Physical education in an environmental disaster setting: lessons from the May 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil

Abstract

The floods in Rio Grande do Sul in May 2024, especially in Canoas, caused a major disaster. This paper describes the use of interdisciplinary pedagogical practices in a municipal humanitarian shelter, highlighting the role played by game-based learning in promoting children's well-being and resilience. Based on systematization of experiences, the methodology used in this study included record keeping and direct observation for critical analysis. Game-based learning activities, such as free play and body workshops, were essential in mitigating emotional impacts and promoting the establishment of emotional bonds between children and volunteers. The absence of clear protocols was a significant challenge, indicating the need to develop concrete strategies to overcome this problem. Interdisciplinarity, continuous training and play were shown to be central elements of effective interventions. Our findings reaffirm the transformative role of physical education in promoting health and citizenship in emergency contexts.