Since 2013, Palacký University in Olomouc, represented by Iva Klimešová and Julie Wittmannová from the Faculty of Physical Culture, has been actively involved in Erasmus+ projects focused on sharing best practices in education among partners in the European Union. The main coordinator of these projects is the University of Gloucestershire in England, in collaboration with the educational English institution Play Learning Life. Alongside the Czech Republic, educational institutions from Hungary, Poland, Austria, and Slovakia are also partners in these projects.
Currently, the third European project from this affiliation is being implemented, named PAPPUS (Plants And Play Producing Universal Skills, 2017–2022). PAPPUS builds upon previous projects led by the same team – VIPER (Volunteers in Play – Employment Routes, 2013–2015) and CAPS (Children’s Access to Play in Schools, 2017–2020). In addition to Iva Klimešová and Julie Wittmannová, Jana Hoffmannová, Aleš Jakubec, Luděk Šebek, and Zuzana Xaverová (now Gonosová) from the Faculty of Physical Culture have also contributed to these projects in the Czech Republic.
The goal of the current PAPPUS project is to transfer and adapt an English educational course that utilizes playful pedagogy methods. This includes playful gardening and botany, which can help develop various skills and competencies for children’s future lives, foster a love for nature, and promote its conservation. The planned educational courses focus on fostering creativity, self-sufficiency, and responsibility in children. The majority of the teaching activities take place outdoors, thereby increasing children’s physical activity in a non-coercive manner. Additionally, it is believed that spending time in „green spaces“ has positive effects on children’s mental health.
The project was presented in 2020 at the International Scientific Conference on Movement and Experience in a Multidisciplinary Approach in Prague. During the first phase of the project, the British teaching model was adapted to the conditions of partner countries through national adaptation plans, and work began on preparing training materials. To implement the adapted model in the Czech environment, an existing best practice example from a pilot school involved in the previous CAPS project (Svatoplukova Elementary and Nursery School in Olomouc) and the experiences of the educational movement leaders „Učíme se venku“ will be utilized.
The project leaders are currently facing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, as most planned activities have had to be shifted to an online format. The preparation of educational courses for educators must now consider three possible implementation variants – in-person contact, online-only education, or a combined form.
Currently, the preparation of educational materials and their language mutations for the involved countries is underway. The grant affiliation for this project is Erasmus+, KA2 – Cooperation for Innovation and the Exchange of Good Practices, KA201 – Strategic Partnerships for the Field of Education supporting Innovation, with the project number 2019-1-UK01-KA201-061967 Plants and Play Producing Universal Skills.
In conclusion, the involvement of Palacký University in the PAPPUS project showcases a commitment to innovative and engaging educational practices that promote holistic development and a love for nature among children. The adaptation of playful pedagogy methods from the UK to the Czech context demonstrates a dedication to sharing best practices and fostering a collaborative learning environment across European partners.