SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

1. Activity title: Class trip

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 the understanding that the path represents our journey of growth, the cultivation of values as a gradual process, in which we will discover them one by one. The purpose of symbols is to create anticipation of what lies behind them, to provide structure, and to make the path visible and understandable.

5. Learning objectives

• understanding the parable of the path
• recognising the meaning of each step on this path
• accepting the fact that in the class/family/community we all go together
• to understand that values are not learned in a single day, but are a path that we choose with each step

6. Accessories

• Large poster
• 5 cut-out symbols (stones, stars, footprints, diamonds – symbols chosen by the teacher/students)
• flomaster
• Glue

7. Course of Activities

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

Interview questions

• Would you go on a journey with Twinkle?
• Where do you think this path leads?
• Do you think the children will succeed in finding the magic and bringing it back to the world?

8. Art Activity: Class Trip

Objective Visually represent/build a path that will accompany the entire reading of the book.

Flow:

• On the poster, we draw a big path.
• Let's prepare 5 symbols (initially empty).
• Let's have a conversation: »What values do you think might be hidden on this path?«
• We discuss with the pupils what values are, which ones they know, which ones are important to them, and which ones are important in the classroom.
• On the prepared five symbols, we write: trust and respect, honesty, mutual help, belonging, moderation. The symbols can be decorated. We hang the poster in the classroom.
• Important: the path remains visible throughout the entire reading of the book/project.
• Option: If we do not carry out physical activity, we will explain the meaning of individual values in an age-appropriate manner.

9. Physical activity: The path of values

Objective To experience the meaning of gradual progress bodily.

Accessories 5 leaves on the floor with values written on them

Flow:

• The leaves are arranged in a straight line as a path.
• The children are going to the colony, slowly.
• At each leaf, they stop and read what is written.
• The teacher asks what this value might mean, without yet giving a definitive explanation. Each student thinks about where this particular value is demonstrated/used in everyday life (e.g. mutual help, when lending a classmate a pencil...).
• They continue their journey to the end.
• Customisation options: instead of walking slowly, they can hop, throw a ball into a “value bin”, hold hands while walking, move in groups, etc.

10. Conclusion and reflection

Final thought: »We walk the path of values together.«

Pupils are considering where different paths of values might lead them. Together we will shape interpretations of values and discuss why they are so important.

Primary School Piran