Vrtec pod krošnjami, razvoj in implementacija kurikuluma gozdne pedagogike za vrtce

We wanted to create the forest pedagogy plan and programme with defined methodology and unite the international experts' knowledge, experience and competences, to develop the sustainable teaching ...

We wanted to create the forest pedagogy plan and programme with defined methodology and unite the international experts' knowledge, experience and competences, to develop the sustainable teaching methods for children with different abilities and social backgrounds. Creating and building forest playgrounds as place which will inspire and encourage learning and growing in the natural environment for children, families, professionals... Organize workshops activities for children in both countries; educational events for experts, meetings for parents and grandparents at the forest playground; we wanted to develop sustainable, lifelong knowledge and a positive attitude towards environmental protection so we could inspire families to spend more time in nature. Also we wanted to compare children's responses at the beginning and end of the project; teaching methods between urban and rural kindergartens in order to discover effect of forest pedagogy. We wanted o achieve the sustainability of the results by continuing the activities after project ends and to gain international recognition of both partners through the dissemination of the project results.

We prepared the content of the forest pedagogy curriculum - planned thematic units; designed teaching methods that correspond to the goals of both partners; created didactic tools (forest games, etiquette, diary); action plan for the implementation of project activities. We made the anthem of the forest and the kindergarten mascot. We conducted educational activities for children and their families and professionals; they were conducted by and for external colleagues and teachers of both kindergartens. We did a comparative analysis of the implemented curriculum and planned sustainable use - formatively followed the child's development and did a comparative analysis of children's responses, teaching methods in urban and rural areas, made reports, planned sustainable use of the results. We conducted a survey for parents; measured the impact of our project on family habits. We published the results of the project - websites of kindergartens, social networks, press releases, local and national media published news about project and at the end of the project published a publication in three languages. We ensured high-quality project management plan; held regular meetings of all participants and implemented planned mobilities.

Children, parents and experts built three forest playgrounds. We made didactic tools, infoboards with the Erasmus+ logo and the project logo, forest etiquettes, forest diaries. Our children have access to the forest playground during their stay in kindergarten and after. We counduted various workshops for children that attend our kindergartens and for other groups of children, some of workshops were in cooperation with external institutions. We organized several events for families. Professional workers went through three training workshops. We created the forest anthem and mascot-fox Srečka. The comparative analysis showed a positive change in terms of children's interest in nature and their physical , cognitive and mental development. We efficiently disseminated the results of the project and achieved their sustainable use.The parents surveys show families are familiar with the content , have a positive attitude towards the project, and they wish kindergartens to continue with forest pedagogy activities. The project had a positive impact on family habits, families spend more time in nature, and children significantly improved their skills and developed positive attitude towards nature.