“Discover Europe” search in the library
The initial target group is the fifth year of basic education. In order to reach the entire province, the concept of a search is offered to all Limburg Local Public Libraries in the form of a didactic suitcase. Five suitcases are put together which can be obtained for free from Europe Direct in the Provincial Town Hall.
With the emergence of information and communication technology, fewer young people are visiting the library. Reading behaviour has also reduced sharply in recent years. With this quest we want to allow children from the 5th year to get to know the (youth) library by playing. They learn to look in the books and leaflets in the library. Whilst playing they learn to recognise a number of EU states which they can immediately apply in a game in the form of a crossword puzzle which they have to complete in groups. This theme also links into the final terms of the third grade of primary education.
If they answer all the questions correctly a word appears vertically. The class which sends the correct word to Europe Direct has the chance of winning a prize.
Notes relating to labelling:
This involves an event within the context of a regularly recurring action which takes place during the six months of the EU presidency.
The umbrella theme of the quest relates to the EU Member States, whereby various characteristics of these countries are on the agenda, such as:
- the capital cities
- the flags
- the currency units
- geography: neighbouring countries, lakes and rivers, etc.
- history
- famous figures: authors, artists, etc.
- well-known products, dishes, brands etc.
- the languages
Accompanying the search form is an extended competition form in A4 format. An extra interpretation can be added to this form (suitable for children) surrounding the Belgian EU Presidency. The crossword puzzle could also include a question which is linked to the priority themes of the presidency and which also addresses children, such as regarding climate change, for example.