One New School Many New Friends

(17th Katerini Primary School, Greece)

Abstract: The present work is a teaching proposal that has been implemented in the framework of the Cultural Programs of the P.E. Pieria. The teaching proposal was implemented in order to strengthen the bonds of friendship of the 2nd and 4th grade students of the 17th Primary School of Katerini, Pieria. The main purpose of the project was, through experiential and group activities, to cultivate a positive and safe learning environment and to strengthen the bonds of friendship and responsibility of the older pupils towards the younger ones. Through a series of activities designed according to the principles of evolutionary psychology, the development of networks of cooperation was sought through elements such as companionship, mutual aid, inclusion, respect and teamwork. Under the title “One new school, many new friends”, a series of activities and games have been carried out since the beginning of the school year. The young pupils participated in activities such as “ABCs of friendship”, “The village of friendship”, “The friendship sun”, “Friendship breakfast”. The art of Tableau Vivant was used: a live representation of a painting with the pupils representing what they observed in the paintings and they participated in games such as “The Apples” and “The Statues”. At the end of the program, the children created a story about friendship, which was illustrated and dramatized by the children themselves.

Key words: P.E. Pieria