Estrategias ludica-pedagogicas basadas en el juego para el fortalecimiento de las habilidades sociales y el aprendizaje de las ciencias naturales en niños de 6 a 11 años del proyecto Santotokids

Abstract

In the educational process, children between 6 and 11 years old are in a crucial stage of their cognitive, emotional, and social development. During this period, play becomes an essential tool not only for entertainment but also for the construction of knowledge and the strengthening of social skills. In this sense, play-based pedagogical strategies have been consolidated as effective methodologies in the context of basic education, allowing for a more significant, dynamic, and adapted teaching approach to the needs of students. Various studies have shown that play not only favors learning but also stimulates creativity, critical thinking, cooperation, and conflict resolution, which are key components for the comprehensive development of human beings (Piaget, 1972; Vygotsky, 1978). By integrating the playful component into school dynamics, greater motivation for learning is promoted, especially in areas such as natural sciences, which can sometimes be abstract or difficult for primary students to understand. Science, taught from a practical and experiential perspective, becomes an exploratory and significant experience. The Santotokids Project, aimed at promoting the inclusion and development of children with diverse conditions and learning styles, represents an ideal scenario for the implementation of innovative proposals that contribute to the comprehensive formation of children. In this context, play-based pedagogical strategies have the potential to improve not only learning in natural sciences but also the strengthening of fundamental social skills such as empathy, cooperation, respect, and assertive communication. This degree project aims to design, implement, and evaluate play-based pedagogical strategies to foster social skills and facilitate learning of natural sciences in children of the Santotokids Project, recognizing the importance of a holistic and inclusive educational approach.