Helping children enjoy learning from the start
Learning at their own pace, with someone by their side.
At Lernbus, trained educators help children learn. We start early, giving confidence and curiosity room to grow. The programme is open to all children, whatever their abilities or background.
At a glance
An early start. Confidence to keep learning.
We want children to enjoy learning, think for themselves and trust their abilities. We give them time and someone they can rely on.
Why Lernbus
A good start makes a difference.
What children need to learn
Children need foundations in language and mathematics. Independence, creativity and the ability to solve problems matter too.
Switzerland's national assessment of basic skills found that almost one in four children in the second year of primary school did not meet the basic standard in mathematics. In reading, the figure was just over one in five.
Source: EDK, 2024 assessment, results published in 2026 (in German)
Support from the start
We offer support before difficulties and negative experiences of learning take hold. This is especially important for children who need more help or have fewer opportunities to learn. The programme is open to all children.
Room to grow
Learning cannot happen on command. As with a plant, we cannot force growth, but we can create the right conditions: time, care, something that sparks wonder, and someone who believes in the child.
How we support children
Time, trust and the right activities.
Someone they know and trust
What a child feels able to ask or try depends on how safe they feel. That is why the same person stays by their side over the months. Their mentor knows their interests, remembers the last lesson and gives them room to find their own way.
Many ways to explore
Building, counting, telling stories, drawing and investigating things outdoors: children need varied experiences. We help them discover their interests and use what they have learnt in new situations.
We do not steer children towards a single talent at an early age. Every child has strengths, including some that may be less visible at school.
Foundations and independent thinking
We strengthen language and mathematical skills. At the same time, children practise developing their own ideas, making connections and finding solutions.
They also explore creativity, learn about feelings, and practise expressing themselves and listening to others. We help them persevere with less interesting tasks and learn from mistakes.
Seeing their own progress
When children see that their effort makes a difference, their confidence grows. They collect work and discoveries in a personal learning box, or Lernkiste, so they can see how much they have learnt.
A challenge that fits
We choose activities around each child's interests, strengths and stage of development. They should offer a challenge while keeping success within reach. Mistakes are part of this: children can try something, think again and find another way.
Learning German through play
From age three, we help children learn German, express themselves more confidently and feel more at ease in class. Stories, songs, conversations and play create plenty of opportunities to practise.
Here too, lessons are one to one in the first semester and in pairs in the second.
Exploring without screens
We work with books, paper and pencils, magnifying glasses, scales and clay, and things we find outdoors. Our learning space is free of screens. Children have time to investigate, think and find answers for themselves.
Goals of the programme
What we aim to achieve.
- Build learning skills and self-worth, and see that their actions make a difference.
- Encourage curiosity and learning out of personal interest
- Learn to cope with setbacks and try again
- Create a safe learning space where children feel valued
- Express ideas, listen and think independently
- Recognise their own progress
- Find ways to keep going with less interesting tasks
- Try many things rather than settling early on one
Who can take part
Who Lernbus is for.
- Children from age 3 to the third year of primary school
- Particularly suited to children who need focused support with learning and independent thinking
- Early German language support from age 3, one to one in the first semester and in pairs in the second
- Children can only be enrolled by a parent or legal guardian
How it works
From the first meeting to the learning box.
An introductory meeting
We meet with you and your child to discuss what your child needs, what you hope for and how we can help.
The right mentor
We choose a trained educator whose approach suits your child's interests and needs.
The sessions
Each lesson lasts 60 minutes. In the first semester, lessons are one to one, giving your child time to build trust with their mentor. In the second semester, lessons take place in pairs. You book one school semester at a time.
Activities follow your child's interests and include play, creative work, language, mathematics and learning about feelings.
The learning box
Each child collects their ideas, work, questions and discoveries in a personal learning box, or Lernkiste, making their progress visible.
Regular meetings with parents
We discuss your child's development with you and look through their learning box together. Where needed, we also support children and parents in other meetings.
Small groups in the school holidays
During the holidays, children meet in small groups to build on and consolidate what they have learnt during the school semester.
From Münsterplatz into the neighbourhoods
We begin at Münsterplatz: a quiet, familiar place where children look forward to returning. Later, we plan for the Lernbus vehicle to bring the programme into local neighbourhoods, closer to children. Learning should be within easy reach.
The learning box belongs to the child
The learning box records the child's journey, not just finished work. We look back together at ideas, activities and discoveries. Nothing is graded.
This way of documenting learning draws on the Reggio Emilia approach, which puts the child's strengths and ideas at the centre.
Fees that reflect family circumstances
We offer four rates for each 60-minute lesson: subsidised, reduced, full-cost and solidarity. For lessons in pairs, the fee is per child.
People who invest in children fund some of our places, helping families with limited means take part.
Professional standards and quality assurance
Who works with the children.
Training and experience in education
Our mentors have educational training and experience working with children. They respond thoughtfully to each child's interests and needs and reflect on their own practice.
Continuing to improve
We review the quality of our work and continue to develop the programme.
Request a place
Enquire about a place.
Lernbus starts in October 2026 with a limited number of places. Parents and legal guardians can request a lesson. We will get back to you within a few days to arrange an introductory meeting with you and your child.
Who runs it
Lernbus is a programme of Lerngesellschaft.
Lerngesellschaft (Learning Society) is a non-profit association. It encourages children's and young people's natural curiosity and desire to learn through three programmes: Forscherbühne, Lernbus, and Brain and Society.