International learning with Primera.
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At the very beginning of this year, our vision was to offer more diverse and more accessible learning opportunities, so one of the things we have decided to do was to strengthen our work with kindergartens. Last week, a group of 16 pedagogues from Germany visited us for a tailor-made course on early childhood education. 5 different kindergartens in Slovenia, each of them representing their unique strengths, opened the doors for us. Monday morning was reserved for a Kindergarten Dobri Pastir, a private kindergarten located in Ljubljana, that shared with the participants how they cultivate children's skills in visual arts, music, movement, early literacy, a deep connection with nature, and spiritual growth. On Tuesday, the route took us outside Ljubljana, to Poljane above Škofja Loka, to the Kindergarten Agata, a public kindergarten from a more rural area, integrated in the local school and a place where they implement the programme NEON, a systematic and whole approach for the prevention of violence.  Playground at Kindergarten Agata Poljane Day 3, we are back at Ljubljana, visiting Kindergarten Pedenjped, that offers an educational focus on sustainability and forest pedagogy, with which they foster the development of natural movement patterns and enhancement of physical and motor skills
Another special example of good practice was on day 4. Angelin Kindergarten is located within a senior care centre, placing a strong emphasis on intercultural coexistence. While the kindergarten follows Montessori pedagogy, it prioritises meaningful relationships between children and the elderly with the different joint activities. The last day, we have concluded it in the Montessori Centre, a kindergarten that offers a full-day programme with the principles of Montessori pedagogy.  Kindergarten Pedenjped - Pedenjcarstvo Unit What is a tailor-made course? We are not the only ones creating programmes! Besides the open courses that we offer, we respond to your needs as well! Contact us and let us know what you are looking for. We are a course provider waiting for your recommendations to create a programme specifically adjusted to your work environment and project obligations. We can adjust the programme, the hours, the content - you name it, and realise the course for only your group only or open the course to other international participants as well. Two more tailor-made courses will take place until the end of the year at Primera: one on sustainability and the other on entrepreneurship. Further collaboration
Fully intended for kindergarten teachers, we are: 1.) Scheduling a NEW KA1 course in the spring of 2025, focused on cultivating inquiry skills through play and integrating STEM activities into thematic periods - STEM in Early Childhood Education. 2.) Moderating a Facebook group in which you are kindly invited to join.  The Pan-European Conference on Digital Education is an international platform that has gained significant momentum in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This traditional monthly event offers an unparalleled opportunity for educators across Europe to converge, sharing a wealth of teaching methodologies spanning various subjects and educational levels. With more than 300 attendees joining live each session and over 5,000 views on recorded sessions, the conference has become a cornerstone for educators seeking to embrace innovative teaching practices and exchange best practices. The 49th session of the conference will be devoted to teaching sustainability in early childhood education. The session will take place on the 25th of April 2024 from 15:00 to 16:30 CET (Brussesl time). We invite oral or poster presentations to contribute to the conference. Oral presentationsWe warmly invite educators with a passion for sustainability to contribute to our upcoming conference by submitting proposals for oral presentations. Interested educators are invited to submit a brief proposal outlining the focus of their presentation, how it contributes to the teaching sustainability in kindergartens, and what attendees can expect to learn. Submit your proposal by the 15th of April 2024 to the following email address: [email protected]. All submissions will be reviewed by the conference committee, and selected presenters will be notified by email at least two weeks in advance. The chosen presenters will prepare max 15 minutes long presentation presenting their best practice in teaching sustainability to young children. The presenters will receive a Certificate of Oral Presentation. Poster presentationsWould you like to present your teaching sustainability best practice, but you don't want to talk in front of teachers? You can still present and get a Certificate of Poster Presentation. Prepare a Power Point (or some other type) of presentation on sustainability education within kindergarten settings. Upload it to the conference Padlet by the 25th of April 2024. Ensure your file is named with your full name and presentation title for easy identification. Put your email address within the presentation. The poster session presentations will receive a Certificate of Poster Presentation. For the issuing the certificates we will ONLY consider presentations in English directly addressing the topic of teaching sustainability in early childhood education. Please do not upload any theoretical articles. AcknowledgementsOral and poster submissions that stand out for their creativity, impact, and potential for replication will be selected for inclusion in the best practice collection handbook Superhero Lab: Engaging Children as Scientists to Explore Sustainability. We look forward to your proposals and to your contribution towards enriching sustainability education in kindergartens. The programme committee of the 49th session of the Pan-European Conference on Digital Education Dr. Blanka Tacer, Conference Chair E: [email protected]
