Berlin model: settling into kindergarten
The Berlin model is a concept that supports parent-accompanied settling into everyday kindergarten life. In various phases and with the support of a reference person, the children are made familiar with the new environment and the educators. We will introduce you to the basics of the Berlin model.
According to the Berlin model, trust is built up slowly
For two-year-old Max, it’s his first day in kindergarten. Mom kisses her darling and promises to pick him up in a few hours. As soon as she leaves the room, he begins to sob violently and calls for her in panic. Max reacts rather scared to the comforting words of the teacher.
The application of the Berlin model is intended to avoid such scenarios and to make the start of kindergarten as pleasant as possible for children. The Berlin model has therefore divided acclimatization into individual phases so that the child can get used to the new environment and new people step by step. Involving a parent is an essential part of settling into kindergarten . The children have time to familiarize themselves with the facility under the protection of a caregiver and to establish a relationship with the educator.
The phased familiarization according to the Berlin model
The Berlin model divides the acclimatization process into several phases. Before admission to the kindergarten, there is usually a detailed interview in which you talk to the teacher about your child’s diet, sleeping habits and play behavior.
- Basic phase: In the basic phase, you accompany your child to the facility and spend a few hours with them in the group room. During the three-day phase, the educator observes your child and carefully gets in touch with him, mostly by offering games or by taking part in the child’s play. Your job is to keep your child safe and not push them to play with other children or move away from you. In addition, you should not play with other children, because your offspring must have the feeling that your attention is only for them and that you are there at all times.
- Stabilization and separation phase:According to the Berlin model, the next phase begins on the fourth day. In this, the educator tries to help your child with lunch and to play with him in order to build a basis of trust. In this phase, you only react to your child’s signals or otherwise actively intervene if your offspring has not yet accepted the educator. Otherwise, the interaction is only between the teacher and the child, you are just present, so to speak. Also on the fourth day, the first attempt at separation takes place. You say goodbye to your child, leave the room for about half an hour, but stay nearby so that you can be taken to the group room if necessary. Your child’s reaction to this first separation will determine the length of the adjustment period. If your child behaves independently and shows little irritation from the separation, there will be a six-day adjustment phase. At the same time, the periods of stay in the facility and the periods of separation are gradually increased.
However, if your child tries to follow you when you separate, if it cries and does not allow itself to be comforted by the kindergarten teacher, the adjustment period is usually extended to around two to three weeks. - Final phase: The stabilization phase is complete when your child has established a first emotional bond with the teacher. Your offspring may then protest against your departure, but they are quickly comforted by the teacher. In the final phase you no longer stay in the kindergarten. However, you are always available to be there for your child in certain situations if the bond between your child and the educator is not yet sufficient.