To empower educators with simple, creative writing tools that enhance functional literacy, self-reflection, empathy, and creative expression in classrooms. The program addresses the need for engaging, human-centered methods in formal education, bridging creativity and pedagogy.

We combine experiential learning, independent practice, and reflective application using the Creative Cycle (Plant • Grow • Harvest). Each participant experiences the tools first-hand before applying them in their own teaching context.

• Target group: Professional staff from primary and secondary schools — particularly class teachers, subject teachers, and MEPI programme mentors seeking to enhance self-reflection, dialogue, and creative writing in their work.

• Group size: Up to 20 participants per training to ensure quality and individual support.

• Instructor: Meta Pezdir, founder of Lilalab, experienced trainer in creative writing for non-writers, with a background in pedagogy, entrepreneurship, and facilitation.

• In collaboration with Zavod MEPI.

PLANT

• Internal preparation and adaptation of methodology for educators.

• 5-hour experiential in-person workshop introducing creative writing types (reflective writing, morning pages), functional literacy in everyday life, short story structure, and idea-generation tools (brainstorming, mind maps, visual prompts, improvisation, mindfulness).

• Exploration of how to use creative writing for therapy, dialogue, and group connection.

GROW

• Independent experiential learning (4 hours total):

  • Rewriting workshop texts and uploading them to shared digital tools (Google Drive, Miro).

  • Peer feedback and reflection.

  • Practical application of at least one learned tool in participants’ own classrooms or mentoring contexts.

• 4-hour online workshop: reflection on homework, additional writing techniques (titles, perspective shifts, dialogue), and preparation of practical implementation plans.

HARVEST

• Optional 1-hour online consultation for individual challenges and mentoring.

• Evaluation and collection of feedback on tool application in classrooms.

• Follow-up survey after two months to assess sustained use and impact.

• Implemented through KATIS (Slovenian national professional development system for educators) or direct registrations.

• Digital tools: Zoom, Google Drive, Miro, WeTransfer, 1KA.

• Facilitator expertise and original Lilalab methodology.

• Program done in collaboration with Zavod MEPI.

• Reach: 10-20 educators per cohort trained in practical, transferable creative writing tools.

• Capacity building: Strengthened skills in literacy, communication, creativity, digital competence, and empathy.

• Practical application: Participants applied learned tools directly in classrooms, mentoring sessions, or extracurricular activities.

• Long-term change: Measurable improvement in participants’ confidence to integrate creative, reflective methods into teaching.

• Public value: Enhanced functional literacy and creative thinking in students, indirectly impacting hundreds of learners.

• Continue offering the training annually, expanding reach while keeping small group quality.

• Develop additional subject-specific modules (e.g., creative writing for STEM teachers).

• Create a facilitator’s handbook with ready-to-use lesson plans and toolkits.