About the Superhero LabEngaging Children as Scientists to Explore Sustainability
The Superhero Lab project has a twofold objective - to provide young children aged 4-6 with the opportunity to explore sustainability through age-appropriate scientific experiments, and to equip kindergarten teachers with the necessary skills to lead these experiments effectively. The project also aims to foster international collaboration among kindergarten teachers who share an interest in sustainability education through STEM. In the course of 3 years we will share an exciting journey during which we will experience:
In a nutshell, we will make complicated things fun and easy to understand. We will explore how to put children in the active roles of scientific inquisition, experimentation, and critical thinking through the relevant topics of modern society. www.superherolab.eu Dear all. The first month of 2024 has passed in a blink of an eye for us. This year we have decided that at the end every month we do a recap of the previous one, and share with you what's next. They say the past only lives in our memory, however, the effects of our past actions can be experienced in the now. All the shared possibilities from January, they will happen shortly, and we will live them together with (some of) you. We are slowly approaching a new season of educational events. Maybe this is the year when we finally meet in person, or again, to professionally and personally develop, and create connections that last. We have this idea in our mind that 2024 is a year full of learning opportunities and connecting moments, so we are working joyfully towards this. We have introduced THREE NOVELTIES in our work: 1.) A JOB-SHADOWING WEEK (18 - 22 March 2024, Ljubljana, Slovenia) After years of study visits and collaborations with schools, we have decided to further facilitate international teachers’ collaboration. The work of schools in our network is of a high quality which offers you the experience you deserve, and at the same time large enough to grasp the reality of what it means to teach in a Slovenian school. The important aspect of the programme is that we follow our value of co-creating the programme together with our participants' needs and requirements, therefore we will assign everyone to the most appropriate organisation, based on your expressed interest. 2.) A NEW COURSE LOCATION AND A NEW COURSE TOPIC We have realised that many of you are satisfied with the way we run our courses (thank you!) and they you would like to come back to take another course. So we decided to give you more options in regard to the location, as well as the topics which we try to be up-to-date with. The new course location we are offering is VIENNA, but we are preparing two more, which will be revealed in February. The new course topic is Erasmus+ Incubator. While being a support to schools through organised networking events and our comprehensive handbook with valuable tips and tricks to elevate the quality of Erasmus+ projects, we still realised there is a huge need to facilitate the connections between schools and for guidance and expertise when writing projects. So, here it is: a comprehensive program aimed at empowering schools to navigate the journey of Erasmus+ projects with confidence and proficiency, from drafting to dissemination, with important focus on technology and its efficient use during this process. A different structure allows us for a larger event that the usual implementation of our KA1 courses (which are full when 16 people apply), expecting a large group of teachers and many possibilities that come with that. (If you are not able to make it on "Vienna date", we have another confirmed session in Ljubljana, 15 - 20 July 2024).  Additionally, we continue running our regular KA1 Erasmus+ courses, which are bringing us a season already pretty full with the confirmed ones as well us some tailor-made for closed groups and adjusted programme.
While the future is really only in our imagination, as we said, what we do not will create the future moment to be experienced as the present. So we would like to exercise the ability of adjusting and expanding our offer with you and for you. The 2024 - 2025 needs survey is still on-going and we are inviting you to share your opinions with us. And let's conclude this blog with a glimpse in the future. February will be the month of: - sharing our tips and advice for a successful KA1 project applications - the reveal of two new, additional course locations - the presentation of the result from the 2024 - 2025 needs survey Wishing you a pleasant day, all the best from Primera Group. 
Navigating the world of Erasmus+ applications can feel like venturing into a labyrinth, full of complex terminologies and critical decision points. It's easy to get overwhelmed and even lost. However, having a practical guide can make all the difference.
