Atividades lúdicas e práticas sensoriais para explorar a importância do solo em uma turma de educação infantil.

Abstract

Soil is nature's most important resource and sustains life on Earth with its multifunctionality, but its importance is still under-explored in schools, especially in early childhood education. This study aimed to introduce soil to children at a daycare center in the municipality of Sumé, Paraíba, through playful and sensory activities, in order to spark curiosity and promote greater familiarity with soil, laying the foundation for environmental awareness from the early school years. The exploratory, qualitative research involved eight three-year-old children who participated in different experiences, such as tactile exploration of the soil, manipulation of rocks, production of geo-paints, and educational games. The children, who were initially shy about the activities, gradually began to interact with enthusiasm and joy, participating with great ease in the proposed activities. The results showed that the activities promoted curiosity and excitement by exploring contact with the soil through different strategies and encouraged interaction, sensory perception, motor coordination, and creativity, strengthening emotional bonds with the soil. It can be concluded that playful methodologies and sensory practices are effective in introducing concepts of Soil Education in Early Childhood Education, contributing to the formation of sustainable attitudes and the construction of environmental awareness from early childhood. In this sense, it is suggested that curricula be linked to pedagogical practice with the soil. It can be concluded that playful methodologies and sensory practices are effective in introducing concepts of Soil Education in Early Childhood Education, contributing to the formation of sustainable attitudes and the development of environmental awareness from early childhood. In this sense, it is suggested that curricula be linked to pedagogical practice in nature on an ongoing basis, providing a routine of direct contact with the soil and other natural resources to awaken children's interest in soil care and protection, helping to shape citizens who will adopt a lifestyle of environmental care and appreciation.