Duration: 5 Training Days
Target group: Preschool and early childhood educators
Main focus: Inclusion, play-based learning, non-formal education, creative teaching methods
Course Objectives
Participants will:
• Understand how play supports inclusion and participation in early childhood
• Develop practical inclusive teaching strategies using games and creative arts
• Design gamified lessons adapted to mixed-ability groups
• Learn to use drama, puppet theatre and shadow theatre as inclusive tools
• Improve classroom climate and group cohesion
• Develop lesson plans and inclusive activity toolkits
Methodology
The course uses experiential learning combining practice, reflection and transfer into participants’ teaching context through cooperative work, role play and creative workshops. The learning process integrates active participation and “learning by doing”, which are core principles of non-formal inclusive training approaches. (Edu2grow)
Daily Programme
DAY 1 – Building Safe Learning Communities Through Play
Module: Intercultural Learning, Team Building and Inclusive Play Foundations
Learning Focus
Understanding inclusion in early childhood and building trust inside multicultural learning environments.
Activities
• Course introduction and expectations mapping
• Ice-breaking and team building games based on movement, rhythm and cooperation
• Intercultural learning workshop:
- “My childhood games” sharing activity
- Cultural diversity through traditional children’s games
• Role play activity: - “Inside the Child’s Perspective” – experiencing inclusion and exclusion situations
• Group reflection session: - Understanding diversity and belonging in early childhood groups
Practical Output
Participants design an inclusive team-building game adapted for preschool children.
DAY 2 – Role Play and Drama as Tools for Inclusion
Module: Playful Drama and Emotional Expression in Early Education
Learning Focus
Using role play and drama techniques to support emotional development, empathy and participation.
Activities
• Introduction to drama-based pedagogy in early childhood
• Role play workshop:
- Creating inclusive classroom scenarios
- Supporting children with behavioural or communication challenges
• Cooperative storytelling activities
• Drama circle: “Problem-solving through play”
• Designing short role play activities for classroom inclusion
Practical Output
Participants create and present a role play activity addressing inclusive classroom situations.
DAY 3 – Puppet Theatre and Shadow Theatre for Inclusive Communication
Module: Creative Storytelling and Visual Expression
Learning Focus
Using theatre-based learning methods to support communication, imagination and participation of children with different learning styles.
Activities
• Puppet theatre introduction and demonstration
• Workshop:
- Creating simple puppets from recycled materials
- Designing inclusive storytelling scripts
• Shadow theatre workshop: - Understanding light, movement and symbolism
- Creating shadow theatre stories about diversity and belonging
• Group performance rehearsal and presentation
Practical Output
Participants create a puppet or shadow theatre activity addressing inclusion themes.
DAY 4 – Gamification in Early Childhood Inclusive Education
Module: Designing Play-Based Learning Experiences
Learning Focus
Using gamification to increase engagement, motivation and participation for children with diverse learning needs.
Activities
• Introduction to gamification principles in early education
• Workshop: Designing inclusive game mechanics
- Reward systems
- Collaborative missions
- Flexible learning paths
• Creating inclusive gamified lesson plans
• Digital and analogue game tools for early childhood education
• Peer feedback and lesson improvement session
Practical Output
Participants design a gamified lesson including inclusive learning objectives.
DAY 5 – Evaluation, Reflection and Transfer to Teaching Practice
Module: Impact Assessment and Learning Recognition
Learning Focus
Evaluating learning outcomes and transferring knowledge into classroom practice.
Activities
• Reflection workshop:
- Personal and professional learning outcomes
• Group discussion: - Adapting activities for different cultural and educational contexts
• Development of personal implementation action plans
• Final collaborative project presentation
• Course evaluation session
• Certification ceremony
• Europass Mobility documentation and recognition of learning outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
• Apply play-based inclusive teaching strategies
• Use drama, role play, puppet theatre and shadow theatre in education
• Design gamified inclusive lessons
• Improve classroom participation and emotional safety
• Develop inclusive learning environments
• Adapt activities for children with diverse needs
Follow-Up and Dissemination Activities
Participants will:
• Implement at least three inclusive play-based activities
• Share methodologies within their institutions
• Develop inclusive teaching toolkits
• Contribute to intercultural educational exchange
Pedagoplus 