At Primera, we are excited to announce our latest release – "Erasmus+ KA1: Practical Tips for Creating High Quality Applications" – a comprehensive Handbook designed to help Erasmus+ coordinators take their project applications to the next level. Drawing from a decade of experience as an Erasmus+ course provider and our interactions with national agencies across Europe, we've distilled the wisdom we've acquired into this user-friendly guide. The Handbook is packed with practical tips, carefully explaining everything from distinguishing between different impact indicators and learning outcomes to asking the right questions when drafting your Erasmus+ plan. Why did we create this Handbook? We wanted to answer the burning questions many schools have. A lot of dedicated coordinators find it tough to turn their brilliant project ideas into clear and convincing Erasmus+ applications. They may find it tricky to explain their projects, understand the Erasmus+ terminology, or set out clear plans for their project's impact. It's all based on real-life examples we've come across in our work. Key topics included:
But our Handbook is more than just a guide - it’s an invitation! We invite you to consider Primera courses when you're planning your mobility projects. Our aim is to enhance your project quality and give your participants an enriching learning experience. Beyond that, we encourage you to join our vibrant communities:
Embarking on an Erasmus+ journey is not about racing to the finish line; it’s about learning, evolving, and making an impact along the way. And we’re here to support you in your ambitious efforts.  The Erasmus+ programme has long been a valuable opportunity for educational institutions to foster international collaboration and provide enriching experiences for students and staff. Erasmus coordinators play a vital role in organizing these mobilities, ensuring a smooth and successful exchange. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is the timing of these mobilities in relation to the tourist season. The Price Dilemma Picture this: Imagine a coordinator who meticulously planned an Erasmus mobility, putting countless hours into selecting the perfect destination, arranging academic activities, and coordinating with partner institutions. However, upon finalizing the accommodation, they were startled to find that the hotel price far exceeded their budget. What went wrong? The coordinator failed to consider the impact of the high tourist season on hotel rates, resulting in unforeseen financial strain. This scenario is not uncommon, especially when mobilities are planned last-minute and coincide with the peak tourist season. Planning in Advance The key to avoiding inflated prices lies in planning well in advance. By proactively selecting dates during the low touristic season, Erasmus coordinators can take advantage of reduced prices and secure the best accommodation options within their budget constraints. This approach requires a thorough understanding of both the academic calendar and the tourist seasons of the destination cities. Optimal Timing for Primera Courses Popular Destinations To assist Erasmus coordinators in their planning efforts, we provide insights into the low touristic seasons for several popular Erasmus+ destinations in which we deliver courses: Ljubljana, Slovenia: between November and February Vienna, Austria: from January to February Limerick, Ireland: from November to February Estepona, Spain: from November to February Warsaw, Poland: from November to March Split, Croatia: from November to March Udine, Italy: from November to February Check our courses calendar to plan your teachers and staff mobility wisely.
Erasmus+ coordinators hold the key to successful mobilities, and by strategically planning them during the low touristic season, they can ensure a more cost-effective and immersive experience for participants. Considering the low tourist seasons in Primera’s destinations such as Ljubljana, Vienna, Estepona, Warsaw, Split, Limerick, and Udine can help coordinators optimize their budgets and provide teachers with a more authentic cultural exchange. Timing is not just a mere detail; it is a strategic decision that can make or break an Erasmus+ mobility.
Dear teachers, our colleagues, our friends and future participants! The ending of the school year is approaching soon, so we imagine this must be a busy time for you. Here at Primera we have successfully concluded our spring season of courses but are at the same time already looking forward to next 4 confirmed session planned in Ljubljana, Slovenia. 1.) Peer Coaching, 3 - 8 July 2.) Developing Effective Communication Skills, 10 - 15 July 3.) Stress Management, 7 - 12 August 4.) Digital Literacy, Internet Safety and Social Media, 21 - 26 August These summer months might be a perfect time to indulge into a professional development experience with international teachers while exploring a new country and its culture. At Primera, our primary focus is on quality content. We value your sincere commitment to your students, your colleagues and your personal and professional development, which you show us again and again during the courses or Pan-European Conferences. We understand it is important to you to return to the classroom with new practical methodologies that can be instantly applied and used. Valuing your co-creative contribution we always adapt the content of the course to your interest, work background, expectations and challenges. DO YOU WANT TO JOIN? Expressing your interest by filling a FREE PRE-REGISTRATION FORM will helps us start planning our time together. After that you can expect an email from us with additional information that will guide you in the process of joining a course, travelling to Slovenia and arranging all the things that go with it. For more details about our teacher trainings, you can always visit the PRACTICAL INFORMATION site or simply drop us a message to [email protected] BESIDES MY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, WHY SHOULD I VISIT LJUBLJANA DURING MY SUMMER VACATIONS? Ljubljana, with its constant dedication to sustainability, is one of the greenest capital cities in Europe with an outstanding number of green areas per inhabitant. A bicycle friendly city is located right in the middle of Slovenia which makes it a perfect starting point to visit many of the Slovenia's highlights. In just an hour or so drive, you can visit: 1.) SLOVENIA'S COASTLINE, bordering Croatia and Italy. 2.) LAKE BLED and BOHINJ - our natural lakes in the Alpine region and its surroundings. 3.) RIVER SOČA VALLEY and the nearby JULIAN ALPS. 4.) VELIKA PLANINA and KAMNIK-SAVINJA ALPS. We hope to meet you. Until then - all the best.
