With the implementation of the project, we aimed to further deepen and specifically develop the “Learning through environment” method for the school preparation of children aged 5 to 6 years. The goal was to create new opportunities for integrating learning through the direct environment even more strongly into daily educational work. We wanted to demonstrate that children learn more sustainably when they actively explore, observe, and gain practical experiences. Another important objective of the project was the international exchange between educators and educational institutions from the partner countries. Through the cooperation within the Erasmus+ project, best practices, experiences, and new ideas were exchanged. Since different educational plans and pedagogical approaches are used in each European country, the project provided a valuable opportunity to learn from one another and to become familiar with new methods that can be applied in working with children.
Many children learn particularly effectively through their own exploration, observation, and active experiences in their immediate environment. With the “Learning through environment” method, we aim to encourage children’s natural curiosity and provide them with a playful transition to school. Another important need we addressed is the stronger cooperation between educational professionals and parents. Parents should not only be informed about the activities, but also actively involved in the learning process. This gives them a better insight into the educational work and enables them to use the developed exercises together with their children at home. It is especially important to us that learning does not only take place within educational institutions, but also in everyday life and in the children’s immediate surroundings. There is also a strong need for innovative and easy-to-use learning materials for kindergartens. Therefore, within the framework of the project, we would like to develop books and exercises that will be available free of charge and can also be used by other educational institutions in Austria and across Europe. At the same time, the project promotes international exchange and cooperation.