Hand in hand with Kitas and schools, English for children taught with heart and understanding.
Experienced and competent since 1990.
Early years second language acquisition and tuition.
Concept
Elizabeth Laplace, Owner
Sylke Mouroum-Ebeler, Founder
Originally named Sprachcenter Mouroum, SCM was founded by Ms. Mouroum in 1990. After more than 36 years of experience teaching foreign languages to children in Kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, Ms. Mouroum has experienced a wide range of educational methods and theoretical concepts. The most suitable of which by far has been the interactive concept for language learning, and thus became the basis of our curriculum here at Sprachcenter Creative Minds (SCM).
At Sprachcenter Creative Minds (SCM), experience, professional expertise, dedication, and heart are the pillars of our work. SCM provides a variety of fun, creative, and engaging ways for children to learn foreign languages. Our main focus is on young learners in Kitas and schools throughout Berlin.
Our Goals
- To provide young children with a positive and lasting first experience of learning a foreign language.
- To inspire curiosity and enthusiasm for foreign languages.
- To build confidence and fluency.
- To motivate children to continue learning and persevere through challenges or learning blocks.
- To encourage cultural understanding through language learning.
Methodology / TPR (Total Physical Response)
SCM follows an interactive, multisensory approach in which movement-based activities and hands-on engagement are used to support language acquisition in a natural and enjoyable way. Methods such as TPR (Total Physical Response) play an important role in our classes. TPR uses gestures, actions, and real-life situations to help children acquire a foreign language in a way that mirrors natural first-language development.
During childhood, the brain is especially receptive to language learning, allowing children to naturally develop an understanding of melody, rhythm, articulation, and intonation. Through play, children are constantly exposed to new linguistic structures, and their enthusiasm for communication can be seen as they interact with one another.
This approach allows children to focus on communication without fear of making mistakes. As a result, comprehension increases naturally, helping children respond positively and confidently to the foreign language. This playful introduction is particularly effective for young learners.
Our Instructors
In keeping with this methodology, our native-speaking instructors are trained according to our pedagogical principles and are experienced in the fundamentals of foreign language acquisition for both Kindergarten and school-aged children.
Our course leaders awaken children’s curiosity and excitement for foreign languages through games, stories, singing, movement, and interactive activities — all conducted in the target language. This not only introduces children to different cultures and ways of life, but also helps them recognize similarities between themselves and children from other countries.
Alongside promoting cultural awareness and social competencies, our approach supports the development of an open-minded and humanistic worldview. Our curriculum is always connected to the children’s immediate environment and experiences, making learning both meaningful and accessible.
We also understand that children maintain attention and concentration best when lessons are varied, playful, and enjoyable. No child is ever forced to speak during class; instead, each child is given the time and support they need to process and use the language comfortably.
In our increasingly globalized world, understanding foreign languages is more important than ever. At SCM, we ensure that early language learning remains child-friendly, engaging, and aligned with the principles of the Berlin educational program.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or comments.
