The DiLeKo research project (Dialogic Reading for All – Development and Transfer of a Practice-Oriented Training Programme for the Digital and Analogue Promotion of Early Reading Skills in Children with Disabilities in Early Years Settings), was launched. The project is led by Prof. Dr Ulla Licandro and Prof. Dr Annett Thiele, with the collaboration of Janina Dott and Madeleine Morhardt. The aim of DiLeKo is the participatory development, evaluation and dissemination of a practice-oriented professional development programme for early years educators, based on the tried-and-tested method of dialogic reading and innovatively integrating digital and analogue approaches to support all children in an inclusive manner. By reviewing international specialist literature and working closely with practice partners through an advisory board and research and transfer workshops, the project aims to develop, pilot and evaluate professional development modules and digital workshops. These will then be made available as Open Educational Resources (OER) and sustainably implemented into early years education practice.

As the summer semester draws to a close, we look back on a diverse range of modules in which exciting questions relating to our key area of focus – physical and motor development – were discussed, reflected upon and addressed in a practical manner. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our contributing teachers, who have once again enriched our teaching this semester with their specialist expertise and insightful perspectives drawn from school practice! You can find some examples of our teaching here.

We at the Department of kmE wish all students a lovely break from classes, every success in their exams, and look forward to seeing you again next semester!

As part of the Master's module "sop648 - Research-based learning in the FSP kmE", students presented their independently developed research projects in the form of scientific posters last Wednesday. In an open exchange with guests from our Institute, they discussed their questions, methods and results. The poster presentation was a special conclusion to the module and offered space for new perspectives and stimulating discussions. At the same time, it made visible the commitment and methodological care with which the students realised their projects.

The posters of the project groups are linked on our specialist group page and invite further discussion of the topics. We would like to thank all participants and guests for the enriching exchange and the successful conclusion of this event.

How can children and young people with physical and motor impairments successfully participate in school?

The book "Pädagogik und Didaktik bei körperlich-motorischer Beeinträchtigung", edited by Prof Dr Annett Thiele, was published in October. Sönke Thies, Andreas Erdmann, Janna Bootsmann, Carolyn Goda and Stefanie Scholz-Wemken from our specialist group worked together with renowned special needs teachers from research and practice to provide a comprehensive overview of current developments and challenges in the field of physical-motor development (KmE). The result is 27 contributions that discuss central questions of inclusive education in a scientifically sound and practical manner.

From 16 to 18 September 2025, this year's conference of lecturers in the special education focus KmE took place at the RPTU in Landau on the topic of "Research in the context of physical disabilities - between ethical demands and methodological challenges" .

In lectures, poster presentations and discussions, current research projects were presented and central questions on research ethics, participatory approaches and methodological challenges in research with and about people with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses were reflected upon. The professional exchange provided a variety of impulses for the further development of research and teaching and strengthened networking within the department.

Prof Dr Annett Thiele and Dr Dyon Hoekstra from our Oldenburg team presented their experiences of participatory research as part of the MS-Vita project on the provision of aids for neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

We look forward to the next KmE lecturers' conference in Leipzig in 2026.