Issue No2
Power of Fairy tales and stories on literacy and language skills
IN THIS ISSUE Meet the coordinators
3 things about..
Find out more about the team leaders from five schools involved in the project.
Here are 3 things you should know about each of the 5 countries: what to eat, where to go and who you should learn about.
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3rd mobility
4th mobility
In September 2022 the teams met in Stocholm, Sweden.
In March 2023 the teams met in Nanov, Romania.
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5th mobility
Instead of goodbye
In May 2023 the teams met in Radeče, Slovenia.
The project lasted from September 2020 to August 2023.
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MEET THE TEAM Sarah Lönn from Sweden I am a cheerful and outgoing person with an active approach to life. I am always open to trying and exploring new areas, whether it's in food, experiences, or creative endeavors. As a teacher, I strive to create an inspiring and inclusive learning environment for my students. By promoting their personal and academic development, I aim to help them reach their full potential. I also aim to be an engaged and responsive educator who supports and challenges students in their learning.
My name is Sarah Lönn, soon to be 29 years old. My current position is as a mentor for a 6thgrade class, which I have had since the autumn term of 2020 when they started 4th grade. I have been working as a mentor in primary school for 12 terms (or for six year), all in the capital of Sweden, Stockholm. I am qualified in several subjects, such as Swedish, English, Mathematics, and Art. I have expanded my skills during my time in this role, including in social studies subjects (history, religious studies, geography, and social studies) and mentoring teacher students.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I received almost two years ago to mentor and coordinate the Erasmus project, "Power of Fairy Tales and Stories on Literacy and Language Skills." It has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I am thankful for the trust and confidence placed in me. Being able to guide and support students and educators in exploring the impact of fairy tales and stories on literacy and language skills has been truly fulfilling. I am grateful for the knowledge and insights gained through this project and for the friendships formed with participants from the five different countries that are involved in this project; Slovenia, Romania, Turkey, and Serbia. This experience has broadened my horizons and deepened my passion for education and cultural exchange. I am sincerely thankful for this enriching journey.
The Swedish team
Swedish team in Serbia Swedish team in Romania
The other countries in Sweden
Swedish team in Slovenia
Me as the projects coordinator together with the coordinator of each country, Serbian, Turkey, Slovenia and Romania.
Being the coordinator for the "Power of Fairy Tales and Stories on Literacy and Language Skills" project with four other countries has been an enriching experience. Collaborating with diverse teams from different cultural backgrounds has provided unique insights into the power of storytelling. The project has allowed us to explore various fairy tales and stories, analyzing their impact on literacy and language development. Working with international partners has brought a wealth of knowledge and perspectives to the project. We have shared best practices, educational resources, and innovative approaches to promote literacy skills through storytelling. The collaboration has fostered a sense of unity and cultural appreciation among the team members. Interacting with students as teachers from another school and country brings a fresh and unique perspective to the classroom. It provides an opportunity to share different teaching methods, techniques, and resources. Through these interactions, we can gain valuable insights into effective teaching practices and innovative approaches to enhance learning. One advantage of working and engaging with students from different schools and countries is the opportunity for cultural exchange. This cultural exchange fosters a broader perspective and promotes understanding and tolerance among students from diverse backgrounds.
Overall, being a coordinator for this project has been rewarding and inspiring. Witnessing the enthusiasm and dedication of the participating countries in harnessing the power of fairy tales and stories for literacy and language skills has been truly fulfilling.
Bojana Kovačič from Slovenia
My name is Bojana Kovačič and I come from a small town called Radeče, located in Slovenia. I have lived here my whole life. I’m 38 years old, but I feel much younger. I went to primary school in Radeče, secondary school in Celje and studied geography in Ljubljana on Faculty of Arts. I didn’t want to be a teacher at first so I studied just geography (non-pedagogical). In 3rd semester something changed. I finished college and then studied at Faculty of Education while I worked at a call centre. Now I work at the primary school in Radeče as a teacher of geography and Slovene language. I am also a class teacher in 6th grade. I see myself as a precise person, who likes order. I am also calm, relaxed and quite self-confident. I am very dedicated to the things I do. I like doing new things (but nothing that involves adrenaline) and am always open to new ideas and approaches. In my free time, I like to hike, do pilates and enjoy time with my family and friends. I spend as much time as I can in nature, where I walk my dog or just enjoy the fresh air. I also like to garden and do some work around the house. At first, I wasn’t very enthusiastic about coordinating the Erasmus+ project as I thought it’s too much for me. But now, as I look back, it gave me so much. I have met some wonderful people, have seen places I otherwise wouldn’t and enjoyed coordinating the project more than I thought.
Seçil Karayigen from Türkiye My name is Seçil Karayigen. I’m 43 years old. I’m married and have two sons. I live in Istanbul. I have been an English teacher for 21 years. I worked in a secondary school for 13 years. I have been working in my school “Hasan Tan Primary School” for 8 years. I like teaching to young students. I think it’s more enjoyable. Playing games and singing songs with my students make me happy. This is my first Erasmus+ project. This project was a chance for me to have information about different cultures and education systems. As I look back, this project gave me many good friends, experiences and memories. I feel very lucky to be a part of this project. Thanks to all my friends from Serbia, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia!
Delia Streche from Romania My name is Streche Delia Ionela and I am the coordinator of the Erasmus+ project "The Power of Fairy Tales and Stories on Literacy and Language Skills". I have been an English teacher since 2002, working at Nanov Secondary School since 2003. Throughout my career in education, I have carried out numerous projects with my students and participated in competitions, communication sessions and conferences on a local, national, but also international. I got my final educational degree in 2021 and this is the second Erasmus project I am doing, along with many ETWINNING projects.
