The 74th International Conference of OMEP (Organisation Mondiale pour l'
\neducation prescolaire) was held in Greece, the country where the ancient
\nphilosopher Plato emphasized the importance of Preschool Education.<\/p>\n
Early childhood education is fundamental because it promotes the holistic
\ndevelopment of children, provides opportunities for exploration and learning,
\nand fosters critical thinking and creativity. At the same time, Preschool
\nEducation plays an important role in children's school readiness and success
\nand creates future active citizens.<\/p>\n
The conference was entitled \u201cEarly Childhood Education in the 21st Century:<\/span><\/strong> For more information: www.omep.gr<\/a><\/span><\/strong> and<\/strong> www.worldomep.org<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Play-based learning, conceptual play and play pedagogy<\/p>\n Abstract from Mrs Lily Iakovidou \u2013 Alevra speech, titled<\/strong>\u201d The GNHM for the<\/strong><\/span> The Goulandris Natural History Museum was founded 1964, and has been the leading Museum in Environmental education in Greece. The Museum\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u2013 4 years old, in special workshops, where we aim to provide quality time for parents and children.<\/p>\n 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: \u201cMe and\u00a0the animals\u201d an introductory workshop that introduces to the very young children the biodiversity of the wild life, workshops based on J. Jolivet book Zoo Ology, \u201cA very hungry caterpillar\u201d, based on E. Carle\u2019s famous book, the diverse means of survival in the wild, workshop \u201cI defend myself\u201d. Entering the world of creepy \u2013 crawlies, \u201cNine insects and one Spider\u201d and \u201cBees and flowers live together\u201d, Fairy tales of Christian Andersen, several workshops with Dinosaurs. Exploratory workshops with a variety of Greek environments, i.e. \u201cLife beneath the waves\u201d. Workshops that combine Greek Mythology and nature.<\/p>\n Subscribe to our email newsletter to receive updates on the latest news.<\/p>\n
\nNew Perspectives and Dilemmas\u201d<\/span><\/strong>
\nRepresentatives from 65 countries met and participated in the conference,
\nworked together for early childhood – 200 speeches were given in English,<\/span><\/strong>
\nfrom July 12 to 15.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nvery young\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nNewsletter<\/strong><\/h2>\n