SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

1. Activity title: A small light – the start of the journey

2. Target group

• Pupils in years 1-5 of primary school (adaptable for pre-school).
• Estimated duration: 1 to 2 school hours

3. Form of work

Classroom work, individual work, group activity, discussion

4. Didactic starting points

The activity is based on experiential learning, symbolic storytelling, and a holistic approach that connects emotional experience, artistic expression, and movement.

5. Learning objectives

• Developing concentration and listening skills
• encouraging imagination
• Strengthen the sense of belonging
• Collaboration in a group
• Understanding the symbol of light as the beginning of change
• Awareness of one's own power and influence over change

6. Accessories

• moder karton ali bel risalni list
• Blue colour
• crayons
• yellow or gold tempera
• Toothbrush or paintbrush
• silver felt-tip pen

7. Course of Activities

The teacher reads the first page and leads a discussion about what was read. 

Interview questions

• Who do you think that little lamp was?
• Where did she come from?
• Why do you think she came?
• Light/lamp

8. Art activity: Let's light up the sky

Objective To artistically depict the birth of light as a symbol of the beginning of the path to values.

Flow:

• The pupils close their eyes for a short while and listen to a guided visualisation (above us is a blue night sky, full of stars, everything is completely silent, when suddenly a tiny little light appears from nowhere, leaving a trail behind it...).
• The list is painted dark blue (if it is white).
• Using a rusty or golden colour, they create a small light/star and a trail that it leaves behind.
• Using a toothbrush, white and yellow dots, representing stars, are sprayed onto the leaf.

9. Movement activity: Light switch

(The activity can be carried out in the classroom, in the gym or outdoors; it can be accompanied by calm music)

Objective Bodily experience of the transition from darkness to light and the meaning of community, mindful movement, calming.

Flow:

• The pupils are crouching, heads bowed, eyes closed (darkness).
• When the teacher calls their name, the student slowly stands up and stretches.
• Other pupils are later joined by others, whom the teacher calls.
• When everyone is awake, they move slowly around the room, as if they were fairy lights or little stars; they can dance.
• In the end, they join into a circle and hold hands.
• They are arranged on the floor in a circle, ready for the final reflection.

10. Conclusion and reflection

Final thought: »Even a small light can start a big change.«

Pupils reflect and share their opinions on what change they can initiate – in the classroom, among friends, in the family, in the world. We guide the conversation towards the fact that each of us has the power to make a change, and no one is too small to start a change.

Primary School Piran