This diploma thesis presents project of children participation in kindergarten, based on the approach of open-ended problem solving. It is divided into theoretical and empirical part. Theoretical part describes the concept of participation, including dilemmas that occur as a result of children participation. Also, the research results of children participation in Slovenian kindergartens are presented. As participation occurs most of the time in connection with pedagogic concept Reggio Emilia, this concept is presented separately within this diploma thesis. At the end of the first part, the conclusion of the project work is described, based on solving problems of the open type. The empirical part presents the project titled: Zeljko the elf makes wishes come true. The project lasted four weeks within the subject The child in society, during November and December 2012, in Šentvid kindergarten, Sapramiška unit. The children of the group Squirrels, age 5 to 6, and 20 students participated in it.
The purpose of the thesis was to research the use of methods of open ended problem solving, which represents and enables democratic children participation, high level of motivation and creativity. The project evaluation has showed that preschool children are already able to co-decide on important matters that affect their daily lives and learning in kindergarten. Although children initially seem to lack experience, preschool teachers must ensure democratic-oriented activities, as this will encourage their active learning through participation and creativity. The research also showed how important it is to listen to the children and help them make their wishes come true.
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