Dragana Andrić from Serbia I am Dragana Andrić, an experienced educator and advocate of transformative learning experiences. My journey has been woven with threads of collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to education. With a rich background as a teacher and teacher trainer, I've had the privilege of working with both young learners and adults. My dedication to advancing education is underscored by my role as a co-author and moderator of an international online CPD course titled "Teaching English through an Interdisciplinary Approach." This venture has not only expanded horizons but also highlighted the power of innovative teaching methodologies. An enthusiastic contributor to the ELT community, I have graced the stages of numerous conferences as both a presenter and a panelist. The crowning achievement of 2019 was being honored with Serbia's esteemed St. Sava Award, a recognition of my
dedication and accomplishments in the realm of schooling and education. As the coordinator of the local ELTA branch since 2015, I've orchestrated a plethora of events that celebrate knowledge sharing and the growth of fellow educators. My journey extends beyond borders as a teacher trainer for an international online CPD course on the Moodle platform, engaging English educators in meaningful professional development. My interactive talks and workshops have spanned continents, covering diverse topics such as enhancing speaking skills through Drama-Based Instruction and kindling creativity with tailored writing activities. At the heart of my pedagogical approach lies a passion for drama, a force that infuses life into my everyday teaching and empowers students through our English Drama Club. The stage becomes a canvas for expression, while my direction of English school plays has earned recognition both locally and on the national stage. Beyond the classroom, I have embraced projects close to my heart. My involvement in the "Get Active: Youth Rules!" initiative at the Youth Centre and coordination of the "A school for all – A chance for all" project, supported by the Ecumenical Humanitarian Organization, have been instrumental in fostering community engagement and access to education. Presently, my focus centers on two Erasmus+ projects, an endeavor that aligns seamlessly with my fervor for collaborative learning and cross-cultural exchange.
3 THINGS ABOUT THE COUNTRIES:
a place to visit and explore food you should taste a famous inventor
The Icehotel in Sweden The Icehotel in Sweden is a worldrenowned destination that offers a truly unique experience. Its fascinating background story dates back to 1989 when it was first created by Yngve Bergqvist, an artist from Jukkasjärvi, a small village in Swedish Lapland. Jukkasjärvi is a small village located in the Kiruna municipality in Swedish Lapland. It is known for being the site of the famous Icehotel. The area is surrounded by a beautiful natural environment with snow-covered landscapes and areas for winter activities. Yngve got inspired by an exhibition of ice sculptures, Bergqvist and his team decided to build an entire hotel made of ice and snow.
Every year, the Icehotel is rebuilt in a different design by a team of skilled artists and architects from around the world. The hotel features stunning ice sculptures, intricate ice furniture, and beautifully crafted ice rooms, each with its own unique theme. Guests can expect to be surrounded by a breathtaking world of shimmering ice and snow, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Beyond its cool and beautiful aesthetics, the Icehotel offers a range of exciting activities for visitors. Guests can go ice sculpting, try ice fishing, go dog sledding, or even take a reindeer sleigh ride. The hotel also features an ice bar where drinks are served in glasses made entirely of ice, adding an extra element of novelty to the experience. Pictures and more www.icehotel.com
information:
A fun fact about the Icehotel is that it's not just a hotel, but also an art exhibition. Each year, the Icehotel invites artists to submit their designs, and a select few are chosen to create stunning ice art installations within the hotel. This makes every visit to the Icehotel a unique art experience, where guests can admire the incredible creativity and craftsmanship on display. In conclusion, the Icehotel in Sweden stands as an extraordinary testament to human creativity and innovation. With its fascinating background, stunning ice sculptures, and array of thrilling activities, it offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in a truly magical icy wonderland.
Food to eat and discover Köttbullar, or Swedish meatballs One of Sweden's most popular and traditional dishes is köttbullar, or Swedish meatballs, served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and creamy gravy. This iconic dish has a rich history and has become synonymous with Swedish cuisine.
The origins of köttbullar can be traced back to the 18th century when King Charles XII of Sweden brought back the idea of meatballs from his travels in Turkey. Over the years, köttbullar has become a staple in Swedish households and a beloved comfort food. The flavors of köttbullar are a delightful combination of savory and sweet. The meatballs are typically made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, mixed with breadcrumbs, onion, and spices such as allspice and nutmeg. They are then fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. Traditionally, köttbullar are served with creamy mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and rich gräddsås, or creamy gravy. Lingonberry jam adds a tangy and slightly sweet contrast to the savory meatballs, while the creamy gravy ties everything together with its velvety texture. A fun fact about köttbullar is that it has gained international fame thanks to the Swedish furniture retailer, IKEA, which includes this dish in its food court menu worldwide. Visitors to Sweden often make it a point to try köttbullar as a quintessential Swedish culinary experience. Overall, köttbullar with potatismos, lingonsylt, and gräddsås, or Swedish meatballs, served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and creamy gravy, represent the heartwarming flavors of Swedish cuisine, bringing comfort and nostalgia to both locals and visitors alike.
Successful inventions Minecraft by Notch One of Sweden's most famous and successful inventions that has had a tremendous global impact is the game Minecraft. Minecraft is one of the most influential and successful video games of all time. Since its launch in 2011, the game has gained a massive global following and sold over 200 million copies across various platforms. It has become a cultural icon, impacting not only the gaming industry but also other areas such as education, entertainment, and creative expression. The background story of Minecraft is fascinating. Minecraft is created by Swedish programmer Markus Persson, known as "Notch,". Notch initially created the game as a personal project, fueled by his love for sandbox-style gameplay and the desire to create a virtual world where players could unleash their creativity. What started as a small indie project quickly gained popularity, captivating players worldwide with its unique gameplay and endless possibilities. What sets Minecraft apart is its open-ended nature, giving players the freedom to shape the game world according to their imagination. Whether it's constructing elaborate structures, embarking on daring adventures, or collaborating with others, Minecraft provides a platform for players to unleash their creativity and showcase their ingenuity. Beyond its entertainment value, Minecraft has also had a significant impact on education. Recognizing the game's potential as a teaching tool, educators have incorporated Minecraft into classrooms to foster critical thinking, problemsolving, and collaboration skills. The educational version of Minecraft, called Minecraft: Education Edition, offers specialized features and lesson plans that engage students in various subjects. Minecraft's influence extends far beyond the gaming industry. It has inspired countless players to pursue careers in game development, programming, and design. Additionally, Minecraft has been a catalyst for innovative projects and creative endeavors outside of the game, such as virtual art exhibitions, architectural showcases, and even environmental simulations.
