Exploring classrooms in nature: The impact of Outdoor Learning Activities for preschoolers4/24/2024 Outdoor education is a progressive teaching approach that not only fosters enduring educational experiences but also supports environmental consciousness. Learning while being around the nature significantly influences the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional growth of preschoolers. This becomes increasingly essential in times of the prevailing climate crisis, as a generation rooted in outdoor experiences is more inclined to become keepers of the environment. It is valuable as a strong tool to address two pressing issues of contemporary society: ensuring enduring educational excellence and developing a generation conscious of the urgent need to protect our planet amidst the threat of climate crisis. Last week, from 14/04/2024 to 20/04/2024, the new version of our interesting course “Outdoor education for preschool teachers” took place in Palermo. The participants came from all across Europe, with Lupe and Cindia from C.E.B.I.P. Pinar Prados de Torrejón as well as Mary and Ali from Colexio Guillelme Brown coming to us from Spain. Also, Stéphanie from Ecole La Salle in France, Sara and Elina from Vasaramäen päiväkoti in Finland enriched our course. Even Peter from Evanjelická spojená škola in Slovakia showed up again and again. This course is specially designed for preschool teachers. Participants learned about the Italian education system and presented their own schools to compare their different methods and approaches, conditions and pedagogical foundations. Beginning with the definition for outdoor education, the advantages of outdoor education were analysed and discussed, and participants had the opportunity to share their practices of teaching in nature. An additional session of the course thematised the exchange of activities in a natural environment in a nearby park. The games were of course tried out and were very well received, inspiring participants to plan their own outdoor activities and adapt them to the needs of their children. Furthermore, a method was applied to the park we visited the previous day. By familiarising themselves with the chosen area in advance, participants learned the importance of planning the outdoor area to anticipate dangers and minimise risks. This practical approach enabled them to gain useful knowledge to plan a safe outdoor activity for their pupils. In the two places Istituto Internazionale Montessori and Istituto Minutoli, centres for pre-school children with an ecological approach, the participants had the opportunity to observe and record an effective example of outdoor learning and the children's interaction with each other and with nature. In the visit we also met our special guest of the week: Orlando Furioso.
Finally, the workshop focussed on skills for a sustainable approach to nature and their application in the classroom. There was a brief excursion into the theory of climate change and tips on how to introduce the topic to young children, with lots of games that they can put into practice. In the Outdoor Activity Workshop, participants were able to explore a variety of activities that they can do with their children, showing that learning can also happen outside the classroom walls! Discover more about this course here. Understanding how to interact with nature has a significant impact on the cognitive, behavioural and emotional development of preschool children. This is particularly important in the context of the current climate crisis, as a generation accustomed to the outdoors is more likely to be concerned about the environment. Outdoor education is emerging as a pioneering educational strategy that not only provides lasting, high-quality learning experiences, but also fosters an ethos of environmental stewardship. By intertwining these aims, outdoor education addresses two of the most important issues facing society today: providing lasting educational excellence and instilling a deep appreciation of the need to protect our planet in the face of the daunting challenge of climate change. The new edition of the course “Outdoor education for preschool teachers” took place in Tenerife from 14/04/2024 to 20/04/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Blanche Ancellin from Ecole Maternelle Maurice Caeme in France, Eva Hrönn Jónsdóttir Valey and Sara Árnadóttir from preeschool Álfheimar in Iceland, Aude Kedzia and Benjamin Soulas from Notre Dame des Collines and Anastasija Utyrė, Eglė Malašauskė and Silvija Krutėjevaitė from UAB STEAM pasaulis in Lithuania We start our journey together by finding a definition of outdoor education and we delve deeper into its benefits. Participants had the opportunity to share their personal experiences of teaching in nature. Tailored specifically for pre-school educators, the course also provided an insight into the Spanish education system. Participants gave presentations on their respective schools to encourage comparative analysis of teaching methods and approaches. A significant part of the programme focused on hands-on activities in the local parks and beautiful beaches of Tenerife. The range of games tested during these sessions were well received and served as a source of inspiration for participants to design and develop their own outdoor educational activities, tailored to the specific needs of their students. Participants also gained insight into the crucial aspect of outdoor space management, learning how to carefully analyse areas to prevent potential hazards. Through practical outdoor exercises, they identified key zones, potential hazards, and recreation and relaxation areas. This experiential learning approach equipped them with the skills to organise safe outdoor activities for their students. A visit to a rural school provided a first-hand opportunity to discover an exemplary model of outdoor learning. Observing children actively engaged with their peers and the natural environment provided valuable insights into the practical implementation of outdoor education. The final part of the course focused on cultivating ecological knowledge and integrating green practices into pedagogy. Participants delved into theoretical discussions on climate change and gained strategies for effectively addressing the issue with young learners, using a range of engaging games and activities.
Discover more about this course here. Over the past few years, traditional education has moved towards virtual lessons and online classes. This change forced us to find new ways to teach and learn from a distance. Using new technologies, digital tools, and interactive learning platforms turned out to be a successful strategy. These technologies helped teachers keep their virtual classes engaging and dynamic. These tools also showed their value in physical classrooms, particularly in keeping students attentive and excited about learning. |
Welcome to the ELA Blog. Here you will find articles and photos of our courses and have a look at the topics addressed during the week in Bologna, Palermo and Tenerife. You will also have the chance to take a peek at our projects and check out what we have been up to.
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