Exploring Preschool Education : Learning the Best Methods through the Italian Experience

The field of childhood and preschool education is a vibrant and ever-evolving landscape, constantly influenced by emerging trends and innovative practices. 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 05/06/2023 to 09/06/2023. The participants came from all across Europe, Annika Ljung, Carola Börjel and Britt-inger Östling from Nävergårdens förskola in Sweden, 7 teachers from Spain in 4 differents schools : Lucía Navarro Vicente and Laura Ortiz Bermejo from Ceip Lo Campanar, Elena Oltra Balbastre and Marta Ortí Pastor from "Colegio La Purísima, Cristina Burriel Aldea and Nerea Lopez Sanchez from CEIP Foro Romano, and Marta Gradiada Devis, from CEIP El Castell. We also have Vilborg Jóna Hilmarsdóttir, Arndís Gísladóttir, Sigríður Sigurðardóttir, Sólveig Þórarinsdóttir and Sigrún Ásta Gunnlaugsdóttir, from "Preschool Vinagerdi in Iceland. 

The immersive journey began with practical activities to break the ice sharing their expectations and contributions.  The participants also made a presentation of their preschools pedagogy, enabling teachers to learn from one another's experiences and gain valuable insights into diverse educational approaches across Europe.  

During our course, we also had the opportunity to welcome a teacher from a Montessori school. Through a captivating presentation of pictures showcasing authentic Montessori environments and materials, the participants embarked on a practical and experiential exploration of this renowned teaching method.

The group also learned about non-formal education, and its difference from formal and informal approaches by doing various activities and games, gaining hands-on experience and understanding of the characteristics and application of this innovative methodology.
One of the highlights of the course was a special visit to "Naturalmente Bambini," an inspiring outdoor preschool that immersed the teachers in the wonders of learning outside, with the sky as roof and the trees as walls. There, our teachers observed and learned from the children themselves, and from their way of connecting with nature.

Then 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 us 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. 

As the course came to an end, our participants returned home with valuable knowledge not only from the Italian preschool experience but also from other European countries. We are grateful for our amazing teachers who brought boundless knowledge,  enthusiasm, and warm-hearted attitude. 
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Discover more about this course here.

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