Do you want to play with me: Didatic games for ... - AVSI-USA

1. ICE BREAKER GAMESThe child needs to be recognised and to introduce himself to let other people knowhim. Often in our job, children are listed as orphans or homeless, ill or difficult children,and they lose a part of their identity due to these labels. Children can be recognisedfirst of all through their names. The child can begin to feel part of a group, but also torecognise himself as unique in the group because this recognises his identity.The first approach to an individual child is important in order to create an essentialrelationship that allows for listening and an understanding of the problems andneeds. It is possible to “break the ice” with the child using several games and activities.To engage the youths in an activity, make sure the meetings and activities beginin an amusing way. During a training, these games can be used to create or /recoverharmony in the group.At the end of each game we can ask one or more of these questions, to allow the participantsto take conscience about the reason of the game and the trainer to receive afeed-back by the group:Why have we played this game?How do you feel at the end of the game?What have you thought during the game?What did you find easy?What did you find difficult?Do you think you will ever use this game again in your life?When and how?7