Target groups GriffbereitWho is Griffbereit aimed at?
The programme Griffbereit includes the following target groups:
Parents or families as experts
Based on their strengths, the parents/families act as experts for the promotion of the family language(s). In addition, the experiences, methods and suggestions conveyed in the groups give the parents/families security and strengthen their confidence in their own competences. In addition, the structured communication of the programme content gives the parents/families the opportunity to focus on the development of their children. In this way, their relationship with each other and their own identity can potentially be strengthened.
Children as educational beneficiaries
Language is one of the most important key competences. Especially for children who grow up multilingual and thus have the potential of multilingualism and are at the beginning of language development, early language education and the support of linguistic competences by parents/families and educators are of crucial importance.
Strengthening linguistic development is thus rightly one of the central educational tasks in the toddler and preschool age (elementary level).
Newly gained scientific findings and practical experience show that - in addition to strengthening identity and general child development (motor skills, etc.) - it is above all systematic language education integrated into everyday life that promotes children's language development.
Parent guides as a link
The parent guides play a crucial role. They lead the Griffbereit-group(s). If possible, a multilingual person with an international family history - ideally from the educational institution itself (released pedagogical specialist) - or alternatively an external specialist (student, specialist on parental leave, language support worker, parent/family member, etc.) should take on this task.
The advantages are obvious: people with a similar family situation and who speak the same language are more quickly seen as confidants.
This makes it easier for them to take on a mediating role or "bridging function" between educational institutions and families. The parent guides themselves are supported by so-called guides (coordinators).[1] accompanied and qualified.
[1] Trainers are professionals who are pre-qualified in pedagogy and migration-sensitivity, have competence in the theory and practical work of multilingualism and experience in the context of diversity and multilingualism.
Pedagogical professionals as a hub
The tasks of educational professionals are more complex and diverse than ever. In addition to childcare, education and holistic support, there is an increasing need for the ability to perceive and understand lifeworlds and diversity and to promote inclusion. It is equally important to form educational partnerships with parents/families and caregivers, to support transitions, to develop institutions and teams and to cooperate in networks.[1].
Demanding processes in which the educators might need support - as well as in the (multilingual) everyday integrated education of the children.
This is precisely where the Griffbereit-Principles of diversity-conscious education and upbringing that actively counteract one-sidedness and exclusion.
The work with Griffbereit offers the (educational) institutions in general and the educational professionals in particular a great opportunity. If necessary, they are advised and accompanied by the programme coordinators and are in continuous exchange with the parent guides as well as with the programme coordinator or instructor.
Educational institutions as multipliers
Griffbereit is a programme that takes place in educational institutions. This is a great opportunity, as it allows them to open up in terms of diversity and multilingualism.
This openness can trigger processes that can bring about great changes in the educational institution itself, in the district or even in the city or county.
[1] Cf. Länderübergreifender Lehrplan Erzieher/Erzieherin:
http://www.berufsbildung.nrw.de/cms/upload/fs/download/sozial/laenderuebergr-lp-erzieher.pdf (as at: 30.07.2019).