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What an amazing opportunity to meet teachers, parents and professionals and explore the creativity and possibilities with literacy in Early Years and primary. A whole weekend of training to expand how to use resources, find new ways to use familiar materials and additionally, reflecting on the view the child has with what we are asking them to do.
The core of our underpinning message was to think of the ranges of emotions that children in the post Pandemic classroom and home may be experiencing. How they are managing not only friendships and family dynamics but the 'missing' gaps in education from the 'lockdown'?
As we returned to the classroom a year ago, we continued with the curriculum and hoped that children would catch up. The 'pockets' of missing information from their year long lockdown had to be passed over as the new curriculum was implemented. Many children missed their first critical years at school that provided the foundations of social interactions, routine, the scaffolding of learning and emotional sensitivity.
But, on Saturday 3rd September the Finesa Publishing team, teachers, parents and educationalist were up bright and early to start a full day of training and exchange ideas, scenarios from the home or workplace and think about how the activities and ideas could be used in their unique environments.
As the event was being constructed, Finesa were mindful of these sensitive areas and additionally that we need to recognise that many of the issues we think are exclusively ours in the educational arena are in fact, very global. One thing we are aware of is that if a child is not in the correct emotional 'state' to learn, learning will not happen.
During the day, we worked collaboratively on activities and opened up the dialog as to what else can been done, observed and made 'personal' for the child? How are we helping children see the other childs conclusions or points of view, value these and learn from them?
The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) was 'interlaced' through the activities that were principally literacy based. Additionally, how there can be 'big' outcomes when we use activities that address learning styles and emerging disabilities.
I was inspired by the dedication and inspiration of the participants! Great observations, reflections and feedback. The world is ready to try and get back on track, but teachers, parents and professional needs help, training and encouragement too.
Lastly, the trainings would not have been possible without the vision of Finesa Publishing and reaching out to the educational world in Belgrade! Bravo!
My thoughts after the events? I am often humbled by the commitment and passion of parents and educationalists and Belgrade has reinforced that even more,
Finesa Publishing, Belgrade Serbia website
https://www.finesa.edu.rs/
