Recovery starts from kindergarten

Topic(s) addressed

This project focused on improving students’ digital, reading, and outdoor learning skills, improving physical and mental health, building bridges between libraries and schools, and greater involvement with parents.

Target group(s)

The three target groups are kindergarten students aged 4 to 6 years old, their teachers and parents.

Methodologies

Teaching and learning approaches have improved teachers' skills to make children enjoy reading. Digital skills are promoted through audiobooks and digital storytelling and offer teachers the opportunity to learn how to create and design digital content as educational resources and tools for engaging learning. Recording audiobooks has made students active participants. Outdoor education, through engaging and inclusive activities, has promoted children's natural inclination to learn in situations different from traditional classroom lessons in an informal way.

Innovation environment

The focus on learning environments was fundamental in drafting the project. The school space was carefully designed to support innovative teaching and learning approaches and to foster creativity, collaboration, engagement, and the practical application of knowledge. Reading corners were set up for both indoor and outdoor activities. Outdoor workshop activities were organised to promote problem-solving skills. The involvement of families in workshop activities made them feel part of their children's educational journey.

Teachers’ role

Participating teachers had the opportunity to explore different perspectives on common problems and needs, and they established new contacts during exchanges, which led to the expansion of their network. They acquired skills and competencies in digital tools and the integration of new skills. The teachers observed different cultures, which broadened their perspectives regarding teaching, skills, and creating an educational environment aimed at everyone’s wellbeing.

Impact and output

Teachers are more motivated, and students developed transversal skills. The Reading with Parents project was introduced as an innovative project for the school and community and adopted by other schools. Volunteer teachers, parents and children met at school weekly to read together, often outdoors and in informal environments. A school library was built which will be open soon. RomaTre University also investigated the innovative activities for their social spillover effects.

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