1) A box of tools...
Early Learning Kiosk: ToolBox items
A tool box for a better environment
Next to the key apps KnowHow and the ChildSteps, the Early Learning Kiosk includes a number of other tools, depending on the countries' needs. Typically this includes a number of official documents like syllabuses or teacher manuals (see picture here or in the viewer at the bottom). However, the following tools are part of the Early Learning Kiosk in all countries and, like the two key apps, have been developed for the Roger Federer Foundation for this purpose.
How to build a playground together
Playgrounds are the extended classroom, allowing many activities which are crucial for early childhood development, but not possible indoor – if the teacher knows how to use the playground. Hints and tips in this regard are part of the Android app "Natural Playground Toolkit" (see picture here or in the viewer at the bottom). The comprehensive manual also includes tools and instructions on how to engage with parents and the community to build and improve playground equipment. A "natural" playground not only uses locally available and environmentally friendly materials, but includes a lot of objects which stimulate the natural playing instinct of young learners (like pebbles, wood chips, sand, etc.).
How to produce learning materials
Classrooms with a lot of teaching and play materials, ideally organized in "corners", allow the teacher to conduct a lot of learning and semi-structured play activities. Often there is a lack of such materials. This was the reason to develop a booklet which shows how to create simple materials from locally available resources and how to make use of them in a pedagogically valuable way (see picture here or in the viewer at the bottom).
How to engage parents in education
Parents often hesitate to take an active role in the education of their young children, seeing the teacher as the professional. A lot can be gained for the early learners, if teachers engage systematically with parents and encourage them to support the teaching with activities at home. Preparing a smooth transition into the first grade of primary school is a particularly important aspect where teachers and parents need to cooperate. A practical manual to support the teacher in this regard is part of the Early Learning Kiosk (see picture here or in the viewer at the bottom).
