Mascots on the Move

How much can a small mascot discover while travelling across Europe?

In this project, every partner school creates its own mascot inspired by a local symbol, such as an animal from the town coat of arms, a regional animal or a local legend. The mascots travel between partner schools and become special guests in classrooms and pupils’ homes. They help children discover schools, families, hobbies, traditions and everyday life in different European countries. The project is fully integrated into English lessons and allows pupils to use newly learned vocabulary in meaningful communication. Throughout the project, pupils work together on common international products, share their discoveries in TwinSpace and gradually create one shared digital story about the mascots’ journey across Europe.

OBJECTIVES

The project aims to:

  • motivate pupils to communicate in English in authentic situations;
  • develop confidence in speaking using simple vocabulary and sentence structures (A0–A1);
  • introduce children to everyday life in other European countries;
  • strengthen European identity while appreciating local traditions;
  • develop creativity, collaboration and responsibility;
  • improve digital competences through safe use of online tools;
  • involve every pupil actively in the project.

PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATION

Instead of simply presenting schools or countries, pupils communicate through travelling mascots. Each mascot becomes an „international friend” who experiences school life, family life and local traditions in every partner country. The mascot is not only a project symbol but also a storytelling tool that creates emotional engagement and motivates children to communicate naturally. Every pupil becomes a Mascot Guardian during the project and is personally responsible for one part of the mascot’s journey.

WORK PROCESS

September

  • Meet our mascots
  • Partner schools:
    • introduce themselves;
    • create their mascot;
    • design the project logo together (online voting);
    • create mascot profile cards.
  • Common product: Interactive map of partner schools

October

  • Welcome to our school
  • Mascots arrive at partner schools.
  • Pupils introduce:
    • classrooms,
    • favourite places,
    • school life.
  • Common product: Collaborative digital school guide

October – February/March

  • Mascot’s Weekend Adventures: This is a continuous activity running alongside all other project tasks. Each pupil becomes a Mascot Guardian once during the project. The mascot spends one weekend with each child.
  • Pupils document the experience using:
    • photographs
    • drawings
    • short videos
    • audio recordings
    • 3–5 simple English sentences
  • Common product: Collaborative Mascot Blog in TwinSpace (Twinboard???)

December

  • Christmas Around Europe
  • Partner schools exchange:
    • Christmas cards
    • songs
    • decorations
    • traditions
  • Common product: European Christmas Gallery (Twinboard)

January

  • A Day in My Life – Pupils compare their daily routines
  • Common product: Interactive daily routine board

February

  • What do children like?
  • International survey:
    • favourite hobbies,
    • favourite sports,
    • favourite books,
    • favourite games.
  • Common product: European Hobby Survey

March

  • Spring is here! – Pupils introduce:
    • local animals
    • spring flowers
    • weather
  • Common product: European Spring Nature Book

April

  • Welcome to my town – Partner schools prepare a simple guide to their town. Children present:
    • school
    • church
    • castle
    • park
    • river
    • favourite place
  • Common product: Interactive European Map

May

  • Let’s cook together and celebrate the eTwinning Day! – Each country contributes one easy local recipe. 
  • Common product: European Cookbook

June

  • The Great Mascot Adventure – the end of the journey
  • Children reflect on:
    • What did we learn?
    • What surprised us?
    • Which mascot adventure was our favourite?
  • Common product: Collaborative digital book “Mascots on the Move”

COLLABORATION BETWEEN PARTNERS

Partner schools will work together continuously throughout the project. Teachers will jointly plan monthly activities and agree on common deadlines.

Pupils will:

  • work together on shared digital products
  • compare results of international surveys
  • exchange mascots and local souvenirs
  • participate in video meetings

EXPECTED RESULTS

By the end of the project pupils will:

  • communicate more confidently in English;
  • understand basic information about partner countries;
  • cooperate with international peers;
  • create simple digital content;
  • develop responsibility through the Mascot Guardian role;
  • improve intercultural awareness;
  • gain positive experience with international teamwork.

FINAL PRODUCTS

  • Interactive map of partner schools
  • Mascot Profiles
  • Mascot Passports
  • Mascot Travel Blog
  • European Christmas Gallery
  • European Hobby Survey
  • Spring Nature Book
  • Interactive Town Map
  • European Cookbook
  • Mascots on the Move – Collaborative Digital Book