In summary, Minecraft's impact on the world has been profound. It has revolutionized the way we perceive and engage with video games, providing a platform for creativity, collaboration, and learning. Minecraft continues to be a beloved game that has inspired a generation of players and has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry and beyond.
Pictures and more information: https://www.forbes.com/profile/markus-persson/ and https://nordic.ign.com/minecraft
PLACE TO VISIT Bled – the green pearl of the Slovenian Alps With immense natural beauty, Bled, often named as the planet Earth’s most photogenic lake, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. The beauty of the mountains reflected on the lake, the sun, the serenity and the fresh air arouse pleasant feelings in visitors throughout the year, guaranteeing an ideal base or a relaxing break or an active holiday. Bled attracts businessmen, artists, athletes, explorers, sport enthusiasts, the old and the young, from all over the world. In 2020 Bled hasbeen included in the top 10 of Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List. Lake altitude is 475 m, it is 2120 m long and 1380 m wide. Its maximum depth is 30,6 m. Maximum annual water temperature is 26°C, so it's very nice to swim in it. The most recognisable symbol of Bled lake is island on the lake and on it the Church of the Mother of God, which has a long and diverse history. The wishing bell is popular among the many visitors who come to the island. When they ring the bell, they recommend themselves to the Mother of God and express their wishes and requests for her to hear them. Above Lake Bled, there is medieval Castle Bled is perched atop a rocky cliff towering 130 m above lake.
(https://www.bled.si/en/)
FOOD Potica – roll dough Slovenian cake Potica (pronounced poh-TEET-sah) or rolled dough is the most famous Slovenian pastrie. It is known almost everywhere in the world and recognized as an ambassador of Slovenia. The oldest written source about potica was mentioned in 1689 in the famous book The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola written by Janez Vajkard Valvasor. Originally the roll was prepared only for the nobles and the upper class but was later also popular in the lower classes. The festive pastry is made from dough, which is overlayed with one filling or more. The dough is then rolled into a roll or oblong loaf, which is baked in a special baking tray and then served in slices. It's traditionally eaten on holidays like Easter, Christmas and other celebrations like birthdays and weddings. Potica can be prepared with more than 80 different fillings, the most common of which are fillings with walnuts, tarragon, poppy seeds, cheese and raisins. This sweet Slovenian food is prepared differently in particular parts of the country.
(https://www.altitude-activities.com/slovenian-food-10-dishes-you-have-to-try; https://kovacnik.com/en/)
INVENTOR Anton Janša – the first teacher of beekeeping in Vienna
Slovenia has a lot of great minds, such as Peter Florjančič, who invented a parfume sprayer, or France Rode, who invented worlds first pocket calculator. But I would like to dedicate a few word to our Anton Janša, who was a beginner in a beekeeping profession and who contributed a lot to the development of modern global beekeeping. He was also a first beekeeping teacher at school for beekeepers in Vienna. He wrote two books about bees in German language.According to the Slovenia’s initiative, United Nations declared World bee day on Janša’s birthday, and we celebrate it each year on the 20th of May.
(https://visitzirovnica.si/kdo-je-bil-anton-jansa/)
A place to see and explore Basilica Cistern in Istanbul The Basilica Cistern, also known as the "Yerebatan Sarnıcı" in Turkish, is an ancient underground water reservoir located in Istanbul, Turkey. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, it was designed to provide water storage for the Byzantine Great Palace and nearby buildings. The cistern is an impressive architectural marvel, measuring approximately 138 meters long and 65 meters wide. It is supported by a total of 336 marble columns, each around 9 meters in height, arranged in 12 rows. The columns were sourced from various ancient structures and showcase different designs, reflecting the artistic styles of different periods. Visitors to the Basilica Cistern can explore the dimly lit underground chamber, walking along the raised wooden platforms that crisscross the space. The atmosphere is serene and mysterious, with water gently trickling in the background. Visitors can observe the reflection of the columns in the shallow water, adding to the ethereal ambiance. One of the most notable features within the cistern is the two Medusa heads. These intricately carved marble heads, one positioned upside down and the other on its side, are placed as column bases. The origin and purpose of these Medusa heads remain a subject of debate and intrigue, adding an air of mystery to the cistern.Today, the Basilica Cistern stands as a captivating tourist attraction, offering
Today, the Basilica Cistern stands as a captivating tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Istanbul's rich historical heritage. Its grandeur and architectural significance make it a must-visit destination for those interested in ancient engineering and Byzantine history.
Food to eat and discover Turkish Kebab Kebab is a popular and iconic dish in Turkish cuisine that has gained international recognition. It consists of succulent pieces of meat, such as lamb, beef, chicken, or a combination, which are traditionally marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and then grilled or roasted. The meat is often cooked on skewers, imparting a unique smoky and aromatic taste.
