Play, dialogue and creativity for the acquisition of basic skills

Basic skills – literacy in reading, mathematics and science – form the foundation for more complex ideas. The following Erasmus+ projects provide examples that apply games and gamification, dialogue and argument, and creativity to strengthen education in basic skills at all levels, from early learning through secondary education.

Play and dialogue enrich reading acquisition

A lack of reading skills in primary pupils limits attainment in general and is directly linked with later dropout rates among children with special needs and with minorities. The EITA-winning Learn and Play project targets the reading literacy barrier in early childhood education. The target groups include ethnic minorities in Bulgaria and Turkey, migrants and refugees in Ireland and Spain, and children with special needs in all project countries.

The project produced:

• a multilingual interactive learning space for teachers, parents and pupils;
• a reading program for children aged 4–10 whose mother tongue is different from the language of instruction;
• a guide to assessment in early childhood for teachers and other professionals.

The Learn THEN Play project encourages families to use children’s desire for online playtime as a motivational tool to boost performance, as well as creating a framework for cooperation with teachers.

It has created a mathematics and reading comprehension curriculum based on the PISA survey, a digital platform and homework checking app, and methodological user guides to improve collaboration between teachers and families.

The DiaLog project approaches written argumentation as a fundamental skill, especially as applied to the discussion of climate change science. Teaching modules were implemented in all participant countries to evaluate and enhance argumentation skills, with consideration for different linguistic abilities. It produced teaching modules, diagnostic tools, reflection instruments, radio papers and a handbook (available in German).

Creativity deepens mathematics and science learning

Science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) skills are not sufficiently well developed in many European countries. Imaginative interdisciplinary activities can link mathematics to other subjects, thereby fostering critical and analytical thinking, creativity and independence, and strengthening digital skills.

The main goal of the STEAM Model project is to create a multifaceted approach through the lens of the circular economy. To implement the model, the project partners focused on the responsible use and rational control of resources and eventually produced research, events, games and informational media.  

Pre-mathematical skills are necessary for the successful mastery of mathematics and other subjects, especially in STEAM, and need to be developed at preschool age. This need then extends to designing and implementing activities that develop these skills in lower primary education.

The InAMath project created to develop pupils’ math, science and digital literacy skills has produced teaching scenarios for elementary schools in English, Croatian, Serbian and Slovenian that combine mathematics and other sciences in interesting ways, as well as an e-course, Interdisciplinary Approach to Mathematics Education.

The Difficult topics in good fun project sought to improve the organisational and logical thinking skills of 5–6-year-olds and introduce children to the world of STEAM in an attractive way; it produced materials that can be used to organise learning activities and games that foster linguistic, mathematical, logical thinking and creativity.