“Digital competences and soft skills for a better future” Co-funded by the Erasmus+

Erasmus +KA229 2018/20 Programme of the European Union

Elementary school of Kaloneri - Microkastro

Kozani - Greece

DEVELOPMENT METHODS AND TECHNIQUES

SOCIAL SKILLS

There are a variety of teaching methods and techniques used by our school to help
students develop their social skills. Many of these methods are well known and may
already be used, e.g. small group work, free play, freelance exercises, artistic
creation, fairytale storytelling, role playing, group exercises.
Most of these methods are described as 'active learning methods' because students
are actively involved in the learning process in a way that is familiar to them and
gives them a choice in what they wish to learn.

Some of these are:

Brainstorm - Idea storm

Around the subject of the program, which we have written at the center of the
classroom table, we record all the words or phrases that come to the students'
minds about the dimensions of the subject.

This technique is a good starting point when analyzing concepts and identifying
interdependencies.

The basic principle of 'brainstorming' is that we record all ideas without formulating
or correcting them and without excluding any.

This facilitates the spontaneous participation of all students.

 “Digital competences and soft skills for a better future” Co-funded by the Erasmus+
Erasmus +KA229 2018/20 Programme of the European Union

Dating games

These games are indispensable for getting to know the team well, forging
relationships and for creating a pleasant and warm climate.

Cooperation games
They are activities that promote collaboration and encourage children to enjoy the
process and outcome of collaborative activities.

Role games
Roles help children develop skills, study some ideas and emotions, get into
someone else's place in a safe and encouraging environment. It is an activity that
needs to be carefully implemented because children want time to get out of their
roles and work on their own identity.

Artistic creation
In this category we include activities such as painting and collage that promote the
creative imagination of the child who supports the expression of his or her emotions.

Theatrical game
It is the form of the event that results from free improvisation, with or without the
participants' experiences and feelings. It allows the child to express themselves, to
channel their energy, to become aware and to communicate. In addition it
strengthens and ties a team that is going to work together, e.g. in a theatrical
performance.

Values clarification techniques

Important in attitudes / beliefs prevention / belief programs e.g. questionnaires,
interviews, group discussion, support for a position.
 “Digital competences and soft skills for a better future” Co-funded by the Erasmus+
Erasmus +KA229 2018/20 Programme of the European Union

Specific examples - ideas that

applies our school
with the participation of the parents of the students for the purpose of
social skills development is:

 School holidays (National Holidays, Christmas celebrations, Mother’s Day,

nationwide days e. g. school sports day, school year farewell party).
Preparation of settings – costumes and various materials.
 Creation of school vegetable garden and flower garden and weekly care by
everyone.
 Reforestation both in the school area and at different points in the 2 villages
(Kaloneri and Mikrokastro).
 Voluntary participation in the cleanliness of the 2 village parks, playgrounds,
football fields, streets etc.
 Hiking for acquaintance with our natural and animal wealth – pic - nics.
 Excursions to museums, libraries, vineyards, distilleries, aromatic plant fields,
environmental education centers, cultural heritage sites etc.
 Representation of local customs (Easter – Christmas – Other religious
celebrations).
 Cooking days of local sweets and savory cooking lessons.
 Grill Day = It’s the day when we roast meat in the school yard (marks the
beginning of fasting before Easter).
 Both parents and teachers attend educational seminars by specialist
scientists on a variety of pedagogical, social and other topics (e.g.
psychologists, nutritionists).
 Creating an annual school calendar and selling it to boost school finances
(with children’s paintings and photos).
 Commemorative gifts for Christmas and for the end – of- the school year
celebration (donated by the Parents and Guardians Association).
 Εvents, children’s exhibitions where parents are given the opportunity to get
to know their children’s work.
 Regular visiting the local church (once a month).
 Visits to all types of schools (similarities – differences – socialization).
 Organization of music and theatrical events.
 Participating in all kinds of student competitions (Science – Literature – Math
– Painting). Transition of children to urban centers.
“Digital competences and soft skills for a better future” Co-funded by the Erasmus+
Erasmus +KA229 2018/20 Programme of the European Union

 Working with local businesses, industries and organizations to promote and

enhance children’s knowledge.
 Voluntary work of parents in creative classroom activities on a permanent or
voluntary basis depending on their abilities and knowledge.
 Creating workshops where parents transfer their experiences from their
workplace.
 Organizing basketball, football and volleyball tournament with the
participation of parents.
 Revival of traditional games that parents used to play in their teens.
 Co – operation with local clubs (dancing, cultural or sport clubs).
 Exchange of children’s books (between school – parents). Acts that enhance
children’s love for books.