There are various types of kebabs in Turkish cuisine, each with its own distinct preparation and presentation. Some well-known varieties include shish kebab, where meat and vegetables are skewered and grilled, and döner kebab, made from stacked, seasoned meat that is slowly roasted and thinly sliced. Other variations include köfte kebab (made from seasoned ground meat) and iskender kebab (served on a bed of pita bread, topped with tomato sauce and melted butter). Kebabs are typically served with traditional accompaniments such as rice, grilled vegetables, yogurt, and freshly baked bread. They are a significant part of Turkish culinary culture and are enjoyed both at casual eateries and upscale restaurants.
Successful inventions DNA repair by Aziz Sancar
Aziz Sancar is a Turkish biochemist and molecular biologist who is widely recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of DNA repair. He was born on September 8, 1946, in Savur, a small town in Turkey. Sancar's notable achievements include his research on photolyase enzymes and nucleotide excision repair, which has shed light on the mechanisms by which cells repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and other mutagenic agents. His work has had significant implications for understanding the molecular basis of DNA repair and its relevance to human health. In 2015, Aziz Sancar was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, along with Tomas Lindahl and Paul Modrich, for their groundbreaking work on DNA repair mechanisms. This prestigious honor further underscored his immense contributions to the scientific community. Aside from his scientific accomplishments, Sancar has also been involved in advocating for science education and promoting scientific collaboration between Turkey and the United States. He has been an inspirational figure for aspiring scientists in his homeland and around the world. Aziz Sancar's research and discoveries have not only advanced our understanding of DNA repair but have also opened up new avenues for developing treatments for genetic diseases and cancer. His dedication to scientific excellence and his contributions to the field have made him a highly respected figure in the scientific community.
THE PALACE OF THE PARLIAMENT
The Palace of the Parliament (Romanian: Palatul Parlamentului), also known as the Republic's House (Casa Republicii) or People's House/People's Palace (Casa Poporului), is the seat of the Parliament of Romania, located atop Dealul Spirii in Bucharest, the national capital. The Palace reaches a height of 84 m (276 ft), has a floor area of 365,000 m2 (3,930,000 sq ft) and a volume of 2,550,000 m3 (90,000,000 cu ft). The Palace of the Parliament is the heaviest building in the world, weighing about 4,098,500,000 kilograms (9.04 billion pounds; 4.10 million tonnes), also being the second largest administrative building in the world. (The Great Pyramid of Giza at about 5.75 million tonsis about 40% heavier.) The building was designed and supervised by chief architect Anca Petrescu, with a team of approximately 700 architects, and constructed over a period of 13 years (1984–97) in Socialist realist and modernist Neoclassical architectural forms and styles, with socialist realism in mind. The Palace was ordered by Nicolae Ceaușescu (1918–1989), the president of Communist Romania and the second of two long-ruling heads of state in the country since World War II, during a period in which the personality cult of political worship and adoration increased considerably for him and his family. Known for its ornate interior composed of 23 sections, the palace houses the two chambers of the Parliament of Romania: the Senate (Senat) and the Chamber of Deputies (Camera Deputaților), along with three museums and an international conference center. The museums in the Palace are the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Communist Totalitarianism (established in 2015) and the Museum of the Palace. Though originally named the House of the Republic when under construction (Romanian: Casa Republicii), the palace became widely known as The People's House (Romanian: Casa Poporului) after the Romanian Revolution of December 1989. Due to its impressive characteristics, events organized by state institutions and international bodies such as conferences and symposia take place there, but despite this about 70% of the building remains empty. As of 2020, the Palace of the Parliament is valued at €4 billion, making it the most expensive administrative building in the world. The cost of heating, electricity, andlighting alone exceeds $6 million per year.
TRADITIONAL DISH There are few foods that have traveled the world the way cabbage rolls have. Sarmale, as they are called in Romania, are today considered an incredibly delicious dish with Romanian-specific ingredients. But, behind the tasty recipe, there’s a rich history of hundreds of years that has built its savor and prestige. It’s a festive dish, prepared especially at celebrations and festivities, but also consumed as traditional food. Romanian cabbage rolls can be an equally healthy and fancy choice to cook as lunch or dinner. Find out everything about this dish’s cultural and culinary history, discover the best tips and tricks, and learn how to cook the most savory and successful sarmale the Romanian traditional way! Romanian cabbage rolls have one of the most interesting and rich histories among all dishes. In fact, this is a multicultural recipe, to which tens of countries from around the world have contributed. Sarmale is ground pork and rice, wrapped and cooked in cabbage leaves. It's considered a Romanian National Dish. Romanians claim this version as 100% Romanian, though it could possibly be derived from a similar Turkish dish. Initially, cabbage rolls were created by the Turkish, who claim to be the original cookers of the dish. But as they conquered more and more territory, the recipe was spread and adapted by tens of other countries. Bulgaria, Slovenia, Hungary, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Poland, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Serbia, and Greece are only a few of these contributors. And yes, each of these countries cooks the cabbage rolls with its particularities. But Romania has made it an essential part of its own culture. And it is one of the few countries where sarmale is defined as a main traditional food. They don’t say when, exactly, cabbage rolls were assimilated by the Romanians. But they have been included in the local culture for over a hundred years. So, even though Romania is not the actual origin of cabbage rolls, no other culture or country has fused its national identity and character as strongly with sarmale as Romanians have. They are especially consumed at festive meals during national celebrations. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, National Day, weddings, or a new year’s party, Romanian cabbage rolls are rarely absent from the menu. From the poorest families to the most prestigious restaurants, there is no Romanian who hasn’t tasted sarmale. This is how strong the bond is between the dish and the national tradition.
