Big steps into the future 

Summary

Our kindergarten is focused on the holistic development of the child, beginning with individualised approaches that reflect the specific microenvironment and the broader educational policy of Croatia. We identified key areas - STEAM, digital competences, communication, and interculturalism - as professional challenges in our current practice. By observing practices in other countries, we had the opportunity to explore new methods.

"Besides us, our children have also grown through this journey. We manifest the shared growth in our little house by releasing children who will continue to share experiences with the world." 

Topic(s) addressed

• Strengthening intercultural skills
• Acquiring new knowledge and skills in the field of ICT technologies
• Strengthening the collective's competences in the field of scientific literacy

Target group(s)  

• Children in early and preschool education
• Their parents
• All participants in the institution itself

Methodologies used

We apply several approaches in our work with children, but our knowledge, skills, and attitudes have significantly improved after the project. There is now greater use of hands-on, experiential learning, allowing children to experiment with different materials. In cooperative learning, we prioritise working in smaller groups to enhance communication skills, patience, and teamwork. By designing activities that target various areas of development, we support children in approaching topics in ways that are most suitable for their individual needs. 

Innovation environment

Children are learning about environmental sustainability and responsibility from an early age. In line with their developmental stage and their place in the social and natural environment, they are building awareness of how to care for the planet. This learning is fostered through the overall climate of the institution, where children learn directly by observing the behaviour of educators. One key focus has been exploring how to use natural resources responsibly. This topic is a vital part of any modern curriculum, as it nurtures the capacities needed for a critical, creative, and engaged approach in the long term. The connections we have established through the Erasmus community, with support from our hosts, enable us to continue learning from one another.

Teachers’ role

Since we aimed to act on multiple levels - individual, collective, and organisational - we followed a clear dissemination plan to transfer information, knowledge, and skills at both the individual and group levels. Professional development was carried out continuously through educational councils, training sessions, workshops, and collaborative planning. Participants regularly shared their experiences with the wider team. Monthly working group meetings enabled ongoing teamwork and supported the introduction of digital pedagogical innovations and new projects.

Impact and output

After the mobility activity, we developed a plan to educate other educational professionals on this topic. The impact on our kindergarten was significant, leading to the inclusion of this area in our long-term planning and the introduction of innovative, modern methods and transversal teaching skills. We became more flexible and child-centred, adapting content to the child’s immediate environment and focusing on research and discovery-based activities. Greater emphasis was placed on giving children space to verbalise their thoughts. Parental response to the new methods was also important to us. Through surveys, questionnaires, and parent meetings, we received positive feedback expressing satisfaction with the changes.

Learn more about the project

Video