Let's Join Our Hands

The aim was to let teachers and students from very different schools and education systems meet and work together with body percussion as the initial tool and method for this cooperation. Through ...

The aim was to let teachers and students from very different schools and education systems meet and work together with body percussion as the initial tool and method for this cooperation. Through the meetings and the common activities the project supports development of intercultural skills among teachers and students, their ability to get inspired and work together, strenghten their language competencies and create new networks, not only between colleges but also between individuals/groups. Further to experience how the use of body percussion as a tool for both learning and communication can be integrated in all sorts of subjects in education and have a positive effect on both.

Each partner meeting included an introduction and presentation of all participants, individually as well as presentation of the educational background of the group. Introduction was also made through simple "ice-breaker" activities allowing especially the students to establish the initial contact to young students from another country and culture. The core activity was body percussion activities presented by the three different national groups of students. The students as well as the participating teachers experimented with different sounds (e.g. clapping, stomping, tapping different body parts), patterns and movements allowing them to not only explore but also to develop their artistic capabilities. After instruction and rehearsing some activities were presented at a larger audience at the college. A part of the meetings was also local cultural activities and visits to learn more about the local culture and traditions.

The students experimented with different sounds, patterns and movements, allowing them to explore their artistic capabilities. They created their own performances, fostering individuality and personal expression. Students also learned to work together, synchronize their movements and sounds, and to communicate effectively. This promoted teamwork, cooperation and mutual respect among students, fostering a sense of community and shared achievement. Introducing students to different body percussion traditions also allowed them to explore and appreciate very diverse cultural practices. This fostered cultural awareness, empathy and in a broader perspective, promoted inclusion and understanding across borders.