The Firefly – Our New Friend project arose from the need to strengthen the emotional and social competencies of four- and five-year-old children attending the Firefly group. The Firefly doll was devised and became an equal member of the formational group – the means for carrying out a symbolic game, but also a true friend to confide in, to seek hope, physical affection, and participated in excursions and celebrated birthdays. As a therapeutic tool, the doll helps children to strengthen the image they have of themselves, to express their emotions, and also the ability to confide in by means of the doll – especially if they are somewhat introverted or experience a particular crisis. Aided by the doll, more open children perfect their communication and social skills, strengthen relationships and their overall character. The Firefly doll has become part of the group’s identity with which everyone has been able to identify with, and which has equal rights and duties as do the other children in the group, and where the doll adhered to the group’s daily schedule, attended excursions, participated in common activities, listened to stories, and was part of the child’s family. The project lasted 2 years and finished in last year’s pedagogic year. The Firefly doll continues to be part of the Firefly group, and functions as a motivation and incentive for school preparation activities.
Keywords: social skillls, communication, group's bonding, self concept, emotional stability
