We all know it: it is not always easy to find new ways in which we can teach AND at the same have fun: using innovative methods can really make the difference when it comes to our youngest students. It is fundamental to learn how to motivate them and to enhance their learning through play. Luckily, today there are many tools available that can be implemented in the preschool environment: project-based learning, non-formal education, outdoor education and creative games are just some of the many that we have at our disposal! The first edition of the course “Innovative teaching methods for preschool teachers” took place in Bologna from 21/08/2022 to 27/08/2022. The participants came from all across Europe, with Lisbeth, Kristín and Sólveig from Kvistaborg in Iceland, Doroteja Fon from the Slovenian Museum of Natural History in Slovenia and 4 teachers from Spain: Beatriz, Felisa and Brezo from Escola Sant Bernat and Mamen from Colegio Séneca SCA.

​​An Erasmus experience is not complete without the sharing of cultures and best practices: that is why we started our training with a presentation of all the schools. The participants had to show images, videos and they shared their teaching experiences with the rest of the class.

​The first topic we discovered was the power of Non-Formal Education. In fact, starting from the activities, we explored the Kolb’s experiential learning cycle and we learned how it allows to pass from reflection to conceptualization and application, giving the student an active role in the learning process. Of course we practiced as many games and activities as possible: the teachers had to show their drawing, dancing and singing skills to the rest of the group ;)

Second topic: Project Based Learning! An innovative method that allows students to delve into content in a more direct and meaningful way, starting from a topic question and trying to investigate real world issues. Analysing the principles of PBL, the participants of the course had the opportunity to discover how teamwork, collaboration, and creativity can help our youngest students to discover the way to deal with real world problems, learning strategically and searching the answers from the start, with the help of the teacher.

We could not talk about Outdoor Education inside the walls of classroom…that is why we visited Villa Ghigi in a very funny way. Some of the advantages of Outdoor Education that emerged during the many games and activities are, on the one hand, the increase in motivation and creativity; on the other, the improvement of the psychophysical well-being thanks to the contact with the nature and the consequent reduction of the stress.

Finally, we explored the power of creativity with a lot of challenges that “forced” the class to think out of the box!

By the last day, team spirit was so high that it was difficult to say goodbye. However, we found a very nice way to express our gratitude to the other participants and in the end our group was very eager to go back and start applying all the many ideas that emerged during the course. Another great week of inspiration was over, but only to be continued back in their countries.

​Discover more about this course in: https://www.erasmustrainingcourses.com/innovative-teaching-methods.html