Transfer of good practice for diversification of environmental arrangement and forms of education in pre-school

Topic(s) addressed

The project addressed adapting learning environments for students from disadvantaged backgrounds by improving outdoor environments for active learning and introducing outdoor multidisciplinary and child-centred learning.

Target group(s)

The project targeted 24 preschool teachers and 254 children, including 20 children with additional needs.

Methodologies

Throughout the project’s implementation, the preschool used child-centred outdoor learning as a daily teaching method. This method has a multidisciplinary approach and it also demands that the learner has an active role in the learning process. The preschool also uses informal learning methods through involving parents in the learning process.

Innovation environment

The adaptation of the outdoor environment to the learning process was done through the sustainable use of available resources. Surrounding environments were adapted for learning, including a forest edge classroom and outdoor beds for gardening. This diversified lessons and encouraged children to be active in nature and improved their wellbeing. This strategy for adapting the environment is intended to be continued, in cooperation with parents and the municipality, to improve the wellbeing of everyone in the preschool.

Teachers’ role

During exchanges, teachers increased their professional competencies in outdoor education, inclusive education, and the Montessori approach. According to the project evaluation questionnaire, all participants improved their professional motivation and interest in their work. The wellbeing of teachers also improved. Teachers continue to learn from their colleagues. The preschool has a contract with the University of Latvia where future preschool teachers do internships in the school and learn knowledge and competencies from current teachers.

Impact and output

The teaching materials and development plan provide a long-term contribution to the purposeful adaption of the outdoor environment. The environment is also individually adjusted for the preschool's 20 children with additional needs, according to their needs. Forty-five preschool teachers from different preschools attended a professional development programme. The activity created a spill-over effect, motivating others to improve the learning environment in their educational institutions.

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