After visiting the classes and meeting the pupils it was also very interesting to be able to observe a lesson. To see the pedagogical methods used here. The personnel of the school were so kind and helpful and the children were so courageous to show us e.g. the rhythms with a drum. 

During our session we discussed the steps to achieve international level, internationalization of young learners and Erasmus+ specific objectives and priorities. We also had a look to international policy examples and a plan for international policy.

 

Today we visited a school and got to know how is the education system in Guadeloupe. We also discussed about internationalization and how it is reflected in the curriculum and how to get it started at school. Good thoughts and practices.....  

The day at school already aroused thoughts of returning home and work. During the school visit, it was wonderful to notice that children are children all over the world. Laughter, play, work, running were part of these children's days. At first we heard about the music presented by the children. I recognized two of the songs :). After that we went to different classes. Then we followed a lesson where pupils studied their mother tongue and then geometry. All children contacted very bravely new adults.  

Children are the same wherever you go! Today we had the opportunity to visit a local primary school. We were warmly welcomed by the musical performance of the fifth grade students. Teachers and pupils welcomed us to follow the teaching and greet the students during the school day. We learn from the Guadeloupean school system. There is much same in the school building and yard as we have in Finland. The school day structure is different from ours. Children go to the middle of the day eating at home or they bring lunch with them while we have school meals as part of the school's activities where the teacher is involved. After a meal break, which takes 1,5-2 hours, pupils return to classes and their school day takes until 4pm, while in Finland, pupils get home earlier.

During the lunch hour we attended a lunch with the school teachers. After lunch we started our own class with discussing of the Erasmus application process. We got to know the examples of use in launching an international project and discussed the importance of clear aims and contents in the application form. Keeping this discussion in mind we are going to have a brainstorm with our Finnish team about possibilities to organise new Erasmus project with concrete objectives. 

Today was THE day, we finally got the chance to visit the local school. Just after arriving we sat down and enjoyed of wonderful songs and piece of music made by the children themselves. It was also nice to recognize some of the melodies. We have music classes in our country (town) too, but it seems to me that the problems are the same (here and in my country) if pupils are separated for example by musical skills - the teacher next door is struggling with totally different problems. Although we are not until at the beginning of our way to inclusion, I think that it is the right direction. We learn from each other and we have to tolerate, get along and appreciate each other. But at school the pupils were great. It was so nice to try to communicate with them. 

It was also very pedagogical to be at the other side of the classroom, as a visitor. I think that after this experience (as a visitor) I may be even more open-minded towards the several groups of people in my school. I am grateful for this experience. 

These days have been once in a life time -days in many ways. A few days ago I may have been missing my family. Now I am missing my pupils and I know why I became a teacher. 

         I enjoyed listening to a concert they have prepared for us. It was a wonderful surprise. I admire their skills and their performance. Classrooms, teachers, pupils are the same wherever you go. And yet, so different. The teachers were so open and friendly and patient with us. 

         Today, football has proven to be universal language with kids and grownups.

The school visit was not the only good thing. The work we did together to help in making of our schools international curriculum was really, helpful, and again I am full of ideas that I will take with me to my school.

The message of the day: We all have that “teacher look”.

What a great experience: The headmaster and all  the teachers received us so kindly and warm heartedly! 

I loved accompanying the music class in the course of the day. First they gave us a lovely concert, then we saw them working in French and geometry lessons and then we saw and listened to them playing carnival rhythms on self-made instruments. I have the impression that on the one hand they can work quite eagerly, in a concentrated and disciplined way and on the other they seem to act naturally, just being themselves, having fun. 

The teacher treated their pupils in a consequent and affectionate way. I appreciate the didactics and the methodology that I saw in the lessons.  I’m happy that  Creole and the traditional Gwo Ka Rhythms are taught in order to keep up with their cultural heritage.