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Can't believe it ! Note 1/ Grade A for an essay in German
Written by Silke Rehman
I am so proud and need to share my story with you so you keep up your efforts in raising your child multilingual.

After a lifetime in English speaking nursery and school (up to age 8) and changing to German schooling this summer only (age 8), Chiara just had to write an essay in German (3.5 months after German school started for her here). Of all subjects, I would have expected German writing and certainly essay writing (where not only German expression but also spelling is being assessed) would be the hardest for her.
Her essay was graded with Note 1 (equivalent to an A in the British system). I am speechless and so happy - more than anything because Chiara is so content that she can master her new environment. I can see her self confidence growing. It is beautiful.

I know I shouldn't be suprised. Maybe I should have expected it.  After following all the rules from birth about how to bring up a multilingual child, I should have expected that changing school system even at age 8 can be mastered. Yet, speaking from the perspective of a mother....I still felt nervous, hoped she would be allright.

I am writing this to encourage you to keep up your efforts. We did not plan to move to Germany until about 9 months before we did. Having simply followed all the rules we talked about in our meetings and in the workshop, she grows up multlilingual and that means being prepared when your language environment changes - obviously. I hope you will have many happy moments like that as your children are growing up. I wish you all the very best !
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