READING ALOUD Methods in European Kindergartens and Preschools

Enhance vocabulary, cognitive development, and social-emotional skills in preschool children through a combination of reading aloud methods.

Erasmus+ course summary
This international blended learning course focuses on effective reading aloud methods in kindergartens and preschools across Europe, with a special emphasis on supporting vocabulary growth, cognitive development, and fostering social relationships among children. Early childhood educators from various European countries will come together to share, explore, and implement innovative and research-based reading aloud practices. The course is designed to foster peer learning and cross-cultural exchange of best practices, allowing participants to refine their techniques and apply them directly in their work.
The course consists of two parts:

• Part 1 will take place online on the UNESCO International Literacy Day. Participants from the previous session will present their experience with different reading aloud methods they tested. 
• Part 2 will be held in Malmö, Sweden, offering a hands-on, collaborative experience.

​"When reading aloud to children, time seems to stand still, as the magic of stories fills the room and hearts listen without hurry."

International team of trainers: Annika Rickard (SE), Blanka Tacer (SI), and Marie Kniest (SE).

In cooperation with the K&R Education, educational organization from Sweden devoted to tailor-made courses and on-going evaluation.

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Upcoming dates

2025	CITY	STATUS
8 September, from 15:00 to 16:30 CET	online	preparatoy webinar
10 September, from 15:00 to 16:30 CET	online	preparatoy webinar
11 - 13 November	Malmö, SE	confirmed

Status options: 
​open for registration / confirmed / full. ​​​​

Read aloud, grow together - nurture minds and hearts.

Foster a love for reading that creates a lasting, positive impact on children's lives.

Vocabulary

Explore language-rich activities such as pictograms, animation, conversational storytelling.

Cognitive development

Immerse into broader models combining reading aloud with movement and creative expression.

Relationships

Expose children to multilingualism and human needs to build bridges among people.

Course Content

Full Programme

OBJECTIVES

The course aims to equip early childhood educators with diverse reading aloud methods to enhance children's vocabulary, cognitive development, and social-emotional skills. Through peer learning, hands-on workshops, and cross-cultural exchange, participants will explore innovative strategies and apply them in their work. The course fosters international collaboration, deepens understanding of early literacy practices, and promotes the development of inclusive and supportive learning environments.

METHODOLOGY

The course employs a blended learning approach, combining in-person workshops with an online webinar. It emphasizes peer learning, hands-on activities, and reflective discussions. Participants will explore reading aloud methods through practical demonstrations and collaborative exchanges. The course is co-created by participants, encouraging active engagement, experimentation with new techniques, and real-world application in preschool settings to enhance literacy and social development.

PROGRAMME DAY-BY-DAY

PREPARATORY WEBINAR: 8th of September from 15:00 to 16:30 CET, online​
Participants from the previous session of this course will present their experience with the reading aloud methods they adopted after the course.

DAY 1: 11th of November 2025, Malmö, Sweden
World Café on benchmarking European preschool systems: Participants will explore and compare various preschool systems across Europe, discussing how different approaches shape literacy and language development.
Introduction to reading aloud methods: A 15-minute introduction to key concepts in reading aloud, followed by a hands-on workshop. Participants explore how reading aloud impact: 

• Vocabulary growth;
• Cognitive development;
• Relationship-building.

Peer learning and sharing best practices: Each participant presents one reading aloud method they currently use in their work with children. If multiple participants come from the same preschool, they can do the presentation together.
Reflecting on reading aloud across countries: Group discussions will focus on the various reading aloud methods presented, encouraging participants to reflect on differences and commonalities across preschool education in Europe.
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DAY 2: 12th of November 2025, Malmö, Sweden
Reflection session: Participants reflect on the previous day’s discussions and presentations, identifying takeaways for their own practice.
 
Cognitive development through reading aloud: Practicing methods that foster cognitive skills through interactive storytelling:

• Dance a Story: Using movement to bring stories to life.
• Kamishibai: A traditional Japanese method using large illustrated cards to enhance visual storytelling.
• Bornholm Model: A phonological awareness training approach focused on early literacy skills.

Building vocabulary through reading aloud: Participants experience methods that help children expand their vocabulary:

• Talk a Book: Engaging in conversational storytelling to develop language skills.
• Language Bag: A hands-on activity using physical objects to encourage language use and comprehension.
• Babblarna: Using animated characters to teach vocabulary in a playful way.
• Pictograms: Working with visual cues (like pictures of objects) to help children express themselves before they can verbalize their thoughts fully.

Building social relationships through reading aloud
Introduction and experience with methods that enhance social-emotional learning:

• Using digital tools to explore languages: Discover how incorporating digital tools in reading aloud can provide children with early exposure to foreign languages.
• Friendship books: A Swedish series on friendship, focused on important social themes like apologizing, forgiving, sharing, handling jealousy, and making friends.

 
DAY 3: 13th of November 2025, Malmö, Sweden
Study visit: Participants will visit a local kindergarten and observe how Swedish preschool teachers work with reading aloud methods.
Conclusion: Evaluation, certificates and next steps.

* Some changes in the programme are possible - the content of the course is always adapted to the participants previous knowledge, expectations and requirements. 
​The participants receive the Informational Booklet a few weeks prior to the start of the course. ​

ERASMUS+ COURSES BY PRIMERA

Build bridges through stories: Literacy, learning and connection.​

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