Erasmus+ Training Course: Building Relationships Through Outdoor Physical Activities

16/08/2024 – 24/08/2024
Šakvice, Czech Republic
The Erasmus+ training course we recently participated in on building relationships through outdoor physical activities was a valuable experience which – as a pre-school teacher – provided me with new ideas and methods for fostering cooperation and communication between children.
The project placed particular emphasis on the importance of strengthening social skills through physical activities. One of the most important goals of the programme was to develop games accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. During the project, we were introduced to new non-traditional games, designed and organized games in groups for specific groups of people. Also, the trainers emphasized the importance of creating activities that encourage the participation of people with disabilities (blind activities). This approach reinforced our understanding of the importance of inclusion and equipped us with new ideas on how to design and differentiate our classroom activities to make them accessible to all.

Another important aspect of the project was training in designing games that can be played outdoors with minimal equipment requirements. These games help to connect with nature as well as develop physical skills in simple and natural ways, making exercise and play an enjoyable and beneficial experience, without the stress of pursuing an outcome. All of the above was aided by the discovery of the area through a treasure hunt organised by the instructors as well as the mountain climbing in the nearby town of Mikulov.
Finally, the project offered a unique opportunity for cooperation and exchange of ideas with the participants from the different participating countries. Each evening, participants from each country presented important information about their country, local food, drinks and dances.
In conclusion, this Erasmus+ programme has been an extremely positive experience which has provided new skills and knowledge, which we intend to incorporate directly into our educational work. Special thanks are also due to EUPRAGIA, which is a Non-profit Civil Organization with deep knowledge in the fields of education, sport, culture and technology, for the opportunity to participate in the programme.