Võru Kindergarten Okasroosike

Introduction

Võru Kindergarten Okasroosike is a small institution dedicated to providing childcare and foundational education for children aged 1.6 to 7 years. The kindergarten consists of five groups, including a nursery specifically for children between 1.6 and 3 years old. The other four groups are mixed-age, accommodating children from 2 to 7 years old. At Võru Kindergarten Okasroosike, we help and encourage children to embrace their unique personalities and discover their individual strengths. Every child is special, and we believe in nurturing their inherent value. Our environment fosters individual learning, development, and mutual support. The playful, fairy-tale-like setting inspires creativity and supports independent activities in a safe space.

Our Values:

Healthy Lifestyle: We value outdoor activities and ensure children spend ample time in nature.
Traditions: We celebrate various events such as Knowledge Day, St. Michael’s Day fair, the kindergarten’s birthday, Advent mornings, and theatre week. We also have unique traditions like the King’s School for kindergarteners, choosing the best knight, and the final play, “Okasroosike” (Sleeping Beauty).

Our Approach:

Child-Centered Learning: We prioritize the interests and engagement of children in all our activities. Teaching is organized in subgroups, with significant emphasis on child-led play and free play.
Facilitated Learning: Teachers at Okasroosike act as facilitators, supporting the learning process rather than dictating it. They observe, discuss, and engage with children to aid their progress and development.
Project-Based Activities: Our learning activities are organized through long-term projects that explore various subjects, from local surroundings to creative topics like polar bears and jam making. We focus on the learning process rather than just the results.

In the kindergarten there is also a so-called theatre room complete with necessary equipment, a cozy reading corner, and a dining room created for children. Children have the opportunity to participate in various extracurricular activities and can choose from a variety of hobby groups, such as singing, folklore, dancing, art, and football. Additionally, to support preschool children and prepare them for their transition to school, the kindergarten offers a program known as King’s School.

Location

Võru offers a small-town atmosphere with a friendly community. Volunteers can collaborate with the local library and youth center, join hobby groups, attend sports center trainings, or enroll in music school classes. Numerous NGOs provide opportunities for volunteers to organize events and contribute to town charity initiatives. Kindergarten Okasroosike serves as a guide for young people seeking to engage in collaborative projects with diverse organizations across Võru. The town’s natural beauty is enhanced by lush greenery and pristine lakes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Beyond its picturesque surroundings, Võru is steeped in history, evident in its well-preserved wooden architecture and historical landmarks that date back centuries.

Proposed activities

At Võru Kindergarten Okasroosike, teaching activities are thoughtfully planned by teachers with the best interests of the children in mind. Our approach emphasizes child-led play and free play, which are crucial for their development. Children are taught in subgroups to ensure personalized attention and engagement.

We incorporate child-initiative learning into our curriculum to keep children’s interests at the forefront. Teachers act as facilitators, supporting the learning process rather than dictating it. They use observation, discussion, and a deep understanding of each child to foster learning progress and develop individual skills and strengths. Cooperation between teacher and child is essential, focusing on support rather than control.

Learning activities are organized through long-term projects, covering subjects from the children’s immediate environment and surroundings. These projects often include research and art activities on diverse topics, ranging from polar bears to jam making. Our focus is on the learning process rather than the results.

Role of Volunteers: Volunteers at Võru Kindergarten Okasroosike play a vital role in these learning activities. They collaborate with teachers and children to lead projects, contribute ideas, and support the entire project lifecycle. Volunteers switch groups after each project, providing fresh perspectives and continuous support across the kindergarten. Between projects, volunteers work closely with the music teacher.

Daily Routine:

Outdoor Activities: Children spend time outside at least once a day. Sports lessons occur twice a week, with one session held outdoors if weather permits.
Music Lessons: These are conducted twice a week.
Quiet Time: After lunch, younger children nap while older children rest or engage in quiet play.
Meals: The kindergarten provides three meals daily—breakfast, lunch, and a light afternoon meal. Children also receive a vegetable or fruit snack before going outdoors.

Volunteer Tasks:

Assisting kindergarten staff with daily tasks involving children.
Working within specific age groups or supporting various groups based on personal interests and abilities.
Always working under the supervision and guidance of group teachers.
Helping teachers, participating in games or lessons with the children, and preparing materials for activities.
Introducing songs, games, and cultural aspects from their own backgrounds.
Preparing for and participating in festivals or special days (e.g., Christmas, Easter, Independence Day).
Organizing exhibitions about their country or other European countries.

Intercultural Learning: Volunteers are encouraged to contribute to the kindergarten’s intercultural learning environment. This includes preparing festivals, teaching songs and dances, and sharing interesting aspects of their own culture. Volunteers’ contributions enrich the kindergarten experience for both children and staff.

Benefits of volunteering

Become a part of the Võru Kindergarten Okasroosike family and contribute to a nurturing, supportive, and imaginative environment where every child can thrive. Your involvement will make a lasting impact on young minds and create unforgettable experiences for you and the children alike.

Engage with Unique Traditions: Be part of our special events and traditions that make learning exciting and meaningful.
Support and Grow: Work in a collaborative environment where your role as a facilitator helps children flourish.
Creative Environment: Enjoy a dynamic and enchanting setting that stimulates both children’s and volunteers’ creativity.

Profile of the volunteer

Passion for working with young children and a genuine love for their well-being.
Positive attitude and willingness to actively participate in assisting with various tasks.
Openness to new ideas and creativity in approach.
Tolerance and patience when interacting with children who have special needs.

Learning outcomes

Volunteering at the kindergarten Okasroosike provides young volunteers with a transformative experience rich in learning outcomes. By engaging in hands-on pedagogical activities, volunteers gain practical teaching skills and learn to facilitate the learning process, enhancing their ability to organize and manage projects effectively. This role offers cultural and language immersion, improving communication skills and broadening worldviews through daily interactions. Volunteers develop interpersonal and teamwork skills by collaborating with experienced staff and building strong relationships within the community. Personal growth is fostered through increased confidence, patience, and resilience, while creative and critical thinking are enhanced through innovative problem-solving and observational skills. Additionally, this experience contributes to career advancement by enriching resumes with practical experience and a diverse skill set, making volunteers strong candidates for future educational or childcare positions.