Methods of group integration

Abstract

Methods of group integration, which grew out of educational games, help, among other things, in getting to know pupils and making a connection with them.They also serve students themselves in learning about each other and the classroom community. Thanks to such methods,students’activity is aimed at getting to know others, establishing closer relations and building mutual trust and confidence. Making a connection and developing a relationship is difficult due to a number of barriers, such asa difference of opinions or backgrounds. Catechesis should, therefore, use integration methods that facilitate the process of “breaking the ice". Integration methods require proper preparation and they have to be introduced at the right time during a catechetical lesson. Among the methods aimedat integrating and getting to know the catechized wecan distinguish: methods facilitating the getting-to-know process (e.g. presentations in pairs, the repetition of names, cross words with names),integration dances (from Dai Lo Ahawti , the rainbow, pass on the step,an integrating dance "Carnevalito") and fun games (integrationgames:theonion, coming up with the titles of paintings, building blocks; music and kinesthetic activities: commands to the rhythm of the music, coming up with melodies and lyrics, meditation with music).