FAMOUS INVENTION
Romanian inventions did change the world we all live in. They are more or less famous, and, as happens with inventions, few know that Romanians are their inventors. This post offers documented information for all those who want to learn more about the Romanian inventions still used. Romania is a country where inventors came up with many discoveries that made life easier. Most people consider Romanian inventions are inventions that changed our lives. Nowadays, people use this mind-blowing discovery in their daily life. We are sure that you already have some in your mind. Without any more words, we are sure that you heard about insulin. If it doesn’t ring any bells, insulin is used nowadays to treat diabetes. In 1916, Nicolae Paulescu developed a pancreatic extract, which was injected into a dog with diabetes. The results were astonishing! The pancreatic extract, insulin, proved to normalize the blood sugar levels of the diabetic dog. He is considered the Romanian inventor of insulin. In 1921, Nicolae Paulescu patented the discovery and published several articles in the biology section of a French magazine. The articles are as follows: “The effect of the pancreatic extract injected into a diabetic animal by way of the blood”, “The influence of the time elapsed from the intravenous pancreatic injection into a diabetic animal” and “The effect of the pancreatic extract injected into a normal animal by way of the blood”. Regardless of his efforts, Nicolae Paulescu was not recognized for his discovery. The reason behind that is that some Canadian researchers (Frederick Grant Banting and John James Rickard Macleod) published a 1922 paper regarding the use of insulin on people. Contrary to Nicolae Paulescu, they claimed to have tested the substance on people. Therefore, they were the ones rewarded for the discovery of insulin.
PLACES TO SEE IN SERBIA DJERDAP GORGE - EUROPE’S LONGEST AND HIGHEST GORGE
Djerdap holds immense historical significance, not only for Serbia but for the entire world. Within this region lies the extraordinary LEPENSKI VIR archaeological site,
As the Danube River journeys towards the Black Sea, it has meticulously carved the mesmerizing Djerdap Gorge, an enchanting natural boundary that delineates the territories of Serbia and Romania. This gorge proudly holds the titles of Europe's most extensive and lengthiest, having taken shape over countless centuries. Its nomenclature is rooted in the ancient Persian term "GIRDAP," evoking the image of a whirlpool, while it is also recognized by the moniker "IRON GATE."
where the remnants of a Neolithic civilization and the oldest known urban settlement on European soil have been meticulously excavated. The DJERDAP GORGE stands out as the most breathtaking segment of the Djerdap National Park, which stretches along the right bank of the Danube River. This gorge showcases the Danube in all its facets - from being the deepest, to the widest, and even the narrowest point. Reverently known as the "IRON GATE," the gorge earns this name due to its commanding power and ever-changing moods. Greeting you at the entrance to the Djerdap gorge is the Golubac Fortress, a medieval stronghold overlooking the Danube. Despite the veil of mystery surrounding its founder, indications place its origins in the 14th century. This fortress has consistently held immense importance and been a coveted prize. The Djerdap gorge is equally renowned for hosting one of Europe's largest hydroelectric power plants, strategically positioned between Serbia and Romania. Spanning 100 kilometers along the Danube, the Djerdap National Park encapsulates an ecosystem that has remained remarkably unaltered since the Ice Age. Within this expanse thrives the unique Djerdap Tulip, an exclusive bloom to this region. The fauna here, too, is a testament to the past, featuring ancient and diverse species. Among them are rarities such as lynx, jackal, and otter.
AJVAR – ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE - THE ART OF SERBIAN CUISINE
Serbian cuisine is a delicious fusion of Balkan and Mediterranean flavors. One of Serbia's signature foods is AJVAR, of which we take great pride. Originally hailing from Serbia, AJVAR's popularity extended throughout the Balkan region after World War II. The name AJVAR is derived from the Turkish word "havyar," meaning caviar. Traditionally crafted during the autumn season, AJVAR involves charring red bell peppers over an open flame, then peeling, grinding, and roasting them with eggplants, garlic, oil, vinegar, and various spices. This concoction results in a sauce that beautifully accompanies grilled meats and also serves as a delectable spread. AJVAR can range from mild to hot and spicy, offering diverse variations in preparation and ingredients. However, its distinctive flavor remains consistently unforgettable. Homemade AJVAR, often referred to as Serbian caviar, ranks among the topselling products in our cuisine. Its popularity spans the Balkans, including Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, and Romania.
SERBIA’S GREAT INVENTORS MIHAJLO PUPIN - ’ Knowledge is the light that illuminates our path through life ’ For Mihajlo Pupin, a famous scientist of Serbian origin, inventor, and professor of physics at Columbia University in New York, as well as one of the founders of NASA, another great scientist from Serbia like Tesla, Pupin offered the world inventions that enabled bridging great distances and enhancing people's lives, making them easier and more beautiful. He made significant improvements to telephone technology, and a lunar crater was also named after him.
He served as the president of the New York Academy of Science and was a member of the French Academy of Science as well as the Serbian Academy of Science. He was awarded the Edison Medal for his contributions to mathematical physics and its application to the electric transmission of intelligence. The laboratory at the University of Columbia in New York is named after him.
The patent for the Pupin coils brought international fame to Mihajlo Pupin. He patented an invention that perfected the telephone and made noise-free long-distance calls possible. During his lifetime, he patented another 23 inventions, most of which are still used today. Two out of three components of each electronic device - the rectifier, oscillator, and amplifier - are based on Pupin's patents. Additionally, Pupin was among the first to replicate Roentgen's production of X-rays in the USA.
Swedish mobility at Lilla Alby School
TABLE OF CONTENTS Lilla Alby Schooll Swedish mobility Swedish tradition Swedish tradition and english warm-up with grade 5 Lucia with grade 3 Midsummer with grade 2 Swedish fika and food Visit Sweden Skyview at Avicii Arena & Old Town Skansen: Swedish animals & Swedish school system in the old days Sundbyberg Vaxholm Activities English storytelling with grade 6 eTwinning with Anna Bergh Main project: Create a fairy world
Lilla Alby School In the middle of central Sundbyberg is Lilla Alby School, a school that grows together with the rest of Sundbyberg. The school is close to both transport and green areas such as Tuvanparken, Bällstaån and Marabouparken.
