Raven project, taste bud training, and happiness initiative win Preschool Incentive Awards this year

Reykjavík's School & Recreation Council gives out annual incentive awards for City-run preschools, primary schools, and recreational activities. This marks the 17th annual presentation of awards for outstanding preschool programs.

The Incentive Awards aim to spotlight the vibrant educational activities taking place in the city's preschools.

These awards are designed to provide positive encouragement to staff, while fostering innovation and ongoing development in early childhood education. The awards serve as a badge of honor for recipients, acknowledging exemplary work in children's education and confirming the program's status as a model in its field.

The Raven Project – Brekkuborg

In April 2024, two ravens - named Hrafnkell and Hrafntinna - made Brekkuborg's grounds their home, building a nest in one of the spruce trees on the school property. The coexistence between birds and humans flourished, inspiring an extensive raven-themed project among the children. Children learned about nest-building, raven characteristics, and offspring development while observing the nest on school grounds. Two chicks successfully fledged, and anticipation builds to see if the pair will return to nest again this spring.

The selection committee praised the project as an excellent example of creating an engaging and unexpected learning opportunity for children, staff, and parents. Brekkuborg preschool emphasizes human-nature interaction, community engagement, outdoor education, and environmental respect. This project clearly demonstrates the preschool's commitment to its educational philosophy.

The project was led by Kristín Auður Harðardóttir, assistant preschool director, in collaboration with the preschool staff.

Little Onions, Taste Bud Training – Klettaborg

The project launched alongside a study on picky eating in children aged 0-6 and food-based interventions in preschools. It was initiated to address children's picky eating habits and introduce them to food in a positive and enjoyable manner. A healthy relationship with nutritious food benefits individuals throughout their lives. The project proved both entertaining and educational, capturing the interest of teachers, parents, and children alike. It encouraged everyone to reflect on food choices and approach eating mindfully, while transforming healthy food exploration into an enjoyable experience for children. Simultaneously, the project yielded valuable research data. The initiative required significant effort from teachers, who embraced collaboration and dedicated themselves to its success.

The selection committee noted that a child's early years are crucial for future health and development, with a varied and nutritious diet being fundamental. Challenging eating behaviors, such as picky eating common in young children, are among the obstacles to increasing dietary diversity. There's a lack of long-term studies on growth patterns of children with picky eating habits and the potential long-term effects of food-based interventions on eating habits, food selectivity, and growth patterns. Klettaborg preschool's participation in this project is exemplary.

 

The Happiness Project: Promoting Well-being for Children and Staff - Álftaborg

The project aims to foster happiness and well-being among children and staff. The concept of happiness is explored, including its components, what brings joy, and the emotions associated with it. The International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually with a festive gathering to honor and promote happiness. Strong emphasis is placed on positive and respectful interactions among children and staff, recognizing that healthy communication is key to fostering a positive work environment.

Upon entering the preschool, visitors can sense the staff's job satisfaction, which is most evident in their interactions with the children. School leaders recognize that staff happiness and well-being greatly enhance work with children, so considerable effort is made to ensure staff feel valued and content at the school.

The selection committee noted that the project aligns perfectly with the preschool's established goals. The preschool boasts a stable and exceptional staff, rich in human resources, intrinsic motivation, and professionalism, all infused with joy and compassion. Teachers and other staff members serve as role models, teaching children valuable lessons such as showing respect and setting boundaries. Joy plays a crucial role in fostering a positive environment, promoting the well-being of everyone in the preschool.

Anna Hjördís Ágústsdóttir, the preschool director, has overseen the project.

Play, Learning, and Joy - Gullborg, Grandaborg, Laugasól, and Ægisborg

The project highlights outstanding collaboration between preschools in the capital area and a preschool in Stockholm. This project prioritizes friendship, joy, and learning, emphasizing the integration of play and education for children. The children develop sustainability awareness and social skills, crucial abilities for their post-preschool lives. Understanding friendship and cultivating relationships.

Teachers have stepped out of their comfort zones, examining their role in spontaneous play and engaging in children's activities in diverse ways. Through their involvement, teachers have explored the concept of social sustainability, its manifestation in children's play, and the impact of teacher interaction on these activities. The project has fostered a learning community among participants, providing a platform for teachers to reflect on their practices, experiment in new situations, and engage in valuable group discussions.

Kristín Hildur Ólafsdóttir from the Department of Education & Youth, Anna Magnea Hreinsdóttir from the University of Iceland, and Lilja Jónsdóttir from Ægisborg have supervised the project.