Yours, Primera Dear all! We are happy to announce our confirmed May sessions and to kindly invite you to join us at our evidence-based and practice driven courses in the scope of Erasmus+ KA1 Mobility for Teachers and Staff! 1.) Yes, I Can: Special Needs Students and Inclusive Education, 15 - 20 May, Ljubljana 2.) ICT in My Classroom, 22 - 27 May, Ljubljana 3.) Developing Emotional Intelligence, 22 - 27 May, Ljubljana Don't know what KA1 Erasmus+ programme is? Check here: Erasmus+ Funding Here you can find some general information on what you can expect at our courses. For more details visit the course description (see above) or drop us an email: [email protected]. ABOUT OUR COURSES
After that you can expect an email from us with an info booklet that contains more details on: - travelling to Slovenia - our classrooms' location and accommodation option - required documents - Mentimeter questions and some basic schedule info
Feel free to ask us any questions or address any doubt that you might have. At least two weeks before the start of the course we send the last version of the programme to the participants, and then all we have to do is wait and meet at the course! Kindly invited, Primera Group.  Free-of-charge monthly event attended by hundreds of teachers across Europe. Time: 20th of April 2023 from 15:00 to 16:30 Central European Time Location: Live streaming on Facebook page Erasmus+ Courses by Primera and YouTube channel Erasmus by Primera. We issue certificates based on your activity: Certificate of Oral Presentation is available for conference presenters, Certificate of Attendance is available to listeners upon the request. A group of people can come together, but it takes teamwork to make a dream work. 3 years of the Pan-EU Conference on Digital Education! Thanks to all the presenters and participants our learning community lives vividly and productively. In addition to the conference, we are also inviting you to join the confirmed Erasmus+ courses delivered by the Primera team:
 Free-of-charge monthly event attended by hundreds of teachers across Europe. Time: 30th of March 2023 from 15:00 to 16:30 Central European Time Location: Live streaming on Facebook page Erasmus+ Courses by Primera and YouTube channel Erasmus by Primera. We issue certificates based on your activity: Certificate of Oral Presentation is available for conference presenters, Certificate of Attendance is available to listeners upon the request. Agenda: Connected Learning - Implementing International and Intercultural Online Student Collaboration, Focused on 21st Century Skills Beata Mirecka-Jakubowska, International Education Consulting Group Katarzyna Pelc, III Secondary school of C. K. Norwid with Integration Branches in Kielce Differentiation in Introducing New Concepts Ivana Miletić, Prirodoslovna škola Split The Power of Engagement in English Classes Nina Klemen Blatnik, OŠ Mengeš Education Online Without Borders Alina Chelaru, Scoala Gimn. Prof. Ion Vișoiu We are grateful to all the teachers who contribute to the Pan-European Conference on Digital Education community. A community is a family you choose.
The Covid era pushed us more into the Erasmus+ KA2 projects. As a result we have been able to develop new Erasmus+ courses driven by international cooperation among European countries. Check them out. We will be happy to host you:
 Time: 14 - 15 February 2023 Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia at the Biotechnical Educational Centre, Ižanska street 10 >>>Google map. Live event, on-site, no recordings. After a very successful first growth mindset international event in Slovenia we are organizing the 2nd International Positive Education Marathon. The event is free-of-charge. However, the participants have to cover their travelling and accommodation costs. The participants are allowed to use the Erasmus+ KA1 funds in case they have it, or any other source of funding the accommodation and travelling expenses. Top reasons to come to Slovenia and attend the 2nd International Positive Education Marathon:
We have places for 100 participants. Welcome to apply - because every Teacher is also a Learner!
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LINKSPrimera's practical handbook for writing high quality Erasmus+ mobility projects.
Pan-European Conference on Digital Education Facebook Community. Primera's FB page. Work with us on Erasmus+ KA2 projects: STEP Institute. |
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