A-B-C – Shaping Alphabets with Methods of Outdoor and Multisensory Learning

Authors

• Juli-Anna Aerila University of Turku, Finland
• Anne Keskitalo University of Turku, Finland
• Kirsi Urmson Teacher Training School of Rauma, Finland

Keywords:

emergent literacy, outdoor learning, multisensory learning, design research, primary education

Abstract

In this study the development of literacy skills is connected to outdoor learning, visual arts, and the thinking skills method. The study represents design research where the teachers and the researchers actively work together pursuing for more child-centered and motivating pedagogical approaches for learning literacy. The teaching experiment described in this article consists of playing with the shapes of alphabets, creating the forms of alphabets, and trying to find those alphabets in the outdoor environment, and empathizing with imaginary characters living in the immediate surroundings of the school. The methods used in the experiment brought child-centeredness and playfulness to learning. The holistic approach encouraged children to be active and supported their achieving a range of learning goals simultaneously and effectively.