How Can Parents Become More Involved in Kindergarten Life? Partner Kindergartens Shared Their Experiences at a Summit
Published: 12. november 2026
How can school gardens help children develop their social and emotional skills? And how can parents be naturally involved in this process? These were the key questions explored at a summit of partner kindergartens in the Transformations of Gardens programme, organised by the Karel Komárek Family Foundation. The event provided an opportunity for expert presentations, practical examples and the sharing of experiences and current trends.
The morning programme focused on social and emotional learning and cooperation with parents. Monika Kubásková from SOFA presented ways to develop children's social and emotional skills through school gardens and parental involvement. Her presentation was followed by Martina Čermáková, Director of the Foundation's Educational Centre at Mnichovice Kindergarten, who shared experiences from piloting this approach in kindergarten practice.
Another perspective was offered by Andrea Tláskalová, an outdoor educator, educational counsellor and special education teacher. Among other topics, she focused on how school gardens can support children's transition from kindergarten to primary school.
The presentations were followed by discussions and opportunities for partner kindergartens from across the Czech Republic to share their experiences. The aim was not to revisit the basics of communication with parents, which the participating kindergartens have already mastered, but to explore new ideas, share practical experiences and identify opportunities for further development. The discussions also laid the groundwork for continuing the topic next year, when it is expected to reach a wider audience of kindergarten teachers.
Devět malých zahradníků Exhibition
Participants also had the opportunity to explore the travelling illustration exhibition Devět malých zahradníků (Nine Little Gardeners), which depicts how a school garden changes throughout the year. The exhibition is based on the book Devět malých zahradníků: Rok ve školní zahradě (Nine Little Gardeners: A Year in the School Garden) by author Klára Smolíková, illustrated by Vojtěch Šeda. Partner kindergartens can borrow the exhibition and use it in their own communication with children and parents.
The summit built on year‑round cooperation among kindergartens participating in the Transformations of Gardens programme. Regular meetings and the exchange of experiences help schools develop their approach to outdoor environments and discover new ways to integrate school gardens into everyday kindergarten life.
Teachers can find further inspiration and practical tips on using school gardens as educational environments on the Educational platform Zahrada je taky třída. The platform offers teaching resources and examples from practice that can help teachers plan activities and further develop outdoor learning.
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