In late June 2024, the Erasmus+ FOCUS project team gathered in Vilnius for an important meeting aimed at advancing efforts in language education for children with learning difficulties. The project, which focuses on creating foreign language opportunities for children with unique skills, brought together partners from various countries, both in-person and virtually, to reflect on the progress made and plan the next steps.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
The meeting began with an overview of the project’s progress so far. Over the past several months, the team has successfully conducted the research for the FOCUS in Practice Digital Database, a comprehensive resource designed to help language teachers find the best tools and methods for working with children who have learning challenges. This database is a core element of the project, supporting educators in their efforts to create inclusive and effective learning environments and will be released in the upcoming months.
The team also discussed the results of previous activities, including the development of dissemination materials like newsletters and social media content, as well as the completion of key research efforts. These have laid a strong foundation for the project, ensuring that it continues to build momentum.
What’s Next for the Project?
The focus is now on the next big task: creating Digital Educational Games (DEGs) specifically designed for children aged 6-12 with learning difficulties. These games will help children develop essential skills through engaging and accessible content, and they will be available in multiple languages. The meeting included a discussion on how to structure the games, which will be divided into two parts: skill-building activities and knowledge application.
Partners also reviewed the plans for gathering additional case studies and best practices, which will further enrich the digital database. The idea is to create a resource that is not only informative but also practical, giving teachers concrete tools they can use in their classrooms.
Dissemination and Outreach
One of the meeting’s key discussions was around how to improve the visibility of the project and reach a wider audience. The team has already made strides in this area with active social media accounts and articles published on various platforms. Moving forward, there will be a stronger emphasis on promoting the project’s achievements and sharing updates regularly.
Looking Ahead
As the project continues to evolve, the team is energized and ready to tackle the next stages. Future meetings and collaborations will focus on finalizing the digital resources and preparing for the pilot testing of the educational games. This project holds great promise for making foreign language education more accessible and inclusive for children with unique learning needs.
The Vilnius meeting was a significant step forward, and the project team is excited about the path ahead. With continued collaboration and innovative thinking, FOCUS is set to make a lasting impact on language learning for children with learning difficulties. Stay tuned for more updates as we work together to open new doors for young learners across Europe!
