From 20 to 22 April 2026, a meeing and workshops for pre-school and primary school teachers within the framework of the international project “Teacher Academy for Multilingual Preschools: A Path Towards Equal Opportunities” (TAPPEO) were held in Hamar, Norway. The event was attended by three representatives of Daugavpils University: Dr. Mārīte Kravale-Pauliņa and Dr. Diāna Ozola, as well as DU student and primary school teacher Sulamīte Tovija Rasnače.

The TAPPEO project is based on the idea of ​​languages ​​as bridges, not barriers, promoting the creation of inclusive and plurilingual educational environment from an early age. The project aims to develop teachers’ skills by offering innovative approaches to language learning in pre-school and primary education, with a particular focus on English language learning for children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The project brought together participants from Spain, Italy, Norway, Turkey, Finland, Greece, Romania, Ireland and Latvia, which facilitated intercultural cooperation and exchange of experiences.

The event was hosted by Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences in Hamar. During the visit, the participants attended lectures, seminars and practical workshops dedicated to the promotion of plurilingualism, language development, and cognitive skills. Special thanks to Associate Professor Cato Tandberg, Dean Gunhild Tomter Alstad and Associate Professor Pauline Book for their warm welcome, hospitality and sharing of professional experiences.

During the meeting, it was proposed to study and improve modern teaching methods, including the CLIL approach, the principles of innovative learning and inclusive pedagogy, as well as the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence in the development of children’s communication skills. The program included both a theoretical insight into the basic concepts of plurilingualism and practical examples of how various activities can contribute to the development of children’s language skills and thinking. During the seminar, participants also learned about the experiences of other countries and examples of good practice in developing children’s language skills ​​in a plurilingual social environment.

The meeting also included a short tour to Flekkenga Nature and Farm Preschool, where participants observed the learning process in a natural environment. This experience provided insight into alternative educational approaches, where hands-on activities, outdoor learning, and developing children’s independence are essential.

Participation in TAPPEO project workshops broadened professional horizons, strengthened international cooperation and increased confidence in various aspects of improving communicative skills. The next meeting for project coordinators and teachers is planned for June 2026 in Finland.

Follow the TAPPEO project news and events on: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16025060/ and www.tappeo.eu

More about the project:
Dr. Mārīte Kravale-Pauliņa
TAPPEO Project Coordinator, Leading Researcher
marite.kravale@du.lv

Title: “Teacher Academy for Plurilingual preschools. A path towards equal opportunities” (TAPPEO) AGREEMENT NUMBER 101196622, TAPPEO – ERASMUS-EDU-2024-PEX-TEACH-ACA