Diving into the Italian preschool methods and approaches

The world of childhood and preschool education is in constant development and for preschool teachers it is crucial to keep up with the new trends and stay on top of what's current. This training course for preschool teachers will be a springboard for exploring the main principles, features and benefits of the best preschool approaches. 

The new edition of the course “The best for preschool teachers​” took place in Bologna from 06/02/2023 to 11/02/2022. The participants came from all across Europe, with Maris Lampe, Liina Kasela, Greete-Lisette Järvi from Tabasalu, Harku vald, Harjumaa in Estonia, Laura Stapulione, Katrina Liene, Jansone from Veselavas preschool in Latvia, Ana González Rodrigo, Beatriz García Magro from CEIP. Antonio Machado in Spain, Katja Stegne, Tamara Petrič from "Vrtec ""Otona Županiča"" Slovenska Bistrica" in Slovenia, Catherine gorgon, An Dehaeseleer, Inneke Van den Bossche, Gwen Vanderspeeten from GO! Scholengroep UN!K in Belgium
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The course began with some practical activities to break the ice, share expectations and contributions and discuss the best practices linked to preschool pedagogy. The teachers also had the chance to present their schools to the others: this was a perfect way to reach a wider understanding of preschool education in Europe.
On the second day, the teachers visited a kindergarten just outside Bologna called “Il Nespolo” where they had the opportunity to talk and discuss with an Italian educator. “Il Nespolo” works in the field of outdoor education: the children (aged 0-3) spend time in the nearby park, in strict contact with the natural world. 

Moving on discovering the Italian preschool experience, the group delved into the Montessori method, a philosophy and pedagogy developed by Maria Montessori in the early 19th century. A presentation of pictures of an authentic Montessori environment and materials was the starting point for discovering the method in a practical and experiential way.
The group also discovered the importance of playful experience and were introduced to the principles and theories of non formal education. To better understand this approach, some activities and games were implemented, together with a lot of laugh and smiles. 
Finally, it was time for making dreams come true. The teachers and the course trainer headed to Reggio Emilia to visit the Loris Malaguzzi Centre where an expert guided the group throughout the wonderful exhibitions of the Centre. Teachers had a chance to learn more about the history, the materials, the projects and the experiences, which make the Reggio Emilia approach unique in the world. 
The week came to an end and it was time for the teachers to come back home with luggage full of memories, experiences and words of gratitude :)
That is all for today, we leave you again with these nice words from one of the teachers: “Meeting people from all over Europe, sharing our practices, ideas and thoughts. An experience I will never forget” 
Discover more about this course here.

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