STORYTELLING TOGETHER

<< Background >>We applied for the Erasmus+ Storytelling Together project, to address various educational and social needs in our community, having storytelling as a common thread. The main objective of the project is inclusion, for this we make a collaboration between countries (Spain, Belgium and Portugal). We felt the need to collaborate with other schools to make the most of our resources and improve our way of working with students, leaving our comfort zone, to evolve. In addition, we have promoted teamwork and creativity, through storytelling and dynamization, in order to improve their communication skills, self-confidence, critical thinking and self-esteem. << Objectives >>-Promote intercultural exchange and understanding by bringing together students from different countries and educational backgrounds.-Encourage creativity and collaboration by involving students in the production of plays based on well-known stories and through workshops for the creation of props for the plays, characterization of the characters, scenography to represent the different scenes....-To promote inclusion through the participation of students from ordinary and special education centers in joint activities. -To improve communication skills, using English as the main vehicle for communication between the three countries, teamwork and problem solving of students in an international and intercultural environment.-To develop suprasegmental skills, such as: memory, attention, data relation and assimilation of contents, working it in the schools and then sharing it during the mobilities. -To develop skills to cope in different situations with different customs (schedules, meals...) thus achieving an open mind. Taking into account the capabilities of each one. << Implementation >>Key activities implemented in the project included:-Two mobilities: One to Spain and one to Portugal, in which mixed teams of students from different countries worked together to produce and perform a play.-Theater productions: In Spain, students worked together to stage Little Red Riding Hood, while in Portugal they staged Snow White. Each production involved three teams: actors, set designers and costume designers.-Workshops: Prior to the mobilities, we organized workshops with the students to prepare them for the collaborative nature of the project. These workshops focused on storytelling, costume design, acting techniques and set design.-Cultural activities: In addition to the theatrical productions, students participated in cultural exchange activities, visiting local landmarks and interacting with students from other schools to learn about other cultures.<< Results >>Successful theatrical performances: Both productions (Little Red Riding Hood in Spain and Snow White in Portugal) were successfully performed in front of an audience, showcasing the hard work and creativity of the students.Improving collaboration: Students from different countries, backgrounds and educational needs worked effectively in mixed teams, gaining a greater appreciation for teamwork and diversity. Fostering social skills (empathy, interpersonal relationships, respect for others...).Cultural exchange: mobilities fostered intercultural understanding, and students shared and learned from each other's cultures and perspectives.Improved skills: Students improved their communication skills, self-confidence and problem-solving abilities. Many reported feeling more accomplished and proud of their work. We fostered the ability to develop autonomy.