Lilla Alby school has approximately 520 students, from preschool class to school year 6. We offer leisure activities to all children from preschool class to year 6. School and leisure have a close collaboration and work together throughout the school day. Pedagogy At Lilla Alby School, we strive for each student to develop to the maximum based on their circumstances. Our goal is that everyone should be met with respect, feel safe and happy at work. We build respect for each other with the help of the staff, who get involved in each individual student. This is facilitated by the pedagogues working in teams around a certain number of students, in order to better see the whole in both learning and play. To promote respect for each other, regardless of age, we have a sponsor system where older and younger students have the opportunity to meet and interact in everyday life, on outdoor days and theme weeks. Sponsorship also contributes to increased security at the school.
The school consists of two buildings, the white and the red house. In the white house, students attend preschool through year 3 and in the red house there are students in years 4-6. You will also find administration and the dining room in the red house.
Safety is a prerequisite for maximum knowledge acquisition. Safety is created by all adults in the school working towards the same goal, having a common approach and a consensus regarding routines in daily work. The school has active equal treatment work where basic values lessons are on the schedule. The school has a Safety Team that runs the preventive value-based work. For example, Together with students and teachers, the Safety Team plans different themed weeks during the academic year. We see a close collaboration with the homes as another security factor.
We want everyone to feel joy at work at Lilla Alby School. We have therefore created an inspiring environment that encourages one's own initiative. A varied way of working with both theory and practice, which is based on student influence, also means increased job satisfaction.
Swedish mobility Welcome to Lilla Alby School in Sundbyberg, Stockholm, Sweden! We were supposed to conduct an exhibition of products created by each partner during our Swedish mobility, we were supposed to carry out a craft workshop together.
The goal for this mobility was to promote the intercultural dialogue between the different countries, therefore we worked with our cultural skills and knowledge of Swedish together with our students mixed with the partners. We wanted to promote our national cultural heritage, therefore we planned the development of knowledge among students and teachers in the diversity of European cultures and languages and its values during the morning, therefore we organized a cultural workshop where they got to experience traditional holidays such as Christmas, Midsummer, Christmas crafts, wreath making, traditional dances, storytelling, Swedish FIKA and Swedish holidays and traditions. During the afternoons we made cultural visits around Stockholm, such as The Old Town, Globen, Skansen, Sundbyberg and Vaxholm.
Swedish tradition Swedish tradition and english warm-up with grade 5 Swedes don't miss any opportunity to celebrate their traditions. The five most common ones are Easter, the Swedish National Day, Midsummer, the crayfish party and Christmas.
To begin this mobility we started off to tell the partners about the most common traditions in Sweden. The student of grade 5 made a presentation about each tradition and told the partners about them, for example why we celebrated it (history), how we celebrated it (food, fika, dances etc.) and when (dates). During the presentation the partners also got the opportunity to try their first Swedish fika, gingerbread together with “glögg” (mulled wine). At Lilla Alby School, we use a lot of warm-up activities in our English classroom. These activities are essential in helping students to ease into class, rather than immediately hitting them with demanding grammar or vocabulary tasks. With a good warm-up, students can become more attentive, interested, and ready to participate in the class. After the presentation, the students showed different types of English warm-up activities. One of them was "describing an animal and letting the other students guess what animal it was, in English." Another warm-up was "explaining oneself in English," where the students received a card with a strange sentence such as "You're seen in the city with a donkey. Explain yourself." The students then had to explain why they were in the city with a donkey (e.g. "because I love my donkey and didn't want to leave it alone at home, so I brought it with me to the city"). This is a fun way to learn and speak English.
Lucia with grade 3 At the darkest time of the year, specifically on December 13th, Swedish students annually perform a show with songs belonging to this special day - we call it "Luciatåg." Lucia is very popular in Sweden and is part of the preparation before Christmas. Lucia was an Italian saint who lived around 300 AD. The tradition is mostly rooted in folklore, but it also has roots from pre-Christian times. In modern times, Lucia is a symbol for bringing hope, light, and kindness into a dark world. The songs are about Lucia herself, as well as Staffan Stalledräng, a farmhand who worked hard in earlier times. They also include traditional Christmas preparations such as gingerbread cookies and small gnomes helping for Christmas Eve. A significant part of the song has a Christian background and is about Jesus Christ's birth in Bethlehem Even though it was not Christmas time when the mobility was set in Sweden, we had the opportunity to present a Luciatåg with the grade 3 students for our partners. The students practiced the songs and delivered a fantastic and sweet Luciatåg in the middle of September. As you can see in the pictures, we had our own Lucia with her Lucia bridesmaids and some Christmas pixies.
Each Christmas, children in Sweden create and decorate "smällkaramell" (popsicles). Smällkaramell is a classic Christmas decoration that consists of a tube wrapped in decorated paper to resemble a large wrapped caramel. The popsicle can be filled with a gift or treat and hung on the Christmas tree or used as a table decoration. After the Luciatåg, the partners were set to work with some of the students to make these "smällkaramell" (popsicles). We chose to use "Polkagris" (Polka Pig) inside the popsicles. Polka Pig is a Swedish candy that was invented in 1859 by Amalia Eriksson in the town of Gränna, Sweden. It remains a well-known, albeit oldfashioned candy in Sweden. The partners were also allowed to try one of these famous Polka Pig.
