Project Fondazione Irma Romagnoli – Farlottine – Feuerstein

Fondazione Irma Romagnoli supports projects for children with disabilities. Scuola San Domenico at Istituto Farlottine places particular emphasis on academic success and a love of learning, especially for children with special needs. The Feuerstein Method of mediated learning provides valuable tools to help children take an active, responsible role in their own development, guided by adults skilled in mediating between the individual and the world.

For years, Fondazione Irma Romagnoli has supported Scuola San Domenico through projects for pupils, teachers, and parents, benefiting children with disabilities and promoting their well-being in the classroom. This requires a systemic approach that considers not only the children themselves but also their parents, teachers, and classmates. Psychological and psychotherapeutic counseling by Dr. Daniela Poggioli has long been available to parents facing difficulties. A dance movement therapy program led by Dr. Laura Neri, under the supervision of Dr. Giosuè, was also implemented in a final-year lower secondary class where several pupils were at risk of academic failure.

Dr. Giosuè has held several training meetings with teachers and parents and supervises a school guidance project. With the cooperation of Dr. Vania Rossi of the Santo Stefano district, this project also aims to identify and support lower secondary pupils experiencing the greatest difficulties.

During the previous school year, 2015–2016, a Feuerstein Method project was carried out in the two second-grade primary classes, supporting both children with disabilities and the classes as a whole.

The work produced excellent results for both pupils and teachers, who now use mediated learning in their regular teaching.

For 2016–2017, the plan is to continue with the third-grade classes.

This year, the work will focus on mathematical logic through the FROM UNIT TO GROUP instrument and on the relationship between cognition and emotion through FROM EMPATHY TO ACTION. For eight- and nine-year-olds, emotional self-regulation is a fundamental prerequisite for learning. By learning to express emotions appropriately for the situation, children develop healthy ways of managing relationships without undermining others or becoming discouraged themselves.

Schedule

80 total hours of classroom activities
2-hour meeting introducing the Feuerstein Method to parents
4 hours of feedback meetings with parents about the classes

Materials

OP BASIC, FROM UNIT TO GROUP, FROM EMPATHY TO ACTION.

Various materials will also be needed for meetings with teachers and parents, including poster paper, sheets, and notebooks. The school is willing to cover these costs.

The Feuerstein intervention will be led by Prof. Benedetta Quadrini, a mathematics teacher and expert in the method.

Parent Support Meetings

This project will again offer counseling by Dr. Poggioli, a systemic family psychotherapist, to support the important role parents play in the educational success of children with learning difficulties.

Meetings with Teachers

Dr. Giosuè will coordinate the project and maintain contact with the principal, teachers, and parents.

To support a school strongly committed to the well-being of all children, particularly those facing disadvantage or disabilities, psychological and educational consultation will be available in especially difficult situations.

Cost Estimate

Dr. Quadrini: €4,000 gross, including VAT

Dr. Poggioli: €2,500 gross, including VAT

Dr. Giosuè: €2,500 gross, including VAT

Total project cost: €9,000