Aim of the meeting
- This meeting aimed at realising lesson plans through photography art, as well as at the partners’ exchanging good educational practices.
Activities
- Arriving at Gulbitis Primary School on Monday, 11th November, pupils welcomed us with songs and dances.
- Later on, all participant teachers attended ‘open’ classes in which photography art was integrated, prepared by our Latvian colleagues.
- We then visited the local kindergarten. We walked around the building and got information on how this school works. We were astonished hearing that some children can sleep over at the school because their parents work at night. Besides, there are always staff members taking care of the children throughout the day.
- Coming back to Gulbitis Primary School on that day all partners presented the national context of education of each country regarding young immigrant learners and those with special learning difficulties and needs. They also presented lesson plans carried out in the previous months in their schools, based on photography.
- On Tuesday, 12th November participant teachers visited Ranka old school, today being a museum and an exhibition hall.
- At the local bakery ‘Kelmeni’ we all watched the procedure of making different types of bread from local grains.
- After bakery “Kelmeni” we visited coffee roastery “Tīrs miers”, where we had a coffee tasting. The host couple were very polite explaining us all about coffee!!!
- Our third day in Latvia was devoted to the capital city, Riga. We took a guided tour through the beautiful old town of Riga, got informed on the short history of this country and the town buildings. Finally, we visited the National Museum of Art , where we saw paintings by Latvian artists, depicting the history and life of the country.
- In the afternoon and before returning back to Gulbene partners attended a weaving workshop at the Culture Centre “Ilguciems”.
- On Thursday, 14th November participant teachers met again at Gulbitis Primary School in order to attend a workshop on eTwinning platform. We also uploaded additional material on project Twinspace.
- We had the opportunity to visit the Municipal Library of Gulbene.
- Later we also visited Sveki Special Education School. Pupils welcomed us with local songs and dances, dressed in traditional costumes. We danced with them, too!!! This school accepts not only children with severe special needs but also those with mild learning difficulties. Fully equipped with specialised staff and material the school seems well–organised, ready to provide every child with individualised care. Additionally, it can host children throughout the week, especially those living far from school or those whose parents cannot afford daily transfer.
- On Thursday afternoon partners ended the 4th Transnational Meeting workings, planning our next trip in Spain and its objectives.
- Finally, on our last day at Gulbene last details were arranged.
We would like to thank our Latvian partners for their kind hospitality. See you again in Spain!
Teaching and Learning through Photography Art ERASMUS+ PROJECT 