Midsummer with grade 2 Midsummer is a cherished Swedish tradition. It is celebrated on the longest day of the year, Friday between the 19th and 25th of June. Midsummer festivities are arranged all over the country, but many Swedes travel to the countryside to celebrate with family and friends. A successful Midsummer party involves decorating and dancing around the maypole, singing songs, and eating traditional food such as pickled herring and flavored schnapps. During our cultural workshop, the pupils presented a presentation to our visitors with facts and pictures of the maypole, the flower wreath, and the traditions surrounding dancing, singing, and folk music. With the guidance of the pupils, we made paper flower wreaths together, and many good and funny conversations took place. We then demonstrated three traditional dances around the maypole; "Små grodorna" (translated to "little frogs"), "Räven raskar över isen" (“the Fox hurries over the ice”) and "Vi äro musikanter" (“we are musicians”). We concluded the visit with a common dance around the maypole, filled with laughter and joy.
Swedish fika and food Fika is more than just a word, it's a way of life. It's a cherished tradition that has been deeply ingrained in Swedish culture for centuries. At its core, fika is about taking a break, slowing down, and savoring the simple pleasures of life. Whether you're catching up with friends over a cup of coffee or bonding with colleagues over a delicious pastry, fika is a time to connect and unwind. During the 19th century, the art of fika reached new heights as hostesses competed to create the most delicious cookies. The custom of serving seven different kinds of cookies at each visit became a defining aspect of the Swedish kafferep. Today, many Swedes consider it essential to make time for fika every day, as it provides an opportunity to connect with others and appreciate the little things in life. To truly experience the essence of Swedish culture, we invite you to join us in embracing the tradition of fika. Each day, you'll have the opportunity to try different types of fika and indulge in the pleasures of the Swedish kafferep. So come, slow down, and savor the simple pleasures of life with us.
Visit Sweden 2 Skyview at Avicii Arena & Old Town We thought that experiencing Stockholm from above would be a perfect start for our mobility in Sweden. The first afternoon we went to the world's largest spherical building, Globen. At Globen we have the SkyView. SkyView is the attraction that takes you up along the outside of the Avicii Arena inside two specially designed glass gondolas. From the top, at 130 meters above sea level, you have a fantastic view over the entire city of Stockholm. After seeing Stockholm from above, we went to the Old Town (Gamla Stan) to see more of Stockholm. The Old Town is Stockholm’s original city center and consists of Stadsholmen island. The Old Town dates from the 13th century, but most buildings are from the 1600s and 1700s. It is a glorious labyrinth of charming cobbled streets, alleyways, faded mustard and rust-coloured townhouses and meeting squares. We went to Stortorget, the main square with all the big attractions leading off, including the baroque style Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet) and The Royal Chapel (Storkyrkan).
Skansen: Swedish animals & Swedish school system in the old days Skansen is the world's first and oldest open air museum, founded in 1891. During the walk there you stroll through their wonderful park but also travel in time through Sweden's history. There you would experience farmsteads and 18th century mansions, meeting characters in period costume. Skansen is home to amazing Nordic wildlife. Several historically interesting, rare native breeds are also part of the park. Just like the buildings and environments that Skansen works to preserve, the native breeds are part of our Swedish cultural heritage and several of them are included in conservation projects. We thought it would both be interesting and perfect to visit Skansen and get a history guide on how the Swedish school worked around 100 years ago. We also got told about Sweden's history and found out how Swedes once lived according to the changing seasons, through the customs and traditions, work, celebrations and everyday life of times gone by.
Sundbyberg On Wednesday afternoon, it was time for a tour around Sundbyberg. We started by taking a walk away to Ängskolan to see what a Swedish middle school looks like. As soon as we entered the building, it was swarming with students, and many were curious as to who it was that entered. After a chat with some students, we went to a private classroom to get a mini lecture from year 9 students. These students then gave us a tour around the school. After the visit to Ängskolan, we went on to the library in Sundbyberg for a guided tour. We received valuable information, and then we went around and looked at the various books that were available. At the end of the day, it was time for a visit to the central church. The Church of Sweden can be described as a national church, since it has long played the dominant role in Swedish religious life. At the church we were met by a female priest who told us about what a normal visit to church might look like. We also got to go down one floor to see the room where the children learn more about the biblical events with the help of theater.
Vaxholm Vaxholm is also a perfect place to visit to see how it used to be in the old times in Sweden, see our cultural heritage. "Old" Vaxholm is a fascinating experience for both visitors and residents of Vaxholm. Vaxholm, which received its city privileges in 1647, lived and developed for centuries in harmony with the fortress that was the reason for the city's birth. The population's main task was to deliver supplies, materials and services. They worked as guards when the fortress was unmanned and pilots leased the land free of charge from the Crown. The population supported themselves as artisans, fishermen, traders and restaurateurs. We were given a tour where we got to experience pastel-colored old wooden houses with ornate decorations, glass verandas, ornate gates and self-designed fences, all from the turn of the last century. Only Vaxholm's church and the Customs House from 1736 are stone buildings, while all other buildings were wooden structures that could be burned in the event of an enemy attack.
Activities
English storytelling with grade 6 Storytelling provides children with a window to new worlds. It gives them the opportunity to learn new ideas and information; without realizing it, they are learning valuable life lessons through hearing an engaging, exciting story. We invited our sixth graders to work with storytelling together with the partners, they were divided in small groups and received famous stories from Sweden and Denmark; Emil in Lönneberga and his snuggle by Astrid Lindgren (Swedish), Petters och Lottas Christmas by Elsa Beskow *(Swedish) and The ugly Duckling by H.C Andersen (Danish). Together with the help of some six graders, the partners needed to put the story together after it had been cut apart into small pieces. They needed to read the pieces and put them back in the correct order as the story goes.
eTwinning with Anna Bergh We decided that we needed an opportunity in how eTwinning works and how to use it. We invited Anna Bergh from eTwinning and she presented the benefits of using eTwinning, for example how eTwinning promotes school collaboration in Europe through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by providing support, tools and services for schools.
