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YEAR ROUND EVENTS
Fasching (Winter)
Fasching is our playful take on Carnival! Children arrive in costume, ready for a day filled with music, dancing, games, and treats. It’s a joyful celebration of self-expression, imagination, and laughter.
KinderHaus Art Exhibition (Spring)
Each spring, the children of KinderHaus joyfully usher in the season with our annual Art Exhibition, an inspiring showcase of their creativity, imagination, and growing understanding of the world of art.Our annual Art Exhibition each spring showcases the creativity and imagination of our young artists, transforming oOur space transforms into a colorful gallery filled with student work. Over the weeks leading up to the event, our classrooms are transformed into vibrant ateliers where everyday objects take on new meaning as children explore a range of artistic mediums, drawing inspiration from the great masters. Using tempera, charcoal, fabric, and found objects, children reinterpret works by artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse, and Kandinsky. After a class discussion about Picasso’s bold shapes and fractured perspectives, one group might experiment with Cubist self-portraits. Another might recreate Van Gogh’s swirling skies using fingers and brushes, discussing how colors can express feeling. These projects spark not only hands-on creativity but also rich conversations—often continuing at home. Parents have told us of dinnertime dialogues where their children explain why “Picasso didn’t paint noses where noses go,†or how “Kandinsky painted music.â€
Our young artists begin to see themselves in dialogue with these creative giants, not by copying their work, but by channeling their spirit. They learn to talk about composition, mood, and inspiration with a growing artistic vocabulary, developing confidence in their own voices and ideas.
When the exhibition opens, the classroom becomes a gallery filled with color, story, and pride. Families, friends and neighbors walk through the displays, guided by the children themselves, who eagerly share the meaning behind their work. The Art Exhibition isn’t just a celebration of what they’ve made, it’s a declaration: I am an artist. My ideas matter.
Laternenlauf: A Lantern Walk of Light and GenerosityÂ
As autumn fades into winter, KinderHaus leads the wider German-speaking community in Brooklyn each November to celebrate one of our most beloved traditions: the Laternenlauf, or Lantern Walk.
In the weeks leading up to the event, children craft lanterns, learn traditional songs, and reflect on stories of kindness and giving, such as that of St. Martin sharing his cloak with a beggar in the snow. On the night of the celebration, families old, new and interested in our community, engage in a festive walk in Prospect Park for a magical evening walk illuminated by lanterns and voices raised in song. Sometimes St. Martin appears on his horse, in full regalia, re-enacting the offering of his cloak to the beggar. This beloved event brings warmth to the colder months and reminds us of the light we carry for each other. As we sing songs and light the night together, we celebrate St. Martin’s message of kindness and community.
Nikolaus Celebration (December)
In December, we welcome a special visit from Nikolaus, a cherished German tradition that brings wonder and excitement to our little ones. Come spring, we embrace the spirit of joy and playfulness with Fasching, a lively celebration full of costumes, music, and festive fun. In June, we honor the growth and accomplishments of our students during heartfelt Graduation Ceremonies, marking the end of the school year and the beginning of new adventures.
KinderHaus Family Meet-Ups: Community in Every Season
At KinderHaus, we believe that community is the heart of early childhood education. Our regular Family Meet-Ups offer a warm, relaxed opportunity for parents, caregivers, and staff to connect beyond the classroom. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon picnic in Prospect Park or an autumn ‘Feierabendbier’ at our Oktoberfest gathering, these events bring us together to share stories, exchange ideas, and celebrate the KinderHaus spirit. It’s through these moments that lasting friendships grow—and our school community thrives.
Graduation Ceremonies (June)
As the school year ends, we honor our graduates with heartfelt ceremonies that recognize their growth and readiness for the next chapter. Families join us for songs, speeches, and reflections that celebrate each child’s journey at KinderHaus.These events are more than just traditions—they are opportunities for families to connect, for children to shine, and for our community to come together in celebration of culture, creativity, and childhood.
We warmly invite you to join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on upcoming events, programs, and all the special moments that make KinderHaus such a vibrant and welcoming place to learn and grow.
Kinderhaus Staff Development & Teacher Field Trips: Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach
New York City’s educational landscape offers countless opportunities for professional growth, and our KinderHaus educators eagerly explore them. A recent visit to the World of Learning Reggio Emilia Exhibition offered fresh inspiration and reaffirmed our commitment to child-led exploration, open-ended materials, and the importance of the learning environment as the “third teacher.†These outings are an essential part of our teaching philosophy, keeping our curriculum responsive, reflective, and enriched by global best practices.
At KinderHaus, we believe that lifelong learning is just as important for educators as it is for the children we teach. Staff Development is a time for our entire team to come together, reflect, and grow as professionals.
These events are filled with enriching workshops and interactive seminars led by leaders in early childhood education. We dive into the latest research, explore innovative teaching methods, and discuss forward-thinking curriculum design, all with the goal of enhancing the learning experiences we provide every day.
By investing in our educators’ growth, we’re not only strengthening our team but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional care and education. Staff Development Day is a testament to our belief that when educators grow, the entire KinderHaus community flourishes.
Kinderhaus Staff Culture
Our commitment to our team goes beyond professional development, it’s rooted in a deeply connected and joyful staff culture. Each year, we host a Staff & Family Party where every current and former KinderHaus team member is invited, no matter how many years have passed. Some have even flown in from around the country to reconnect and celebrate. These gatherings are a testament to the lasting bonds built within our community.
That spirit of connection extends beyond school walls: at a recent staff wedding, the majority of guests were fellow KinderHaus team members, proof of the profound relationships we build here. At KinderHaus, we don’t just work together, we grow together, support one another, and celebrate as a family.
Little Scientists Project: Exploring Germs, Hygiene & Discovery
KinderHaus was proud to host German scientist Dr. Nina Gnaedig, a Columbia University researcher specializing in malaria and virology, as part of our Little Scientists Project. After conducting important Malaria research at Columbia University, Dr. Gnaedig helped our students conduct their own experiments to deepen their understanding of germs, hygiene, and bacteria. With her guidance, our classrooms became mini-labs as children created and conducted their own safe and simple experiments. They observed bacteria growth in petri dishes, linked seasonal changes to hygiene practices, and learned how scientists form hypotheses and draw conclusions. This and similar projects teach the children not only about how their bodies and environment interact, but also introduces foundational concepts of the scientific process, planting the seeds of curiosity and critical thinking.
A Visit from Author Wiebke Sohst: Storytelling Across Continents
We were delighted to welcome celebrated children’s author Wiebke Sohst to KinderHaus, visiting us all the way from Düsseldorf. Inspired by her own journeys across the Sahara, the Amazon, Patagonia, and beyond, Ms. Sohst’s book Tingas Reise durch Feuerland introduces young readers to the wonders of faraway places and the incredible animals who live there.
During her visit, she shared personal stories and read aloud from her book, igniting the children’s imaginations and showing them that stories can be windows into the world. Her passion for exploration and storytelling brought adventure into our classroom and planted dreams of discovery in every child.