Welcome to the revolution…or at least to the Engagement Board!
Sometimes, it really doesn’t have to be more complicated than this. One question. Post-it notes. Pens. A wall. The Engagement Board is one of the simplest tools we have used – and at the same time, one of the most useful.
Ask a concrete question that the children can actually influence, let everyone write their answers on their own Post-it notes, and then – smack! – everyone puts their notes on the board.
The question can be about almost anything:
- What has been best and worst this season?
- What do you want to do more of during practices?
- How do you think we should play the next match?
- What makes one feel safe in the group?
- What should a good leader be like?
- What should a good sports parent be like?
- Write down your best tips for handling nervousness before a match/competition!
Change the question according to the group, age, and situation. The same method can be used repeatedly. In the picture below, we have used the board to work on this website. Here you can see the positive feedback we have received, we hope you also find your gems!
Why do we like the Engagement Board?
It makes participation visible.
Children see their own and others’ notes on the wall. It becomes concrete: Someone has asked what I think – and my opinion is included.
It is simple and includes more voices.
It requires almost no preparation. Moreover, everyone gets the opportunity to answer, not just those who usually talk the most.
It can be done relatively anonymously.
No one needs to speak in front of the whole group or write their name. This can make it easier to bring up things that are otherwise difficult to say.
It generates many ideas.
When all the notes are up, both children and adults discover things they might not have thought of themselves.
The board is just the beginning
Asking children what they think does not mean the children should decide everything. But their opinions must be taken seriously. Therefore, tell them afterwards what you have heard, what you can change, and what you perhaps cannot do – and why.
It doesn’t have to be complicated to start working with participation. Start by asking a question – and be prepared to listen to the answer.
