We were very excited and eager to
gain new knowledge as we were traveling towards Otona Ivekovića Zagreb Primary
School on November 11, 2019. Pupils awaited us with song and cheer. They were
thrilled to show us what they can, and they transferred the excitement to us as
well. All the activities were well planned and organized.
We were introduced to the Croatian
school system, in particular, how they integrate students with special needs.
Moreover, we met with representatives of City Municipality. They told us about
the inclusion of special needs children in regular classrooms. Positive aspects
of this inclusion were highlighted; for example, how children can attend school
and other activities with their peers.
Special care is dedicated to health
care. During the planned regular medical checkups, the school's doctor is
paying particular attention to physical and mental development and
deviations.
We would also like to see the
inclusion of persons with mental disabilities being included in society. A good
practice example was shown to us at the Dugava Primary School. In one building,
children with disabilities are being schooled and children attending regular
school. Pupils are being taught in smaller groups by a special educator while
respecting their individual needs.
At the Nad lipom Primary School,
their philosophy is to follow individual needs and to develop skills that will
help pupils further in life.
At the Suvag center for children with
hearing difficulties, they follow a holistic approach in diagnostics and
treatment of hearing impairment. Medical specialists, speech therapists, and
other professionals are employed, and the latest technology is at hand.
Further, we visited a faculty, where
students are learning to deal with special needs children. We found it very
positive that students can learn by observing specialists at work and are in
contact from the beginning.
During our field trip, we also
visited the Zagreb Museum of Illusion and the typological museum, and the
Museum of Senses in Split. Several workshops and other activities were
organized, such as Brain Gym and relaxation workshop, where we actively
participated and gained new experiences and knowledge.
.
Our students also actively
participated in under the guidance of their escort Vesna. We chose very
carefully suitable activities for them. The most comfortable they were at
crafts, while activities that demanded exposure and active verbal participation
were not putting them in a comfortable position, also due to language barriers.
They befriended students from Poland.
An individual is being shaped through
culture and language. We had a glimpse at life in Zagreb, discovered its
culture, food, and daily routine. It is without a doubt that we returned
enriched for valuable experience, through which we can grow as professionals as
well. We want to thank the primary school Otona Ivekovića Zagreb for their hospitality
and an invaluable experience.
Members of the Erasmus+ team Slovenia:
Damjana, Lidija, Marija, Tanja, Vesna
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