By implementing this project, we aim to address the social and emotional challenges faced by children due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal was to promote SEL-skills instruction and learning practices in upperprimary and lower secondary educational level to address the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic such as school closures, physical distancing and loss of familiar environments. The project seeks to mitigate the pandemic's negative impact on education by fostering engagement and connectivity in creative and collaborative distance learning environments. We intend to ensure that all children have equal opportunities to maintain and develop their socio-emotional skills. Engaging with media, especially tools for distance learning such as video games and mobile learning, will empower educators and those working with children to sustain learning focused on SEL skills. Our approach involves developing a research-based handbook with guidelines for implementing SEL through Minecraft and creating comprehensive educational gameplay in Minecraft. This gameplay will include challenges, lesson plans, resource packs, and mods, providing educators with resources to develop SEL game-based activities.
The project was developed and submitted at a time when anti-covid regulations were in force, including distance learning in schools. Partners understood and emphasized that maintaining the engagement of children is critical. Going to school is not only about learning math and science, but also about social relationships, collaboration and peer-to-peer interactions. It is about learning to be a citizen and developing social skills. Needs addressed by the project: School students need opportunities to develop social-emotional learning (SEL) skills that not only improve academic performance, but also increase empathy, reduce depression and stress during these tough times of social isolation and are highly effective in addressing initiatives like anti-bullying, diversity and inclusion, and special education. SEL emphasizes mastery of 5 core skills that prepare students for social success, as well as boost academic achievement. These were: - Self-awareness - Self-management - Social awareness - Relationship skills - Responsible decision-making