A Classroom Full of Imagination and Innovation
23
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The civilisation, the culture and famous personalities of the countries, The flora and fauna of each country, Some historical elements for the countries, The European citizens’ rights and programmes that are of concern to your students, How decisions concerning Europe’s future are made, that is, the way that the Community Institutions and Regional Agencies of the EU function. You have already figured out that this is a programme combining many school subjects to choose from: History, Art History, Geography, Environmental Studies, Music etc. Now that you have clarified the topic of your educational programme and the objectives you are aiming at, you need to follow your imagination in an enchanting journey which will lead you to that very day when you will be addressing to your students. What would you like your lesson to be like? What do you think would trigger your students’ interest? Now think as if you are writing that day’s lesson plan, it goes like this…. For your journey you will need a school bag filled with papers, colourful pencils, rulers, erasers, pens, scissors, wooden sticks and some string. You will not need to be inspired as your rights as a European citizen are everywhere around you, you just need to open your eyes. Then you can choose your most favourite place at school and create your plan on one of the most significant rights to you. If a group of students asks you about your rights, do not be alarmed – they are probably carrying out a research on the particular topic and they need your opinion. Please do not feel embarrassed when you will be asking your questions and sharing your thoughts with a Commissioner or an official from the Community Institutions and Regional Agencies of the EU. They will do their best to provide accurate answers in a clear, understandable manner. Since colours are never enough, you can open your school bag once again and start drawing your face, your clothes, your shoes, even the pavement and the benches! It is totally up to you whether you wish to be inspired by diverse cultures! If you are a techie, then you can test your knowledge about Europe and the European Union by playing many interactive games! Good luck! Do not forget: knowledge is power!