Group dynamics with elementary school students from the School Crafts and Mental Health Extension Project

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present an experience report on the experience of Pedagogy students linked to the School Crafts and Mental Health Extension Project at the State University of Ceará in the first semester of 2024. Mental health not only impacts the cognitive abilities of individuals, but also the development of the whole being, providing balance between the various aspects of life. The mediation of group processes is relevant to the training of teachers, as it enables them to deal with the complex dynamics that exist in the school context. Methodologically, this is an experience report which discusses actions developed in the area of Educational Psychology in an elementary public school in the city of Iguatu-CE through workshops and group dynamics with students aged between 6° and 9°, carried out in two stages. The first stage aimed to establish a bond and the second stage was based on group dynamics planned according to each grade. The generating themes were: school culture; the relationship between peers; inclusion and interpersonal relationships; non-violent communication, among other related themes. Therefore, group dynamics have become an important tool for pedagogical work at school, addressing themes that are relevant to promoting communication, inclusion and respect in social relationships. Facilitating group dynamics that are contextualized, sensitive and involved in the tensions on the school floor contributes to teacher training in the field of teacher identity and the appropriation of interdisciplinary themes.