Glossary

In Freinet pedagogy, we understand method to mean what the word “la technique” means in French. We have deliberately chosen the term “method” because it is directly aligned with the Freinet pedagogical approach. One example of a method is free writing: it is based on the idea that it is not a rule, but an opportunity to use free space for creative design processes. A contrast to this would be a concrete technique, e.g. the “5-step reading technique”.

Mixed year groups are a Freinet pedagogical form of organization. As the understanding of learning is characterized by a positive attitude towards heterogeneity in the sense of diversity, one can consciously benefit from this in mixed-grade learning groups. In daycare centers and in adult education, mixed year groups are a matter of course. In schools, classes are often mixed in groups of 2 or 3, e.g. a mixture of grades 1-2 and 3-4 as well as grades 5-7 and 8-10. This form of mixing means that the process of puberty is constructively distributed between the younger and older grades, particularly in the case of adolescents. In this way, the learners take responsibility for the younger ones, but can also benefit from the help of the older ones in times of transition.

In many Freinet-oriented places of learning, the day begins with a morning circle, which takes place as a circle of chairs or a sitting circle on the floor. It serves to start the learning group with a common ritual. This offers the participants security and familiarity through the repetitive structure. Only those who feel safe can relax and engage in learning something new. The morning circle marks the threshold for all those present to step out of their other spheres of life and enter into a learning community. The content and specific activities depend on the age and needs of those present. In the morning circle, both the emotional level (e.g: How do I feel today? What do I want to share from my life?) as well as the cognitive level (e.g. news of the day, reading / reading aloud, songs, riddles). The morning circle can play an important role as a steering instrument for the day ahead. For example, the underlying –>weekly plan or a more extensive project plan is concretized on a daily basis.