“With our languages we can speak and … taste!” We gave this title to the celebratory event held at our Schools on Wednesday, September 27, as part of the general celebration of the European Day of Languages. We found the occasion to celebrate multilingualism, since 14 different languages are spoken in our school and this diversity is respected by all. Students, teachers, parents and local education stakeholders met in an event of communication, inclusion and collective expression. Multilingualism is intertwined with multiculturalism, as it promotes culture, mutual understanding and cooperation. The human mind, by learning different languages, naturally exercises and develops, adapts flexibly to different environments, expands its capabilities and cultivates empathy.
The event had a pedagogical character, since some corners-stations were prepared with suitable activities:
Toddlers: “Hello to all the children of the world” musical and dance presentation
Grade 1: Bee-bot learns how dogs around the world bark
2nd class: “Photo-booth” with appropriate props and lots of fun. How do we say “hello” in other languages?
Grade 3: Visual poster with the results of the intra-school survey: “Which languages do you speak?”
Grade 4: The multilingual “Sun of Love”. Do you make sense out of the translation of some special idioms?
Grade 5: “Ode to joy” on metallophones. Personal interview in the language of your choice.
Grade 6: Messages on the map of the European language families. Word games (Scrabble, letter cards and compound words). “Welcome” balloons in 28 languages.
Buffet with delicacies from various European (and not only) countries by the teachers and parents who participated in the event. Communication around food is more effective and naturally improves the mood.
Many thanks to all participants!