Break Out A.E5 Symbolic Literacy: Substitution and Visual Modelling as Central Actions of Learning

*this break out presentation/workshop will be conducted in English

*本分组演讲/研讨会将以英语进行

Speaker(s): Galina Dolya (Key to Learning International)

Topic: A.E5 Symbolic Literacy: Substitution and Visual Modelling as the Central Actions of Learning Activity (the Vygotskian Approach)

Synopsis: What are symbols? Why is understanding symbols important in making one's learning and thinking visible? Why does it matter that a child develops symbolic literacy ?

Through the ages, countless signs and symbols have been invented. They are accompanied by rules to be learned that allow us to use them correctly. The challenge though, does not lie in learning the rules themselves but in understanding what do these symbols mean, what are the hidden realities behind them.

Early Childhood is a flowering age of symbolic activity during which children make the first steps in developing abstract thinking. With substitution and visual modelling, learning and thinking can be made visible when we unlock the hidden realities for the children.

This Vygotskian approach makes it possible to increase substantially the developmental effect of education and its influence on the development of cognitive abilities. It helps children to become independent learners as they begin to plan and organise their own activities, openly express their own point of view, provide creative solutions to various problems, interact freely with other people and - most importantly - believe in themselves and their abilities.

Through this interactive workshop, participants will explore new strategies to develop Symbolic Literacy in children and equip them with the psychological tools (signs, symbols, maps, diagrams, models, plans and above all language) necessary for learning. With these tools, children will be enabled to use them independently and creatively. Come prepared to move, sing, dance and participate as Galina demonstrates the key to unlocking a child's ability to learn.