Future skills and competencies for children

Topic(s) addressed

This project examined inclusive approaches to teaching when working with children from vulnerable groups, such as ethnic minorities, cultural and religious minorities, and refugees.

Target group(s)

The project involved 17 teachers, 205 children aged 3-7 from Bulgaria, as well as students from Italy aged 3-11.

Methodologies

The project activities integrated the educational areas of social sciences, language, the arts, music and drama. The children were active participants in many activities related to the acquisition of social experience and tolerance, such as dramatising and illustrating fairy tales from different countries. 

Innovation environment

The project is a natural part of the school’s daily teaching work with children. This begins when they are three years old and continues throughout their four-year stay in kindergarten. Children engage in teamwork and cooperation with other children on mini projects to foster a sense of empathy, tolerance and harmony. This builds a positive climate in the classroom and develops their ability to interact with people of different backgrounds.

Teachers’ role

Teachers observed, discussed and exchanged ideas and best practices, and tested the effectiveness of new teaching methods.

Impact and output

The children’s knowledge about different races, nationalities, countries, flags, cultural objects and national costumes was enriched. Their social skills, for example communication, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making were developed. 

Teachers increased their competencies, professional knowledge and skills regarding innovative, inclusive approaches and methods, and improved and modernised the learning environment in which they work. 

The newly acquired knowledge and innovative methods are already applied daily in the work with children, both by the participants in the project and by the teachers with whom the knowledge was shared.

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