From 17th to 21st January 2011, Poland, Italy and France met in Portugal for their first Comenius meeting with students. A group of thirty 12 year-olds and 10 teachers from the four countries worked together.
The aims of the meeting were to:
- share and compare the questionnaires’ results on a Powerpoint presentation;
- show the photos of the Comenius tree plantation;
- present the mascots;
- exhibit the posters about recycling.
Each student was hosted by a very friendly Portuguese family, thus discovering their way of life and practising their English. At first, the students were nervous but they quickly adapted to these new circumstances (lessons, playground, meals…) and also made new friends.
The Comenius group visited the school first and also the surroundings. Teachers attended lessons (English, French, technology, 5-year olds). All the people involved (parents, students, teachers and principals) took part in a warm welcome dinner on Tuesday in the canteen. The Portuguese principal introduced the aim of the project and the purpose of the visit to the families.
This was the first step for the students to discover the meaning of being European citizens, open to a sustainable and cooperative lifestyle. It also opened the teachers’ minds to a different way of teaching, planning, organization in general and different teacher-student relationships.
Finally, we prepared for the next meeting in Italy in May 2011.
Saying goodbye was no easy job for the students that bonded so well and fast. There were tears, hugs and promises to keep in touch which I am sure they will keep. All the participant students are eager to go on the next visit to Italy, but we can only take 5 students each time – fortunately we will have more mobilities!
For now, we have to start preparing for the next meeting in May. For this, 7th graders can join the Comenius Club and help make a tv spot about renewable energies and a solar car to take to Italy.
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