SPM26 PSLL Welcome to school (Presentation, warm-up activities)

The Spanish coordinator gave us the detail of the agenda of the week, presenting both the Andalusian sites that would be visited (in the Malaga and Granada areas) and the workshops that would be held on issues relating to the environment, cultural heritage and citizenship. Then, he offered gifts to each students with some souvenirs from Andalousia (bag, booklets and some information's booklets about Malaga).  Firstly, they were a bit shy because they could take the pressure off having to maintain a conversation with one person with basic vocabulary. 

After that, the Spanish coordinator watched a video of last November's mobility programme in France, which brought back fond memories for the Spanish and French students. A break with coffee and cakes was offered as a welcoming moment all together. Then a visit of the school has been organized by students who presented the school.

A yoga teacher from the school came to lead them in some stretching games for one hour. Each exercise was carried out in pairs or in a circle, which aimed to put all students at ease, reduce the stress associated with moving to a foreign country, encourage spontaneous communication and develop team spirit and cooperation from the start of the week. The stretching exercises were also an opportunity to remind them of the importance of physical and mental well-being. A series of 5-minute mini-sessions (neck and shoulder stretches, arm and back stretches, leg stretches, deep breathing) were held to release tension, prepare the body to remain alert, and energise and motivate the group. 

The students were volunteered to talk in English. They were able to measure the importance of the Erasmus+ project by being received by the coordinator and seeing that this project involved a group of foreigner people ready to help them and feel comfortable for the week. They practiced both listening and talking. By standing up and have stretching activities help them build up their self-confidence, and create a new ice breaking with fun. This exercise was really pleasant for all.