Učenje z gibanjem zunaj

Need for Increasing Quality Physical Activity for Children Our main motivation for implementing the project was to provide children not just with movement, but with quality movement. We are aware of the significant positive effects of physical activity, not only on health but also on brain development and, consequently, overall development. Support for Educators As professionals, we understand the importance of approaching the development of 'movement pedagogy' systematically, starting with enabling quality training for educators and the possibility of exchanging developed practices. Only such professionals can create stimulating learning environments, which outdoor play areas certainly are. Raising Awareness Among Parents Based on professional articles and our own observations in practice, we have also found that parents are poorly informed about the positive effects of physical activity and need ideas and guidance regarding activities they can do with their children. Therefore, workshops and a manual were created, which can be used by both educators and parents. Creating Lasting Outcomes Both the manual and the play area are results designed with sustainability in mind.

Not only deepen the professional knowledge of educators about the importance of outdoor physical activity for the holistic development of children by providing continuous professional support but also encourage lifelong learning. With the development of neuroscience, insights in the field of learning and teaching are rapidly evolving, which means they need to be continually updated. Therefore, it is essential to establish a system of lifelong learning. Exchange and critically evaluate examples of physical activities for implementation in various areas of the curriculum through practice. Raise awareness among parents about the importance of outdoor physical activity for the holistic development of children. If we want parents to contribute to the quality of education, we must ensure that they are not only familiar with the pedagogy and didactics applied in the preschool education and care system but also understand the reasons behind these practices. To take it a step further, we need to equip parents with the knowledge that enables them to actively participate in education, which means they urgently need to understand the methods of education and care that kindergartens provide to children in early childhood.

During the project, we carried out the following activities: 1. Professional training on the importance of physical activity and its integration into various areas of the curriculum, conducted in Slovenia. The unique aspect of this training was that the first three days involved a combination of professional observation, while the last two days allowed participants to practically implement the acquired knowledge. 2. Workplace observations conducted at the partner school in Croatia. 3. Establishment of outdoor learning play areas with didactic materials in both partner organizations. 4. Development of a handbook for educators and parents, available in electronic form. 5. Workshops for parents on the importance of physical activity for the quality development of children in both partner organizations.

The specific results: - two outdoor learning play areas with didactic materials in both partner institutions. - an electronic professional handbook with examples of physical activities for all areas of the curriculum, available in both partner languages. Other project outcomes include: Acquired knowledge about managing and participating in international projects, as this was the first such project for our organization. Increased awareness among employees about the importance and necessity of lifelong learning. Heightened interest in learning foreign languages among employees, as they wish to exchange practices more broadly, not just with neighboring countries.