As children’s play disappears from neighborhoods, it must be recreated in kindergartens. Narrative play is a novel concept in Lithuania and internationally. It is an innovative method of early education described by scientists, focusing on creating stories and fostering imagination. This involves creating problem scenarios that children and adults solve together. The founder of this kindergarten is Dr. Giedrė Sujetaitė-Volungevičienė. Our kindergarten stands out in Lithuania and abroad for its innovative educational program, which is grounded in the latest research in early childhood education and tailored to suit the needs of young children.
Philosophy of Education
Play-Based Pedagogy
Why is play important?
Childhood research reveals that imaginative play is disappearing, and fewer and fewer children are able to engage in the principles of pretend play. This indicates that essential abilities in children are not being sufficiently developed – creativity, imagination, motivation, abstract thinking, willpower, management of needs, and expectations. Without fundamental personality and social skills, children are not adequately prepared for formal education, such as school.
How do we play?
Books
Children's books are an essential part of our educational program. We look for story plots relevant to children, such as fears, sharing challenges, behavior patterns, etc. The books inspire Narrative play (e.g., we get letters from the characters), and the play in turn inspires new stories and books. Children's literature is our key to a child's consciousness, language, and imagination.
Outdoor Pedagogy
In the natural environment, children's self-regulation, learning motivation, and creativity reveal the best. They start learning activities on their own, initiate problem-solving that we would not see in another environment, and effectively learn the safety of their actions. The experience of field trips proves it every time. Moreover, outdoor pedagogy goes well with narrative play. We cooperate with educators from Scandinavia and the Baltic countries under the Nordplus projects.
Reggio Emilia
Educators inspired by the principles of Reggio Emilia education believe that the child is a powerful learner. Teaching focuses on discovery, exploration, and responding to children's interests. Teachers encourage children to be researchers, discoverers, and co-creators of their own knowledge. We prioritize a close relationship with a child. The task of an adult is sensitive listening, observation, documentation, and reflection.
Kimochis
The Kimochis, Emotional-Social (Character) Curriculum, is an evidence-based, widely accepted, and respected approach to teaching young children how to be respectful, responsible, resilient, compassionate, kind, and courageous. Through playful characters, children learn to understand their own feelings and those of others, thereby helping to mold their character.
