Deutsch kreativ aktiv
GERMAN Composite Course
Std 8
Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research, Pune.

Preface

Foreign, classical and modern Indian languages are taught as an optional composite course in the Primary School Curriculum in Maharashtra. This textbook of German based on the syllabus approved by the State Government has heen developed for the composite course for Std VIII. We are happy to place it in your hands.

The National Curriculum Framework 2005 and the Right to Education Act 2009 both stress the importance of child-friendly, child-centred education, learning through activities, discovery and exploration and an all round development of the child. Therefore, while designing this hook, we have tried to make it as activity-oriented, enjoyable and relevant to the children's life and interests as possible Exercises and activities have been added in every unit to facilitate self-learning. This textbook has been brought out in a large size with many colourful illustrations to encourage students interest in learning German which is a new language for them.

A draft of this textbook was reviewed by many primary, secondary teachers, educationists and linguista. Their comments and suggestions have helped us to make the book more useful and flawless. The German Language Committee and the artist have taken great efforts to prepare this book. The Textbook Bureau is grateful to them.

We hope that students, teachers and parents will give the book a warm welcome.

Dear Teachers and Parents,

Welcome to the exciting German course 'Deutsch kreativ aktiv for Std VIII.

Linguistic intelligence is one of the nine intelligences identified in every human being. The development of this intelligence helps us learn our mother tongue and acquire other languages. Language is considered mankind's greatest invention by some and an instinct by others. Noming, defining, describing concepts in any field is only possible through language and developing a high level of linguistic proficiency is imperative for processing knowledge and for innovation.

German speaking countries have been the home for science und technology, music and fine arts. Literoture in German is varied, rich and abundant. The German language is the key to all of these.

"Deutsch kreativ aktiv is an introduction to the German language and a few aspects of life and culture in German speaking countries. The book deals with four broad topics in four lessons. The title page of each lesson depicts the topic. Take the time to enjoy the collage and its details, reflect on what you know and what the students would like to learn. Get them started off with the projects given on every title page. This will motivate them to research the topic of the lesson, connect with details and get information that interests them personally. People they know who have been to a German speaking country, encyclopedio, dictionaries, the internet and you teachers are all partners and resources the students can make use of. The projects should be displayed in the class and perhaps in an exhibition at the end of each semester!

Language exists only in contexts. We have chosen a broad context each for the four lessons, further introducing smoller situations and scenarios in the different parts of the lesson. Every lesson is divided into four subsections A, B, C and D. In the A part you will find communicative interaction in the form of dialogues in day to day situations or short texts describing contexts and introducing vocabulary. The B part has grammatical analyses, explanations and structural exercises. The C part contains relevant and interesting information about German speaking countries and the D part provides material for reading and comprehension.

The four subsections are interspersed with fun filled tasks such as search puzzles, crosswords, jumbled words and sentences, mirror text, skits ete. We are sure you will enjoy these!

Listening, speaking, reading and writing are the four skills you need to practise to acquire proficiency. Each skill needs individual ottention and practice. Do not hesitate to make the students speak. They might mispronounce or use a wrong construction. Let them learn from their mistakes. Don't expect them to understand everything they read or hear and don't encourage them to translate everything. With increasing vocabulary their understanding will improve.

Language needs regular practice! Memorising new words/phrases can be done best in contexts and by creating one's own mentol connections. The active glossary at the end of the book will help as a reference resource also for revision. Creating mental maps for the vocabulary will expedite learning. Work on vocabulary regularly!

Sometimes, a certain topic remains unclear even after classroom explanations. In Deutsch kreativ aktiv', we have purposefully provided explanations in English. Do take time to read these.

We are sure you will enjoy German with Deutsch kreativ aktiv' and wish you ALL THE BEST!

ALLES GUTE!