Implementation of the “school bag” programme at Rikavas

“School of Latvia” is the largest national centenary gift for students of Latvian educational institutions. As of September 2018, every Latvian student, regardless of material and social status, has the opportunity to know and face the cultural and natural values of Latvia, to explore the innovations and business success stories created in Latvia at various times, thereby strengthening the sense of belonging and the national identity.
Also Rikavas primary school pupils 2018/2019.m 1. The learning semester has accompanied Latvia's history, scientific innovation and cultural values. For example, on October 12, the 5 th and 6 th class students went to Riga, where they participated in the museum pedagogical lesson “My Latvia” and attended the exhibition “Latvian Century” at the Latvian National Museum of History. The lesson, which took place on the eve of the centennium of Latvia, strengthened the feelings of patriotism of pupils and the pride of their country - Latvia. In the exhibition “Latvian Century”, there were historical evidence from all Latvian provinces - Latgale, Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Zemgale, and the pupils were once able to ascertain that Latvia had much to proud of, but the main value of it is people.
After the Latvian National History Museum, pupils went to Laima chocolate museum, where they tracked the cocoa beans from cocoa wood to their shelf in sweets and to the shelves of our shops. Sweets produced by a/s “Laima” are one of the things with which visitors and tourists from other countries are respected. “Laima” sweets were an integral part of the Latvian culinary heritage, which the pupils also persuaded in the lesson in the Laima chocolate museum. During the lesson, the pupils didn't just see the video about how the candy was produced at the factory, but they also learned that the factory's first start was in 1870, and heard the story of a candy “serenade” recipe. The main benefit of the lesson is not only the new information about chocolate and its creation, but also the opportunity to see how the production process takes place, to play an active role and to use modern technologies (to create their own chocolate bar, make chocolate photo; make their unique candies, wrapping them in a special carton). These things were mentioned in the pupils' feedback after the event and, of course, the chocolate fountain, which earned the attention and interest of undivided students, was not forgotten.
As the main prerequisites for the “school bag” initiative are: equal participation of all pupils, the balance between the traditional and contemporary, and the connection of all developments with the learning process; therefore, on 7 November, students in Classes 1-6 went to Daugavpils, where they had educational lessons at the Rootko art centre, Latgale ZOO and the scientists at THE centre OF ZINOO.
Latvia can be proud of many world-famous people, including the painting brand Rotko, who was born in Daugavpils. Therefore, educational activities in the multi-functional contemporary art and cultural centre in Daugavpils fortress were organised for pupils. This centre is the only place in Eastern Europe where you are offered the opportunity to meet the original works of Mark Rootko,
Reviews from pupils by lesson:
“I liked stories about Rotko. It was interesting to know that one of the paintings cost more than $80 million. So there was an alarm in the museum with lasers.
- I enjoyed looking at real paintings and looking for all kinds of objects in these abstract paintings.
“I learned that the real paintings should be kept cool so they don't ruin.”
“I thought it was interesting that Rootko's paintings were more dark and gloomy. That's because he was much smoking.
Latgale zoo in Daugavpils is a great opportunity to see various exotic animals, monkeys, snakes, crocodiles, turtles, iguanas, scorpions, etc. in one place. After educational lessons, pupils, as the most interesting animals, mentioned suricates, monkeys, lizards, small tourners. The visit of Latgale Zoo is also important because the zoo workers are carrying out research work in the field of ecology, zooculture and ecological pedagogy, studying animal life and trying to maintain endangered species of Latvian animals. Thus, students had the opportunity not only to look at animals but also to listen to the narrative of Zoo's workers and to be aware of the importance of ensuring the preservation of endangered animals.
At the centre of the scientist, ZINOO pupils had the opportunity to “turn on” their curiosity and try a variety of educational games that encouraged pupils' interest in technology and made many things look from another viewpoint. The pupils remember, with enthusiasm, how they were sitting on a nail chair and on a chair made from pipes, and the pupils were interested in water that drifted up.
In addition, students also had the opportunity to play an active part in the educational activity “earthquakes”. Students had to build a house from different materials to make sure how much damage could be done by a natural disaster such as earthquake. At the centre of the curiosity, it is an opportunity to unlock the interest in the world. This is an exciting process of learning, the start of development in the long term.
The “school bag” initiative has become a significant part of the learning process in its first semester and students are already waiting for programme activities in the next learning semester.
 
Ilze Kuhaļska, Gaigalavas primary school unit Rikavas primary school manager