Smart Moves
Start date: Sep 1, 2015,
End date: Aug 31, 2017
PROJECT
FINISHED
Smart Moves Erasmus+ project rose out of the need to sit up at schools - literally. Health surveys show that in Europe we, children and adults, tend to sit down too much, often at a screen, and move too little. Overweight is also common even among young children. Health care is a huge expense in aging Europe, so we are dealing with a very important issue also at the European level.
At schools we face these health problems, and psychological issues are also common, such as social and emotional problems , attention deficit and low self-esteem. We are also aware that children with special needs or low socioeconomic status are especially apt to health risks and early school leaving.
Studies prove that maintaining high level of physical activity throughout the childhood has positive effects not only on physical health but also on learning skills and emotional wellbeing. Movement is natural to children, yet school system is based on sitting at a desk. Many teachers are aware of the need for change and look for new, active ways to work with children. However, schools carry heavy traditions, and changes take skills, effort and courage.
In Smart Moves five primary schools work together towards the common goal. The schools come from different parts of Europe: Kantokasken koulu from Finland, Basischool de Rank from the Netherlands, Escola La Bòbila from Spain, Szkola Podstawowa nr 11 im. Marii Curie from Poland and Holy Family Primary and Nursery School from Northern Ireland. In this way we hope to get a rather comprehensive view of education systems in Europe, and enjoy interesting and fruitful cooperation as the schools bring different skills and expertise into the project. Northern Ireland, Poland and Finland are experienced and trained in special education. Finland, Spain and the Netherlands have programmes to promote ecological values and recycling. Northern Ireland and Spain emphasize Physical Education. Poland has large projects to promote healthy diet. Spain and Poland have recent project experience, other schools have little or no experience of EU programs. All the project schools have good ICT skills and motivated staff.
The object of the project to implement more active and participatory learning methods and practices, to increase physical activity at school and to promote holistic health education. Movement is the central theme of the project. During the two years we will focus on different sections: sportive events and campaigns at school, active learning, active breaks and creative use of school premises, movement and relaxation. We work on the themes at our respective schools and together online and at the project meetings.
The project also covers other aspects of health education: healthy diet, social and emotional skills and relaxation. Throughout the project the aim is to engage pupils at all stages: planning, implementing and evaluating activities. The oldest age groups in primary school, i. e. 10-12 years, are most involved but there are also activities for younger pupils and the whole school. Parents are also invited to contribute ideas.
The topics are worked on in various ways. We make and share presentations, quizzes and documents. Skype, eTwinning and email are used for keeping contact, and we also write letters to pen pals. We keep blogs. We write weather reports. We take pictures and make videos of sports and activities. We share recipes of healthy snacks from each country and test them. We teach each other games and sports. We write about friendship. We will study how feelings are expressed in different cultures. We use also handicraft and drama. Learning and sharing ICT skills is a central in the project as they are also absolutely necessary for the future. During the project we also have two workshops on active learning and ICT.
An important concrete result will be an online idea bank of tested and evaluated practices and methods, that support the goals of the project. Its purpose is to display silent know-how and ideas that so easily remain hidden at schools. Learning English language and cultural skills is naturally an essential part of the project.
We expect to promote, not only international cooperation but also cohesion within schools and with the local community. The project will also give schools tools for global education and readiness for further cooperation. It also seeks to improve and update teachers' professional skills. In a large scale the project attempts to take one step towards coherent European education.
To end up a quotation from a very original and heartful educator, Mary Poppins, whose words so well crystallize the spirit of the proposed project:
"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun
You find the fun and snap, the job's a game!"