Two weeks ago, I shared links to a bunch of useful articles that would help many educators prepare themselves and their students for the return-to-school routine to coincide with the end of summertime in the northern hemisphere.
Looking back, it occurs to me now that:
- Not all playmeo members work at or are connected to an educational institution; and/or
- The headline of the articles may dissuade some more corporate members or readers from tuning in (and therefore, overlook the benefits of such programs.)
In other words, the content of a ‘back-to-school’ program benefits all groups, not just those associated with a school.
Thus, redefining back-to-school programs was suddenly thrust onto my agenda.
Expanding the Definition of ‘Back To School’
The phrase ‘back to school’ naturally evokes images of students returning to classes after their long summer break.
It is also true that many organisations and corporations return to full strength after some of their staff enjoy time off over the summer, too.
And let’s not forget the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the notion of a team of people working together in an office. Even with the pandemic mostly behind us, few organisations have returned to the way things were pre-March 2020 because most have discovered the many benefits of embracing a WFH (work from home) culture – which means that rarely are all staff in the same (physical) place at the same time any more.
Thus, the objectives of ‘back-to-school’ programming are useful for all groups and not limited to those just at school.
Intentionality is the Key
I think the thing to remember is that no matter what you call it, the intentionality of inviting people to reconnect, build and strengthen relationships is the most important thing – it doesn’t matter if they are students, staff or team members.
For example, you may prefer to call these types of programs ‘team-building’ or ‘trust-building’ programs. That’s cool. Their purpose is much the same – providing an opportunity for your group to reconnect, interact, share and build trust.
As Juliet says in Shakespeare’s play Romeo & Juliet, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
What do you think?
Original post August 2023, last updated November 2023.
Comments (1)
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Redefining ‘Back-to-School’ Programming
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thaaaaanks for this, mark!
such a classic – intentionality – for me, it always goes back to how we see the experience in the end: how do we want it to look, sound and feel like?
cheers to continuing connections!
(“,)