Main project: Create a fairy world
Stories are magical; they can create other worlds, evoke emotions, inspire ideas, and make the everyday seem incredible. They can teach us empathy and take us on thrilling journeys. They can make us laugh, cry, jump with fright, and then comfort us with a happy ending. During the week, the partners worked in smaller, mixed groups and created a fairy tale world (this project was inspired by our youngest student in our school, who had done a similar project). The groups must use their imagination and the materials in front of them to create this project. They need to create a figure, a world in which the character lives, and an adventure that the character ends up in. The groups also need to decide on the name of the world, a magical place in the world, what to do in the magical world, and other types of creatures that exist in the world.
ROMANIAN MOBILITY (27-31 MARCH 2023) As part of the fourth mobility of our Erasmus+ project “Power of Fairy tales and stories on literature and linguistic skills”, Nanov Secondary School received the visit of their partners from Turkey, Slovenia, Serbia and Sweden. The first day of the visit was dedicated to visiting the school and meeting the staff. Then, together with the students, we had bracelet-making workshops. After a short break, a big surprise was the Easter egg decoration workshop with wax, where even the project participants had the opportunity to decorate Easter eggs themselves. This workshop was an opportunity to get to know Romania’s tradition and culture before the Easter holiday.
The spiritual treasure of the people is found in traditions, customs and expressions of popular wisdom. “Șezătorea”, in the Romanian tradition, is a small gathering specific to the rural environment. Those who participate in the sitting work, sing, tell stories and play some social games. Starting from this idea, our students supported a unique moment that brought local traditions and customs to the fore. The students presented to the teachers from the ERASMUS+ project the most common occupations perpetuated from ancient times, such as weaving, knitting, sewing, crocheting, etc., and the riddles, songs and dances were an occasion of joy and good cheer for the Nanovean community.
The second day of mobility started with the making of bookmarks, and the participants of the project received, in addition to the bookmarks made by themselves, gifts made by the students as a souvenir. As a result of the work of the students and teachers of the partner schools in this project, five original puppet shows were created and presented to the partners. Our school presented the performance live to a large audience of preschool and school age students. Other teams presented their performances through recordings, followed by a discussion where participants presented their ways of working and shared experiences. The team from Turkey introduced us to the main actors of their show, the dolls being made by the students and teachers of the school.
On the third and fourth day, the ERASMUS+ team delved into the secrets of the stories. Our dear partners in the project visited places where the story merges in a majestic landscape with the beauty of the surrounding nature. First we visited Peles Castle which is one of the most famous and beautiful castles in Romania. Then we visited the famous Bran Castle in the vicinity of Brașov. It is about a medieval fortress on the border between the Roman provinces of Transylvania and Wallachia. This fortress is also known as “Dracula’s Castle”. On the way back, we visited two more tourist attractions “Clay Castle” (”The Valley of the Fairies”) and “The Story of the Calendar”. On the third day, after the tournament we had an official presentation of certificates with a traditional dinner.
On the fifth day, I visited the NicolaeBălcescu High School where I got to know the working methods of this school and their offices and practical teaching workshops. Being a vocational school, the students, teachers and school principal welcomed us with products that the students prepared themselves. After this last day of mobility in Romania, we said goodbye to our guests, and we will meet again in the last project meeting in Slovenia.
Slovenian mobility 5th MOBILITY took place in Slovenia form 22nd till 26th of May. We planned our mobility on airport in Bucharest, where we spent the night because our flight was postponed. We named each day of our mobility according to what we planned to do on that day.
Day 1: LET’S GET STARTED DAY On first day we had formal greeting with representatives of our municipality. Than visitors had school Radeče tour with students. Later on we stopped at music school and had kindergarten tour with introduction of their work. Then we had workshops on the theme of Carnival of Characters. In the afternoon we went on wooden raft, that drove us up the stream of river Sava and we find out a lot of things about Radeče and customs of rafters. Late in the afternoon we visited Celje.
In front of school
English activity in kindergarten
On wooden raft
Day 2: I FEEL SLOVENIA DAY This day was dedicated to exploring our little beautiful country. We visited Vogel, lake Bled and Slovenia capital city Ljubljana. We were surrounded by myths and legends, that we were told on the bus while driving to destinations.
On Vogel
In Ljubljana
Day 3: VILLAGE RELAXATION DAY On Wednesday we visited our branch school in Svibno, where students played a part of their play Peter Klepec. Then we visited school and village and had a great workshop of baking bread with local women farmers club Arnike. After typical Slovenian lunch (mushroom soup with buckwheat porridge) and dessert potica we relaxed with yoga in nature. We also visited ethnographic collection on Ključevšek farm, where we tried some homemade milk products. At the end, we visited Gašperjev chestnut and had a lovely dinner in Sevnica
Making birds form poprtnik dough
Degustation of milk products (cheese, yoghurt, cheese spread) at Ključevšek’s farm
Yoga in nature
In front of the thickest chestnut in Slovenia
Day 4: THE DAY WHEN MAGIC HAPPENS Firstly we had workshops in school and coordinators of all countries had a meeting about work, final report and they also discussed eTwinning. After lunch at school we visited Postojnska cave and Piran. We again listened to some legends on bus while driving to Postojna.
Workshops in the classroom
In front of Postojnska cave
Day 5: IT WAS NICE DAY On final day our first graders played a Red Riding Hood play for us. Then we visited didactical circle and outdoor classroom in Ribiška place. After that all the groups presented their work on Carnival of characters and we also did certificates ceremony. After lunch at school we said goodbye full of new memories. We had a very nice week.
Didactical circle in Ribiška
Presentations on Carnival of characters
Certificate ceremony
Every end is a new beginning...