Contents of Seminar (Momoka)
In Loodusmaja, almost 20 to 30 kindergarten teachers from Tartu gathered for this eco-school seminar. We couldn’t see the whole seminar, but we found that there was a lecture about the easy to understand and eco-friendly way to grow plants. Afterwards each table was divided into two or three people for the experiment. The experiment was simple. Teachers were placing carrot seeds on a sheet of paper at equal intervals and rolling them up. By making and storing them during the winter, we can seed easily and accurately when spring arrives. Since carrot seeds are very small, it is easy to lose sight of them if they are placed directly on the soil and it is difficult to sow them at equal intervals. However, using this method will solve those problems. The glue between the paper and the carrot seeds is a liquid made of flour and water. The paper naturally returns to the soil, and the glue also naturally dissolves. It was truly an environmentally friendly growing method. Handouts were distributed at the seminar, however the teachers also brought their own notebooks and pens, and each took notes on the lectures. In the seminar, teachers stood up freely to get tools and engage in conversation. This atmosphere was quite refreshing for us, as we have an image of a Japanese seminar where all participants sit in chairs and just listen to the lecture. We also felt a big difference between Japan and Estonia in the fact that the children had the opportunity to learn about ecology as early as kindergarten. This seminar told us one of the reasons why Estonia is known to be excellent in education.
Material of Contents (Yu)
The high quality of the Eco-School was evident in the content of the posters and picture books used at the school. There were five posters in total, explaining in detail the current situation expressed in numbers, how to deal with problems, advantages and disadvantages, and future prospects. We felt a high level of awareness of environmental issues. I was particularly interested in the poster on the environmental impact of eating local foods. Since Japan relies on food imports more than other countries, I thought that we could do more in terms of the environment. The picture book was so detailed about the life of the main character, the carrot, and the environment around him that it was hard to believe that it was intended for young children. The detailed explanation of the carrot's journey from seed to soil and the easy-to-understand illustrations showing the connection between the carrot and the surrounding ecosystem. It will enable children to gain a deeper understanding of the environment. It was also very interesting for adults to read. This picture book is used by adults to read to children, but there is an aspect of educating both adults and children. Throughout the entire experience in eco-school, it was a very meaningful experience for us to feel the Estonian educational style in which adults respect children as adults and learn together with them. In Japan, it would be possible to create a more fulfilling environment where adults and children can learn together in kindergartens and at home.
