Little outdoor learners

<< Background >>We applied for this project due to the benefits of outdoor activities on children and the impact of an international cooperation project on teachers. The exchange of best practices between the three partners had a positive impact on the improvement of outdoor teaching/learning methodologies, because the institutions come from different geographical areas, they brought their own experience to the partnership and we were able to witness a wide variety of approaches to the subject. The project was designed to provide a broad experience of outdoor activities in almost all preschool subjects, from children's literature and stories, to science, maths, music, art, English and STEM. Places of learning were formal (kindergartens) as well as informal, such as forests, parks, nature reserves. We wanted to demonstrate that learning is more effective when children are introduced to different formal and informal environments.<< Objectives >>By implementing the project I wanted-The teachers to acquire knowledge about the latest curricular approaches to outdoor education, ways of achieving them, learning opportunities, methodologies, but also the benefits of outdoor learning using different gadgetsto design and use materials for outdoor activities, participating in training activities during meetings, exchange of good practices such as job shadowing.- Preschoolersto become more involved in group and outdoor activities, to cooperate, to work in a team, to show tolerance and respect for the environment, to save water and energy, to recycle, to play and to learn in formal environments ( kindergarten) and non-formal (parks, forests)<< Implementation >>We have planned the activities of the project for a 13 months period, an activity in every month,Game education and practical nature activities in nature in the area of online application. Game education in nature and green school. Preschool technology and digitalization apps. Guide and training for the teachers in the area of technologic apps and coding in kindergarten.Digital abilities development activities for 4-5-6 years old children.Local clothes, food, local crafts, traditions, music, traditional dances, show for parents Parent’s meeting, information about useful technology apps for children.Home greenhouse-children plant seeds to sprout out We celebrate International Water DayWe celebrate Earth Day, Forest Day European garden corner – flowers planting International Children’s DayWe spend time together – common activity with the parents. Spending time in the nature with the families creating a habit of spending time in the nature for the families.Zoo visitTrees in autumn – forest visit – speaking with a forester“Come to the show!” (dramatizing, role playing games) – show offered by the childrenWater’s musicality – the natural water cycle (observation of raindrops, snow, ice at the microscope)<< Results >>The childrenthey discovered the nature of the tablet and other gadgetsthey understood the importance of water and the need to save itthey understood that the waters, forests and playgrounds must remain unpollutedthey observed the changes of nature in the four seasonsthey learned how to take care of a plant/flower/tree as part of environmental protectionthey developed their creativity through outdoor activity (science, arts, mathematics, theater, music)Professorsthey developed their professional skills by using outdoor teaching strategiesthe quality of the teaching process has been improved, by achieving a child-centered education, by adapting the curriculum to the current needs of families, the local community.they improved their language and ICT skillsParentsthey understood the importance of outdoor activities and the need to use technologies in these activitiesthere is close collaboration with the schoolSchoolincreased the prestige of the school in the communityhas become a welcoming environment with an open and dynamic social climatethe European dimension has changed The local community a good collaboration with the kindergarten, the parents, between similar institutions