CIRCUS as means to learn positive

The CIRCUS project aimed to create and develop functional methods to carry out positive pedagogy and recognition of character strengths. We consider that both children and adults would benefit fro...

The CIRCUS project aimed to create and develop functional methods to carry out positive pedagogy and recognition of character strengths. We consider that both children and adults would benefit from learning to recognise their strengths, learning to talk about them, and learning to use them in different situations in everyday life. We aimed to learn about resilience, and discomfort zones, and how to deal with them. We wanted to emphasise that there are moments of disappointment in life, and we can learn to handle those moments. We aimed to learn new methods and ways of working in order to promote our goals. We decided that during the project we would collect these methods, tasks and tips together and finally create a virtual and printed book. Our CIRCUS project aimed also to find the joy of working together, and to learn more about circus as an art and a physical performance. We wanted our participants to know that we share common values with our European peers, and we can create joint welfare. We wanted to enhance the digital skills, when saving and sharing our activities with the partners in eTwinning or other platforms.

This project contained four work packages (each partner responsible for one) and each work package contained four different activities. All the activities were always somehow about strengths, how to learn to acknowledge and notice them in oneself and the peers. We made the theoretical knowledge concrete by applying our strengths to circus related activities. Some activities were more about theoretical application (i.e. reading, research, arts, visits), and some were more about physical performing (i.e. workshops, performances). All activities were carried out with an inclusive idea, so that many different children and adults were able to participate. Digital learning was integrated into the project strongly, as all activities were recorded, and shared online in our TwinSpace and in our schools’ social media channels. Very important activities were the face-to-face weeks; there we met our European peers and their families. The families hosted the visitors, and the ideology of Erasmus+ program was spread outside the schools even stronger. During each face-to-face week an expert’s workshop on the work package related subject was always organised.

This project enabled us to create innovative, practical materials for ongoing use while developing strategies, skills, and valuable learning experiences for professional and personal growth. The main intangible result of our project was enhanced emotional intelligence and self-awareness by focusing on strengths. The project promoted positive self-image, increased joy, curiosity, and motivation for learning via creative circus-themed tasks. We adopted more learner-centred and emotionally responsive learning approaches focused on participants' strengths. We strengthened trust and relationships among participants, building mutual respect and solidarity. We gained confidence in digital tools for collaboration and reflection, promoting openness, creativity, wellbeing, and intercultural dialogue. We achieved stronger European identity through cross-border collaboration and shared values of inclusion, cooperation, and respect for diversity. We improved communication and social skills by working in English with peers from different countries. The final tangible product of the CIRCUS project is the Book of Strengths. This book is available online, and printed. The book enhances and reminds us to use positive methods constantly.