Visibility of eTwinning Projects Group July 2025 Newsletter translating words – they were building bridges.
I have seen how this sense of belonging boosts their confidence, motivation, and joy. eTwinning does not just help them learn – it helps them feel good about learning. For these students, being part of an international project has meant being part of something bigger, something that values them exactly as they are.
These experiences remind me that when we value students’ linguistic identities, we empower them. We help them see themselves as full participants in the learning community, not as outsiders trying to fit in.
An inclusive school: The power of belonging In the school where I teach, many students come from migrant backgrounds and are not native Italian speakers. Their linguistic and cultural identities are incredibly rich— but all too often, they arrive feeling invisible or uncertain about their place.
Through eTwinning, these students have experienced something different. In our projects, every student has a role, a voice, and a purpose. Whether they are creating digital content, sharing words from their home language, or collaborating with peers abroad, they are fully included. They become part of a caring community where they feel safe, recognized, and proud of who they are.
Wellbeing: At the core With time, I have come to see that none of this is sustainable without attention to wellbeing. It is easy to get caught up in outcomes, in the need to meet objectives and tick boxes. But real learning does not happen unless students feel safe, respected, and cared for.
In my classroom, and in the projects I have led, wellbeing has become an intentional priority. We take time to reflect, to listen to one another, to express emotions through language. Sometimes that means starting a lesson with a simple check-in. Other times, it means incorporating mindfulness activities or giving students space to share how they feel in whichever language comes naturally.
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