Smart Moves Erasmus Project

Project Title

Smart Moves

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for Schools Only

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2015

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Early School Leaving / combating failure in education; Health and wellbeing

Project Summary

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 are well aware of this problem. 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 worked together towards the common goal. The schools came 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 hoped 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.

The object of the project was to increase physical activity at school and implement more active learning methods. Movement was the central theme of the project. During the two years we focused on different sections: sportive events and campaigns at school, active learning, active breaks and creative use of school premises for movement and relaxation. Each school shared their best existing practices and together we developed and tested new ideas. The project activities were carried out in cooperation with school staff, pupils, sports clubs, local companies and parents. They are documented and shared on the project blog and at the project meetings. The project also covered other aspects of health education: healthy diet, emotional skills and relaxation. Throughout the project we aimed to engage pupils and add wellbeing of both pupils and teachers at school.

The topics were worked on in various ways. We had f. ex. a recess marathon in each country, new activities, clubs and tournaments during the breaks indoors and outdoors and more versatile sports events and equipment. Older pupils taught and played with younger ones. Pupils in Erasmus club helped to arrange cultural events at the school and told visitors about the project. We celebrated Europe Day, European Day of Languages and European School Sports Day. We learnt about the partner countries, languages and schools. We made and shared presentations, quizzes, videos and documents. Pupils drew pictures, wrote stories and letters to pen pals. We used Skype, email and blog for keeping contact. We shared recipes of healthy snacks. We taught each others games and sports. Learning and sharing ICT skills was central in the project as they are also absolutely necessary for the future. During the meetings we had two workshops for teachers on active learning and ICT.

During the project altogether 32 teachers and 40 pupils had a chance to visit a school in a foreign country, meet and learn from colleages, make a new friends and improve their language, cultural and professional skills. The project also gave schools tools for global education and readiness for further cooperation as many participating teachers had no previous experience of international projects. During the visits teachers got a good view of the local education system and applicable ideas on many topics as we observed the life at schools.

The project webpages introduce the project and the participating organizations: http://smartmoveseurope.yolasite.com/. Smart Moves blog (www.smartmovesblog.wordpress.com) is an online idea bank of tested practices and methods for active learning and active school days. Changes take time, yet we believe that many tested activities will become permanent practices at schools. The project funding enabled schools to acquire training, materials and equipment that supported the goals of the project and will benefit the schools and the communities also in the long run. And finally perhaps the most important result of the project: the involved children and adults carry and spread the spark of united Europe. We have received wonderful proof of this from children and parents and it has made every effort worthwhile.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 99390 Eur

Project Coordinator

Kantokasken koulu & Country: FI

Project Partners

• Basisschool De Rank
• Holy Family Primary and Nursery School
• Escola La Bòbila
• Szkola Podstawowa nr 11 im. Marii Curie – Sklodowskiej w Tychach