Two-day activities of the Pragma association in the House of St. The Franciscans of Caritas of the Zagreb Archdiocese in Vugrovec took place by age group - with preschoolers, lower grade students and upper grade students, and the main goal was to practice socio-emotional skills through examples and practical application in real time.
So we talked about feelings with preschoolers using different creative techniques and explored how we can control our emotions and behaviors. We also tried several mindfulness techniques in nature, with the aim of relaxation, development of attention and concentration.
With older students, we worked on connecting children and teamwork through writing an "emotional scrapbook" and presenting the House in the community, and we discussed the importance of cooperation, close relationships and friendship in an individual's life. The "Book of Life" activity was interesting for the children, in which each of the participants created the cover, title and chapters of their book of life, as well as the goals they have in the future, that is, the chapters they would like to write. We talked about some situations that were difficult and demanding for them, but also about how they looked for a solution in those situations. Everyone had a presentation of their book, and the audience made comments and asked questions to the authors.
In addition, we drew, sang, played and engaged in sports activities with the children, as a basis for an informal conversation with them, most often about their dreams and wishes for the future, about the way of life in the community, about their friendly and fraternal relationships. Our hearts are full: we got more than we came to give! One boy's final sentence was a touching call to return: "Don't forget us!". We won't, see you in September!
*The activities were carried out by Jelena Adamlje, Marija Granić, Mirjana Soljačić and Nedjeljko Marković, and were held within the "Describe me!" program, which is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Science and Education and the Central State Office for Demography and Youth. Partners in the project are the Croatian Network Against Poverty, Society for Communication and Media Culture, Primary School Mate Lovrak from Županja, Primary School Voltino and the Association of Youth Judges, Family Judges and Specialists for Children and Youth.