulated the children’s imagination and opened up new perspectives. They also learned financial literacy by independently deciding how to budget their money for food purchases.
Program
Date 1 – December 7, 2024
Visit to St. Hedwig’s Cathedral and the Winter Market at Humboldt Forum
- Themes: Confession and the significance of churches in architecture
- Creative activities: Creating individual works of art
- Storytelling session with Christmas stories
Date 2 – December 14, 2024
Visit to the Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace
- Themes: History and architecture
- Creative activities: Creating individual works of art
- Storytelling session with Christmas stories
Date 3 – December 21, 2024
Visit to Humboldt Forum and the Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt
- Creative activities: Creating individual works of art
- Storytelling session with Christmas stories
Mind, Body & Soul Concept
Mind:
The KulturKids expanded their vocabulary and cultural knowledge through discussions, storytelling sessions, and reflections on architecture and traditions. They learned to integrate these insights into their daily lives.
Body:
The sensory stimulation from scents, lights, and sounds enhanced sensory perception and supported fine motor skills. Games and physical activities at the Christmas markets promoted physical fitness, while nearby playgrounds and parks offered additional opportunities for movement.
Soul:
The festive atmosphere and shared experiences strengthened the children’s emotional well-being. They learned to handle mistakes, practice forgiveness, and develop emotional resilience. The topic of confession was introduced in an age-appropriate manner, fostering values such as self-reflection, responsibility, trust, honesty, and compassion in a positive and playful way.