We are pleased to announce that our SZŠ Jolly HOME SCHOOL has joined the international Erasmus+ project titled “Citizen of the World.” Together with colleagues from Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, we explore and analyze how the 8 key competencies, defined by the European Union in 2018, are naturally applied in Montessori education at primary schools. Our goal is to create a methodological guide for teachers that will help them integrate these competencies into teaching and thereby strengthen lifelong learning among our students.
What are these key competencies?
The European Union has defined these competencies as essential for personal development, a healthy lifestyle, employability, active citizenship, and social inclusion:
- Literacy
- Multilingual competence
- Mathematical competence and competence in science, technology, and engineering
- Digital competence
- Personal and social development and learning to learn
- Active citizenship
- Entrepreneurship
- Cultural awareness and expression
Through concrete examples from our Montessori classrooms, we will show how these competencies are integrated into the curriculum. Our goal is to demonstrate that these skills are essential not only for success at school but also for fulfilling personal potential and living a sustainable life.
In-person meetings and school visits
A unique part of this program is also in-person meetings, which allow us to exchange experiences directly and enrich our educational practices. In January 2024, we had the opportunity to visit and work on the project at the Montessori Institute Prague, where we exchanged valuable insights with colleagues from this prestigious institution. We also visited the Private Andílek Schools in Prague and their beautiful farm for the adolescent program, where we were inspired by their approach to outdoor education.
In return, at the end of October 2024, we were proud to welcome our partners to Slovakia. We introduced them to our school premises, the new building under development, and our Jolly Farm, where our adolescent program Production & Exchange takes place. Project meetings were also held at Monte Plus, our Montessori training center in Slovakia, where we presented our methodologies and discussed approaches to developing competencies in Montessori classrooms.
These meetings are highly valuable for us, as they allow not only the exchange of professional experience but also the building of deeper relationships, a better understanding of diverse approaches, and mutual inspiration. Personal experiences from visiting schools and training centers help us strengthen our educational methods and enrich the learning environment we provide to our students.
Online webinars for parents, teachers, and professionals
To engage a broader community of Montessori teachers, parents, and other professionals, we have prepared a series of free online webinars. So far, the following webinars have taken place:
- September 23 – Introductory webinar with renowned AMI trainer Kyla Morenz on the topic of the 8 key EU competencies in the Montessori education program.
- October 28 – Webinar led by AMI trainer Madlena Ulrich, focused on literacy development and its role in Montessori education.
Upcoming November webinar
On November 26, another webinar will take place, focusing on mathematics, science, technology, and engineering. Led by Veronika Kánová from the Monte PLUS training center, we will explore how these competencies naturally integrate into Montessori education. We will present practical activities that help children develop logical thinking, explore the world around them, and understand its technical and scientific aspects.
As part of the “Citizen of the World” project, we will share the outcomes of our work and present each key competency in detail through international online discussions. This project offers a great opportunity for collaboration and exchange of experience among Montessori communities across Europe, and we are proud to be part of it.
