''Reflections over professional work in an intercultural perspective''

Because of the fact that Greece is a country with many immigrants is reasonable for schools to include children from other cultures. The state has progressed in several movements to be able to integrate these children in Greek schools.
Greece has not yet any immigration policy, no comprehensive legislation on the rights of immigrants, and no measures to ensure smooth integration into Greek society.Besides the state make some first efforts to integrate these children in the most painless way in the greek schools.
I had a course in my university which was about the intercultural education and in particular the inclusion of Roma children in kindergartens. Therefore we had organized a big celebration which all schools in the city and a group of Roma children with their parents and social workers were invited. It was amazing that all the children did all activities together and it was also touching to see that their parents were proud of them.Although there were cases of children showed negative attitudes towards Roma children.In my opinion the children in Greece are growing up having prejudices against people from other countries.I think that this situation is the result of parents lack of education .
At the end of that day, i realized that maybe we had done something very important,for those children who their culture dictates that they are not interested in school and they have learned from small age to fear it. Maybe it was the first step for them to realize that they can do wonderful things at school without being embarrassed and ashamed for where they belong.For those children who grew up with prejudice and learned from small not to accept diversity, was probably the first and only experience that dictated to them, that being different does not make you less able or unwanted.
What i learned? Children in that age,are affected by what they see and what they listen. What we can do is give them opportunities to experience new things, to live in contact with diversity and not afraid to it.Another thing is that to change the views of children must first change the views of their parents and this is only through communication with the teacher.
Through this experience i taught myself to keep my mind open.In that way i deduct minds of my students open to diversity.
The introduction of the intercultural dimension in Greek education system requires a continuous and systematic effort.

''Untrained assistans?''

I was wondering about the untrained assistans that are working in kindergartens, here in Denmark. Maybe is not that bad for the children because they come into contact with people who are more familiar than the teachers, but how are we so confident that they have the necessary skills to come into contact with such a vulnerable age without having the elementary education?

''The mother is like a ball tied to a rope''

The purpose of the Kindergarten is to provide the necessary and natural help which poor mothers require who have to be about their work all day, and must leave their children to themselves. The occupations pursued in the Kindergarten are the following: free play of a child by itself; free play of several children by themselves; associated play under the guidance of a teacher; gymnastic exercises; several sorts of handiwork suited to little children; going for walks; learning music, both instrumental and vocal; learning the repetition of poetry; story-telling; looking at really good pictures; aiding in domestic occupations; gardening.

—Froebel

''Tik,tok you have a (practical) visit..''

The one that expected more was the practical visits. From the moment we entered in both schools, i understand that these have nothing to do with greek schools. The rooms were large, the teachers many and the children were free to do whatever they want during the day. Games in the yard, indoor, crafts and anything else they were interested in. The establishments were unbelievable, variety of settings and a wide variety of activities. The teachers watched the children playing and made comments where needed. The first of the two schools had a house in the coutryside and that's what I like most.I realised how beautiful and important it is, for children in that age who live in large cities,to have contact with nature and for that the teachers said to me that it is an essential part of their teaching.It was a very interesting experience to see how teachers work with that age in Denmark and that was one of the most important reasons to join the international course.
-And i also learned that when we visit someone in Denmark we offer wine or coffee.

''The Tollund man''

Incredible!!!That man, that exposed in Silkeborgs museum lived during the 4th century (iron age) and he was found in 1950 buried in a peat bog,which preserved his body.The head and face were so well-preserved that he was mistaken at the time of discovery for a recent murder victim.
It is very interesting to hear how a country like Denmark has evolved from yesterday to today, how a poor state evolved into a country with excellent growth.
''We may be poor, but we don't have to be stupid''.
In 1588-1648 every child in Denmark had to go to school for seven years.How great is that..the training always had a significant importance in people's lives and had nothing to do with the economic situation.

''Madlenkas hund''

I universet,pa en planet,pa et kontinent,i et land,i en by,i en boligblok hvor alle mennesker gar tur med deres hund,bor en lille pige som hedder Madlenka...
I bought this fairytale in my first days in Copenhagen..talks about a girl that created an imaginary dog for relaxation of the need for a friend!! I think that it is a good idea to translate it and read it to my students in the Kindergarden..

1-2-3/9 ''Scouting....hmmm excuse me...camping in Denmark!!!!''

In a very green place...in a beautiful shelter in countryside, fourty-something students, three teachers, 100 bags with food, one big,fat pack of texts met together.
What is culture actually?
For me the meaning of this word is broad. Culture is a concept that is not inherent with specific countries. Is a general term used for any community of people who share common values,standards,traditions,rituals.
''Spirit catches you and you fall down''
Is all about communication..you can communicate with many ways..even if you dont have the same culture, the same relegion, the same class or the same social contex.Like me and Alvaro, i understand what he is trying to tell me without many words, just because we have the same way of thinking.
And what about the drawing exercise?
No,no,no...i think that i am not good at this..
-Tanja, draw a big ''X''
-OK, so...a big egg!!
Yeaaaah,the chicken makes the egg?or the egg the chicken?Big discussion..
Last but not least..the food...
So much food!!!!!
Seven times per day!!!
The meatballs, hotdogs, the Danish bread...mmmmm
And then,our greek τζατζίκι,turlou and the tourkish delights,the mini pizzas,the potato with the vegetables,kiss,sagriaaa..and so many others delicacies..
In some way, the food unites!!!!

31/8 ''Prejudgements are all i have''

Special day...a lot of thoughts..
What makes you proud about your country? i used to have thoughts about that..but not exacly an answer!!I think that the question aimed to give an answer at first, to yourself..
''culture meeting'', it might be when two different cultures,two different countries,two different families,two diffirent ways of thinking,different perspectives,family values..meet each other.
''Prejudgement'',''preunderstandings''.
How many of those have we? Why?
''We process the things we observe via our preunderstandings in order to place and categorize them in order for the world to make sense to us.''

30/8 ''Mode of study''

Different modes of study, how interesting is that..In this groupwork we had the opportunity to discuss with the other international students about our univercities, about the way that students are rewarded there, about the style of communication in the classrooms, about the benefits that students have in eatch country. The result?
In Denmark students get paid..and in Spain the students just pay to attend classes in the univercity.

27/8 ''The beautiful city (time for tourism)''

The Danish students said goodmorning have a nice tour...
At fist, the round tower, one of the best-known and most popular structures in Denmark. The observatory,the library,the bell loft,the planetarium all of them were impressive.Next stop, Nyhavn and the amazing canal tour. The boat took us through all parts of the old city and passed many of the most famous sights in the city. It was a beautiful experience to have.The last part included a short visit to the controversial area of Christiania. A '70 neighborhood were people believe in freedom and independence..

Thursday 26/8 ''Cofee, spandauers and the three teachers''

First day at school..and i was the only being late...
Our teachers, welcomed us and introdused us to our studies at Froebel. The first impression was amazing..Later the students broke into small groups to have their fist tutorial. I was the only greek in Lones group and i had the first opportunity to come closer with the other students.
My postcard always shows green and squirrels...

Preparing my trip..

My mother shouted..''Please don't go..''as always mothers do, or especially...my mother!!!
I had my decision..and that's how today i am here!!!
My expectations about the international course are to communicate with students and teachers from all over Europe, to share experiences and knowledge, to learn more about the Danish pedagogical work with children in pre-school age and at the end, to learn more about the pedagogical systems in different European countries.