Thu, November 10, 2022
9:00 am - 10:30 am

CANCELED: Creating a Welcoming Environment in Your Program

In this training, participants will understand how building an emotionally safe community of peers and adults is essential for youth to develop as individuals within a group. In this fun interactive training, you will practice activities that help youth feel a sense of belonging and increase participation and learning in your program.

CEUs: Upon successful completion of this training, the participant will earn 1.5 clock hours (.2 CEUs) of training.

 

Training Objectives:  

Participants will: 

  1. Compare and contrast icebreakers, energizers, name games and bonding games.
  2. Demonstrate ways to provide youth with opportunities to develop a sense of belonging.

 

Core Competencies Addressed: 

Core Knowledge Area – Learning Environment and Curriculum: Entry Level, Level 1

4.C.- Design and Implement a Curriculum to Support Social and Emotional Development

C1- Engage in conversation with children and youth that allows them to socialize and to feel like valued members of a group

 

Core Knowledge Area – Interaction with Children/Youth: Entry Level, Level 1

5.C. Promote Positive Expression, Interaction and Group Experiences Between Adults and Children/Youth

C1 Support positive relationships between participants

C2 Interact with children and youth in positive ways and encourage participation

 

Primary QIS Scales Addressed:  

I-E Creating Safe Spaces – Staff provide a safe and welcoming environment 

1 The emotional climate is always positive (e.g., mutually respectful, relaxed, equitable; characterized by teamwork, camaraderie, inclusiveness); young people and staff are observed offering encouragement, affirmations, or support to others.

3 Staff create a safe space for young people to share and provide young people with specific guidance or supports for creating a safe space (e.g., allow someone to finish without being interrupted, allow person to pass if they choose, only the person with the talking stick speaks, reinforce young people when they stand up for each other or someone outside the group).

 

III-K- Sense of Belonging – Youth have opportunities to develop a sense of belonging 

1 Staff provides structured opportunities with the purpose of helping youth get to know each other (e.g., there are team-building activities, introductions, personal updates, welcomes of new group members, icebreakers).