Starting Up Child Centered Spaces in Emergencies: A Field Manual

PlayPlay allows children to relax and have fun. Play also allows children to socializewith other children and build self-esteem by mastering new skills. Play also canbe used by children to gain a sense of control over difficult experiences such asthe tsunami.Ask children what other games they like to play. This approach sends a positivemessage that you are willing to listen to the children and learn from them.Children also love to learn new games. What games did you play as a child? Ifthe children don’t know the game, teach it to them.StorytellingStories can be told to children by the animator. These can be familiar folk talesin popular culture. You can read aloud from a book, or tell a story from memory.Vary your voice (for example, softer or louder), facial expression (for example,acting surprised or frightened if it is part of the story), and body position (forexample, lean closer or take a few steps).SingingSinging together as a group is an excellent socializing activity. What are songsthe children like to sing? Ask them! Children also love to clap to the rhythm, andyou can encourage this by example. Singing several songs at the beginning orend of the day is a fun way for all children to be involved.DancingAre there dances that the children know and like to do? Bring the childrentogether in a circle and let all of them dance together. You can teach newdances that are not too difficult or complicated for the child’s developmentallevel.Participation By All ChildrenOne of the fundamental rights of children is the right to participate in their owndevelopment. Activities which include ALL children should be conducted eachday. For example, having a structured activity where all the children sing is verydifferent, and much better, than having 100 children watch two or three of the“best” singers. The same is true for dancing and most other activities. Whengroup games are being played, it is important to encourage all children to have anactive part. For example, if you notice that children pick only their friends or thesame people each time in a game, you should intervene and say that each childcan have only one turn until all children get a turn. Including all children as participants,rather than only observers, lets all children’s voices be heard, buildseach child’s sense of self-worth and promotes children’s healthy development.105