The 74th International Conference of OMEP (Organisation Mondiale pour l'
education prescolaire) was held in Greece, the country where the ancient
philosopher Plato emphasized the importance of Preschool Education.
Early childhood education is fundamental because it promotes the holistic
development of children, provides opportunities for exploration and learning,
and fosters critical thinking and creativity. At the same time, Preschool
Education plays an important role in children's school readiness and success
and creates future active citizens.
The conference was entitled “Early Childhood Education in the 21st Century:
New Perspectives and Dilemmas”
Representatives from 65 countries met and participated in the conference,
worked together for early childhood – 200 speeches were given in English,
from July 12 to 15.
For more information: www.omep.gr and www.worldomep.org
Play-based learning, conceptual play and play pedagogy
Abstract from Mrs Lily Iakovidou – Alevra speech, titled” The GNHM for the
very young”
The Goulandris Natural History Museum was founded 1964, and has been the leading Museum in Environmental education in Greece. The Museum’s educational programs and workshops provide reliable knowledge and aim to form environmental conscience, from the very early age. Through the use of educational play and theatrical game, we target familiarity with the natural environment, understanding the interdependent relationships that are developed therein, raising public awareness of the dangers of the natural environment today, and activate children in the direction of its preservation.
One of our targets is to make children from a young age to realize that humans are not on the top of some hierarchical pyramid, but instead they make part of the circle of life. Several activities are therefore designed, organized, coordinated and implemented, in forms of educational programs or workshops. Since 2005, we are working with children from 4 years old onward. During the last 2 years, we have also reached groups of 2 – 4 years old, in special workshops, where we aim to provide quality time for parents and children.
There is a large variety of subjects, which provide different values, and offer the opportunity to meet with the natural environment and living creatures. Among them are: “Me and the animals” an introductory workshop that introduces to the very young children the biodiversity of the wild life, workshops based on J. Jolivet book Zoo Ology, “A very hungry caterpillar”, based on E. Carle’s famous book, the diverse means of survival in the wild, workshop “I defend myself”. Entering the world of creepy – crawlies, “Nine insects and one Spider” and “Bees and flowers live together”, Fairy tales of Christian Andersen, several workshops with Dinosaurs. Exploratory workshops with a variety of Greek environments, i.e. “Life beneath the waves”. Workshops that combine Greek Mythology and nature.
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