A professional development programme created in Thessaloniki has introduced teachers at Greek diaspora schools in the United States to methods that integrate children’s literature, music and dance into Greek-language learning.
The programme, titled “Children’s Literature, Song and Dance: Innovative Teaching Approaches for Greek Language Instruction”, ran from March to June 2026. It was organised by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki‘s School of Early Childhood Education and the Department of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, based in New York.
The initiative focused on teaching Greek as a heritage language, using stories, songs, musical traditions and dance to connect language learning to Greek culture. It combined theoretical instruction with practical training to help educators apply these methods in their lessons.
According to Aristotle University, the programme treated Greek as a means of communication linked to cultural memory and identity. Its multisensory approach was designed to encourage younger learners to engage with the language through rhythm, storytelling and experiential activities. The initiative was aimed at educators in Greek afternoon, day, and parochial schools in the US.
The programme was scientifically coordinated by Rozi-Triantafyllia Angelaki, an assistant professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, whose research focuses on historical and critical approaches to children’s literature. It was co-organised with Protopresbyter Fr Grigorios Stamkopoulos, director of the Archdiocese’s Department of Greek Education and an associate professor at Aristotle University’s School of Theology.
The initiative forms part of institutional cooperation established through a memorandum of understanding between the Thessaloniki university and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. It was held under the auspices of Maira Myrogianni, Greece’s Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy.
