Testimonial – Job Shadowing in Slovakia

  During my Erasmus+ job shadowing experience at St John Baptist Church Primary and Kindergarten School in Partizánske, Slovakia, I observed how literacy and numeracy were taught through engaging, hands-on methods. Phonological awareness activities were integrated into playful learning, helping students build strong reading foundations while also fostering confidence and social connections. In numeracy, conceptual understanding was prioritised over memorisation, with interactive activities that encouraged students to explore numeracy in a meaningful way. 

Beyond academic skills, the school placed a strong emphasis on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Morning Circles were an essential part of the daily routine, creating a safe space for students to express emotions, build positive relationships, and develop self-regulation strategies. The school also prioritised well-being by providing quiet, calming areas where children could unwind and reflect, as well as using outdoor spaces for activities that promoted emotional, social and academic development. 

It  was particularly insightful to see how SEL was not treated as a separate subject but was woven into daily interactions and classroom activities. Educators played an active role in fostering emotional awareness and resilience, creating a positive and supportive learning environment. This experience has given me practical ideas on how to further promote SEL in my own work as a psychology assistant, ensuring that students feel emotionally supported while developing essential academic and life skills.