Course Schedule

Core Activities

Day 1:

Introduction to STPM and building connections

Begin with an active introduction to the STPM approach, highlighting Iceland’s innovation in education, sustainability, and technology.   Introduce digital tools for sharing resources.  Explore Iceland’s unique cultural and educational heritage through "The Icelandic Corner" and connect with new European colleagues through engaging ice breaking activities and a relaxed social event.

Day 2:

Exploring STPM methodology and outdoor benefits

Discover the core principles of Smart Teachers Play More (STPM) methodology through engaging movement games and multi-modal techniques that enhance learning and support well-being. Experience how outdoor settings can enrich the impact of STPM activities, including "Now Minutes," by fostering mindfulness, creativity, and focus. Reflect on the unique well-being and learning benefits of taking these practices outside.

Day 3:

Movement games and storytelling in outdoor settings

Take STPM core activities outside, exploring travel modes through obstacle courses and the dynamic Move to the Middle game. Engage in active storytelling techniques that come to life in natural settings and discover calming story activities that harness the outdoors to enhance focus, creativity, and engagement. Reflect on the added benefits of incorporating outdoor environments into these practices.

Day 4:

Insights into Icelandic Education and Sustainability

Visit one of Reykjavík’s newest schools, integrating kindergarten, primary, and secondary education. Discover how practical and academic subjects are equally valued, inclusion is a priority, and well-being is integrated into the curriculum.   Witness how outdoor activities rooted in Icelandic heritage build resilience. Explore how democracy and sustainability thinking shape the school community in a positive way.

Day 5:

Transforming worksheets into active outdoor learning

Discover how to transform traditional worksheets and textbook pages into engaging, movement-based activities that can be adapted for outdoor settings. Explore techniques that bring academic concepts to life through dynamic, interactive learning, fostering both fun and focus while taking full advantage of the benefits of being outside.

Day 6:

Sharing good practices and managing movement outdoors

Share your favourite school activities to inspire peers, reflecting on how they can be adapted for outdoor learning. Discover simple strategies to set up and manage active learning stations in outdoor settings, combining practical tips with hands-on participation. 

Using digital tools, develop a vision plan with actionable goals, share commitments, and conclude with course evaluation and feedback.

Day 7:

Icelandic Thermal Wellness, Geothermal Sustainability and Reflective Practice

Participants begin with a short seminar on Icelandic thermal bathing traditions, exploring the role of geothermal energy, sustainability, wellbeing, equality, and screen-free social connection in Icelandic culture. The day continues with a guided visit to a local thermal swimming pool and hot tubs, where participants experience an important aspect of Icelandic daily life: gathering together in warm geothermal waters despite the cold outdoor climate, engaging in open conversation where every voice is valued, and learning about local customs of hygiene, trust, and shared social spaces, including the longstanding tradition of showering thoroughly without swimwear before entering the pools. Structured reflection and mindfulness activities encourage participants to connect these experiences to the course themes and their own personal and professional development.