IMPLEMENTATION OF CHILDREN’S RECREATIONAL GAMES WITH RECYCLABLE MATERIAL

Neli Zambrano:  Throughout my professional career, I have had the privilege of working in various roles within the educational field. I started as a teacher in the technical area of computer science at Asaad Bucarán School in Arenillas, El Oro, between 1997 and 2001. Subsequently, I taught basic education at the Cicerón Robles Velázquez Educational Unit in Portoviejo (2009-2011) and seventh grade at the Jamed Jassam School in Manta (2011-2013). From 2013 to 2016, I taught mathematics to eighth, ninth and tenth grade students at Colegio Bahía de Manta. From November 2016 to November 2021, I assumed the position of Rector of the Unidad Educativa Nocturna Mar Territorial Educational Unit in Manta, where I implemented various academic offerings and projects. Then, from December 23, 2021 to December 4, 2023, I taught citizenship at the Pedro Balda Cucalón Educational Unit. From that date, the district of Manta-Montecristi-Jaramijo requested my collaboration as Vice Rector at the Umiña Educational Unit, where I was until my recent decision to move to Isabela. My motivation for this project arose from the need to create a safe and adequate space for the students of first and second grade to carry out their recreational and social activities in optimal conditions.

At the “Jacinto Gordillo” Educational Unit on Isabela Island, Galapagos, the steady growth in student enrollment over the past fifteen years reflects its success and prestige. However, over time, several of the recreation and leisure areas have deteriorated significantly, affecting both recreational activities and physical education classes. In addition, some of these areas lack adequate technical conditions to ensure safety and functionality according to the needs and ages of the students. This situation highlights the urgency of intervening in the rehabilitation and adaptation of these spaces to ensure an optimal and safe environment for the integral development of students.

According to current educational standards, it is fundamental that the learning process of students, especially in the early ages (3 to 6 years old), occurs in pleasant, healthy and stimulating physical environments. These spaces should be specifically designed to encourage play, movement and integral development, since play is a crucial part of learning in these stages. To solve the deterioration of the recreational areas and the lack of technical adequacy in the “Jacinto Gordillo” Educational Unit, it is necessary to implement improvements that not only rehabilitate the spaces, but also adapt them to the standards required to ensure that students develop in a safe, fun and appropriate environment for their educational needs.

Encourage creativity, the development of motor skills, socialization, through exploration, promoting ecological and sustainable awareness with the use of children’s games.

Stimulate creativity Strengthen linguistic and emotional development.

Promote environmental awareness Contribute to well-being and happiness

SDG 4.7. The Jacinto Gordillo Municipal Education Unit ensures that all students acquire the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to promote sustainable development, including education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and the appreciation of cultural diversity and the contribution of culture to sustainable development. This project seeks to build and adapt educational facilities that take into account the needs of children and people with disabilities and gender differences, and that offer safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.

SDG 13. Improve education, awareness and human and institutional capacity for climate change mitigation, adaptation, mitigation and early warning.

SDG 12. Ensure that all people in the Isabela Canton community have information and knowledge relevant to sustainable development and lifestyles with nature.