1st LTTA
1st day
Here we begin the first mobility of the Erasmus project “Learning in Nature”. This time, at the Oulu Steiner Waldorf School, in the city of Oulu, located in the north-central part of Finland, the host country and also the coordinator of the project.
This first day, the students and teachers from Portugal, Greece and Latvia were received by the School Director accompanied by some teachers and students. In the first part, the School Director presented Waldorf pedagogy, with a focus on equality and an innovative approach in educational terms. The supportive atmosphere and emphasis on active participation of students are the aspects that stand out the most.
Next, we carry out physical activities outside. Everyone jumps in the snow, skates on ice and sledding. All this has brought a magical dimension to our stay and will provide a deeper understanding of the special relationship that Finns have in winter. In the snow and at a felt temperature of -26ºC, more than a barrier, it becomes a way to express joy and vitality.
At the end of this first day, we return to the inside of the school to carry out recreational activities in the context of the classroom.
In short, the combination of Waldorf pedagogy and snow activities in Oulu offers a multifaceted perspective of Finnish culture.
2nd Day
This day we visited the “Fab Lab” of the University of Oulu. It was a visit that fascinated us a lot, allowing us to explore technological innovations and advanced research. We live enriching moments, spent in a collaborative environment, in installations with the most high-tech equipment.
In the Botanical Garden of the same University, we are surrounded by botanical diversity and natural beauty. The serenity of the environment, combined with a vast collection of plants, serves to stimulate reflection through a set of interactive activities, experienced by students in different schools related to the “Learning in Nature” project.
Part of the afternoon, going to the sauna was a revealing cultural immersion. Experiencing the Finnish sauna tradition not only provides a moment of relaxation, but also offers a unique opportunity for social interaction, promoting an understanding of the importance of this practice in local society.
The combination of all these experiences not only enriched the academic knowledge of all participants, but also provided a deeper understanding of Finnish culture, uniting the practical and cultural aspects in an inescapable way.
3rd Day
The day began with a classroom with a Waldorf approach, in which we were given the opportunity to explore the fascinating topic of the snow and the artistic expression that it inspires. Also in the same classroom, we investigate the impressive ability that living beings demonstrate to thrive in challenging winter conditions. This was the pretext for a walk through the surrounding nature, in search of evidence of winter-resilient animals and plants. The interaction between students and nature provides a deeper understanding of how the diversity of life adapts in surprising ways to survive in snow-covered environments, revealing remarkable resilience of jungle life.
It was also a starting point for artistic activities inside and outside the classroom.
The day continued with a visit to the recycling center of Oulu - Kiertokaari, which allowed us to understand in a more practical way the importance of sustainability, giving years to students the possibility of expanding their understanding of their role in preserving the environment.
4th Day
Here, we have the opportunity to participate in a classroom on the importance of the circular economy and recycling, in which the main foundations for the construction of a more sustainable society are explored. The circular economy model is highlighted as a way to minimize waste, promoting the reuse and recycling of materials. We discuss the positive impact of these practices in the reduction of environmental impact and in the conservation of natural resources. It was a valuable opportunity to understand how small actions, such as recycling, contribute to a more balanced and ecologically responsible future. Each of our partner countries presents its reality in this context.
Later we participated in a Eurythmy classroom (a form of body expression that promotes motor coordination and stimulates creativity and body awareness). The emphasis on the connection between the movement and artistic expression highlights the holistic approach of Waldorf pedagogy. This experience reinforces the importance of integrating the arts in the educational process for a balanced development of students.
After lunch, we took an orientation tour of the city of Oulu. The students are challenged to explore the charms of a snow-covered city. Participants visitet points of interest, making this activity not only a test of their orientation abilities, but also providing a fascinating view of the harmony between nature and urban life in Oulu.
Next, we were challenged to participate in a manual labor classroom. It was an enriching experience, where students put their manual skills in practice, building a traditional Oulu game, sculpted in wood.
To end the day, we were invited to a luncheon, which included the presence of students and teachers from four participating countries on the project.
5th Day
Here we had the last day of our stay in Oulu in the scope of the Erasmus project “Learning in Nature”.
In the morning, the students who are partners of the project, together with other students of “Steinerschool”, filled the playground of the Oulu school with the joy of playing in the snow. All together they built snow castles, they had snowball fights and slide down white-stained coasts. The icy scenario turns into a space of imagination and fellowship , where every snowflake contributes to creating unforgettable memories.
Next, in the classroom, the students, with colorful pencils, trace outlines of objects and objects on sheets of paper, transforming them into visual messages through words representative of the emotions experienced throughout the week of learning and discovery.
Before going to lunch, there is still time to participate in an inspiring Physical Education classroom, following the Bothmer methodology. In this classroom, students work in body and mind, intertwining each other in a special way. Through dynamic games, the Bothmer approach not only stimulates physical movement, but also promotes body awareness and emotional balance, highlighting the importance of holistic integration in the Finnish educational approach.
The farewell was held in a festive atmosphere, culminating in a small party with the presence of all the partners of the project.
