Over the past three years, more than 120 Vilnius educational institutions have already taken advantage of the opportunity to move lessons from classrooms to outdoor classrooms. Since last year, kindergartens have also been able to use funding for outdoor classrooms. Over the past two years, 27 kindergartens and 7 kindergarten-schools will have enjoyed non-traditional learning spaces. A total of 510 thousand euros have been allocated for the installation of outdoor classrooms this year. Kindergartens joined the project last year, so they have the opportunity to build outdoor classrooms, including this year.
"What is really gratifying is the enthusiasm of kindergarten communities. When I visit institutions and see how smartly they use those outdoor classrooms, how children and even parents like to gather there, what interesting exhibitions and lessons are organized there - I am glad that we spare neither time nor money in organizing these competitions. They really pay off," says Vilnius Vice Mayor Donalda Meiželytė.
Outdoor classrooms host kindergarten community celebrations, nature learning lessons, various exhibitions, and parent meetings. These rooms are also used for retreats for children who don't sleep, reading lessons, and activities for children with special needs.
The "Volungė Kindergarten-School" community, which already has the opportunity to organize activities in an outdoor classroom, welcomed the appearance of the dome with joy and, together with the children, chose the name "Thought Bubble" for the dome.
“The symbolic name reflects a place where ideas are born, creativity is spread, and community spirit is strengthened. Education in the dome takes place daily, according to a pre-prepared schedule. About 100-120 children participate in activities here every day. Various project activities, knowledge quizzes, art education, natural sciences, language lessons are held, and for primary school children – integrated English, religion, and ethics lessons, implementing the School without Borders concept,” says Edita Kanivaitė, director of the kindergarten-school, about the new space.
Vilnius kindergarten Jurginėlis uses the outdoor classroom for inspiring STEAM education – in this space, children naturally explore, construct and connect with their environment. Three times a week, creative workshops are held here, where up to 20 children construct and model using LEGO bricks and recycled materials. The outdoor classroom is intensively used for targeted, experiential education in various cognitive areas.
In 2022, funding for the installation of outdoor classrooms was allocated to 35 schools under the Vilnius Municipality, in 2022–2023 – 73, in 2024 – 50 educational institutions, this year funding is being provided for the installation of outdoor classrooms in 36 institutions.
