From March 31st to April 4th, 2025, four teachers from the 5th Primary School of Florina “Theodoros Kastanos,” the Primary School of Vevi, and the Primary School of Ydrousa took part in a job shadowing experience at École élémentaire Françoise CABRINI in Paris. This visit offered a unique opportunity to explore the French education system and exchange innovative practices with local colleagues.
The mobility began with a guided tour of the school facilities, familiarizing our teachers with the educational environment and daily routines. In the classrooms, they observed dynamic lessons across multiple grade levels. In Grade 2, students engaged in recycling activities, mathematical games inspired by judo belts, and creative storytelling sessions designed to strengthen historical thinking.
Our teachers also observed literacy and mathematics lessons in Grade 2, discovering the power of calligraphy practice, timed exercises, and self-correction strategies to build independence in learning. They participated in a lively music class where students prepared for the graduation song, explored disco music, and learned about sound intensity through interactive activities.
In Grade 3, the focus shifted to teamwork and problem-solving during a collaborative paper tower challenge. In Grade 5, teachers observed lessons that seamlessly combined mathematics, language, and the arts, including art interpretation inspired by Van Gogh and an innovative writing exercise using anonymous positive letters to boost self-expression and kindness.
The visit also included active participation in a Grade 1 class that blended literacy, math, visual arts, and emergency preparedness, including a lockdown drill exercise that demonstrated the importance of safety in schools.
A highlight of the mobility was the meeting with the school head and local teachers, where participants discussed the structure of the French education system and shared ideas about the progress of ongoing European projects.
We extend our sincere thanks to the staff and students of École élémentaire Françoise CABRINI for their warm hospitality, openness, and collaborative spirit. This job shadowing experience strengthened professional skills, fostered intercultural understanding, and inspired our teachers to bring back new ideas and strategies to enrich our own classrooms.
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