This project is supported by Skipping School Voluntary Association from Omšenie

Detský web:

O projekte:

Na hlavnú stránku

Podporujú nás:

The project of children from

Primary school in Omšenie and

Primary school in Sivice

Vstúpte na úplný Česko—Slovenský web tu.

How did our project start...

The project idea is closely linked to science curriculum in primary schools. Children’s research, observation and work with easily accessible internet information are considered progressive methods in education of young generation. We decided to divert from the traditional teaching method which one-sidedly burdens the children’s psychic.

Teaching YES, but in a modern way and so we decided to let the children interact with live animals, people, live encyclopedias – life experience of our older generation which is within our reach.

We decided to teach through love. We want our children to be knowledgeable, using their brain while not forgetting their  heart. We want to teach children that the world needs to be changed constantly but for the benefit of everyone.

And so this has given rise to the first Children’s encyclopedia of domestic animals and Little Noah, who loves animals and at the same time the real world under the magnifying glass of children’s science and the world of biblical motives of human love for other humans and animals.

What were our goals…

· Using the internet and encyclopedias to collect, process and evaluate relevant theoretical information about domestic animals;

· Through observation and experiential learning to collect information of all kinds, recording the observations and creating output of various forms in connection with the theoretical knowledge;

· To use all available computer and digital technology and media and create a multimedial children’s encyclopedia

· To strengthen the love bonds in the relationship between a child, parents, grandparents and domestic animals

· To combine the two contradictory tendencies: scientific-technological advancement and the mankind’s need to turn back to nature

To strengthen the love for animals and the need to protect them. To build up the love for parents and grandparents and learn to respect and appreciate the elderly.

 

Who joined the project…

There were 23 Slovak and 30 Czech children ranging from the ages of 8 to 10 years and 11 children animators, who supervised groups of children during their field work. Professional assistance was provided by 4 teachers, we also enjoyed cooperation of 2 parishes, and we also received support from the children’s parents and grandparents, who took part in some collective activities and gave the children precious advice and passed their knowledge down to them.

 

How did we design the project…

The biology part of the project is based on the theoretical study of animals as well as acquisition of knowledge through direct observation of animals and/or life with them. ICT were the main tools used to collect data and produce all multimedial records of the project work.

The project web containing a virtual encyclopedia serves as the main data repository of the project. It comprises of more than 100 articles written by the children based on their study and information gained from various sources, their own research, creation of videos and photos and experiences from living with or looking after animals. (sample articles)

 

The environmental and spiritual part of the project serves as a background for the biological one. It opens up the gateway to learning through the heart and with love for animals, humans and nature. It teaches the children how to love and protect life. It provides space for children’s bravery and heroism following examples of biblical heroes.

Our collaborative experiences…

In the beginning we fell in love with stories of the famous hero called Noah. (see here) He saved a pair of animals of every kind and so we went to the ZOO to see the animals and we organized an international meeting – children, teachers and parents in 2 buses and 8 cars. (see here) The week before the meeting we had been sending each other postcards, exchanging emails, chatting, engaging in videoconferences and giving presents to one another. (see here) And soon came Christmas and so we made our own model Bethlehem (see here) and gave presents to animals too. (see here) We went to see an international dog exposition (see here). Following this we made an exposition of our own dogs (see here). We conversed with people who help animals (see here), live with them and need them (see here). We found a farm with present-day Noah who saves animals (see here). We helped newborn animals into this world (see here) and we looked for milk, the potion of life (see here).

But the most beautiful moment of all was a big meeting of Slovaks and Czechs, where 120 of us came together so it looked almost like a big wedding (see here).

 

 

What surprised us..

We were really pleased by the fact that everyone liked our project, not only the children. The children attempted to accomplish great deeds (see one here). All the children bought pets and so eventually, in the project, there were several hamsters, turtles, mice, rabbits, cats, dogs, birds and even a snake. As it unfortunately happens in life a dog, turtle, mouse and hamster died so there was a lot of grieving and 4 sad funerals with made up prayers and lots of dreaming about the pet heaven where the souls of our pets find rest.

And once again the parents charmed us by engaging in lots of crazy activities just to make the kids happy and give them many nice experiences to last a lifetime. This way the entire school year turned out to be really beautiful and full of entertainment. For all of us it meant the confirmation of our belief that there is still good in people and that it’s worth helping them to bring it out to the light of this world. After the year our hearts grew a little bigger.