There are more and more "alternative" schools, even in Italy, starting from primary school. But what are the differences?
There are just a few days left for the beginning of the school year and of the more than 8 million students ready to return to school, almost 3 million will attend primary school. Yes, but which one?
Today in Italy the school offer is more and more varied and from elementary school it is possible to choose between different pedagogical paths. From famous educational method of Maria Montessori up to the new Scuola del Bosco, inspired by the homonymous kindergarten born in Denmark.
For several years, however, there have been realities in our country that are different from traditional schools. More and more parents are choosing non-traditional methods because today children, digital natives, cannot be compared to those of half a century ago. The new generations are extremely intelligent, particularly sensitive and teaching methods should adapt to this evolution.
Art is the common thread of the Steinerian method
Silvia, 38, teaches at the free primary school Rudolf Steiner of Milan. Fifth grade teacher, she teaches Italian, history, geography, mathematics, science, art.
This primary school is characterized by the Steiner pedagogy. It is based on a broad vision of man, Anthroposophy. The teaching method involves three spheres: feeling, flying, thinking. Art connotes the entire scholastic path. From the first class, children paint, model, play, sing, act. Furthermore, the elementary-middle studies cycle is unique and lasts eight years with the same teacher.
Silvia recognizes herself in this educational method and fully shares the pedagogical ideal.
Graduated in Modern Literature, later she became interested in the developmental age by enrolling in the three-year seminar to teach in this institute.
A primary school where learning starts from experience
Sabrina, 27, teaches at the School of the Sea and the Woods in Ostia Antica. It is a primary school born in collaboration between the Manes Association and the Amendola-Guttuso institute.
The peculiarity of this institute is the daily and constant relationship with nature. The program of the days includes activities such as gardening, painting, meeting the farm animals and various types of workshops.
Sabrina grew up in close contact with nature, in the hills of Umbria and with the opportunity to deal with various educational methods, from Waldorf pedagogy to experiential learning.
Thanks to the Montessori method, children's times are respected
Sara, 42, teaches Italian, mathematics, science, history and geography at primary school Milan Children's House. It is a real "home" that welcomes the child and offers him an environment where he can move freely and in full autonomy, according to the principles of Montessori method. Children use many wooden objects that allow them to learn through the use of their hands. Exercise booklets are often tailor-made by the teachers. The goal is to respect the times and interests of each child.
Sara has chosen to teach at this primary school because here she can put the children first. During free work, they decide which activity to do and with which materials.
