For practical reasons and to simplify remembering these 3 dimensions, developed through the MGS methodology, is taking about the “3 Hs”:
Head = mental abilities Heart = psychosocial abilities Hands = physical abilities
Preparing psycho-social activities The preparation time is invaluable for guaranteeing the quality of the educational work done. A written paper enables one to have a useful tracking tool during the activities in order to not forget anything, and during the assessment, to be able to correct and improve any points if the session is to be repeated with another group. Each session of activity should be divided into three parts: Part 1:
A warm-up or introduction with a welcome ritual, the sharing of goals, a little game or activity to introduce the coming topic.
Part 2:
A main part with exercises, games or creative activities leading to learning or to personal reflection.
Part 3:
After games and sports, a cool-down with stretching exercises, breathing and a feedback session.
While preparing your session of activities, choose a psychosocial skill, you would like to foster in your students and a second skill (mental or physical). You will focus on these two abilities during the activities and feedback in order to get an improvement. Other skills are likely to be worked on as well, but you will not focus on them directly. Keep in mind the three categories in order to observe and emphasize one or the other according to the situation and the group’s needs. There are six methodological principles when putting together activities, whether physical, playful or creative: 1. Set objectives which aim for the development of abilities on at least two of the three levels (mental, psychosocial and physical). 2. Use the three steps of learning – that is, play the game, feedback with emotional and cognitive approaches, and play the game again. 3. Put together games based on cooperation and integration rather than on competition and exclusion. 4. Favour progression during the session, from the easiest to the most difficult. 5. Favour the active and constant participation of the children in the games and during feedbacks.
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