Brincar é coisa séria!: reflexões sobre a importância do brincar e o desenvolvimento das crianças na educação infantil

Abstract

This work reflects on the importance of play and its relationship to the integral development of children in Early Childhood Education. To this end, it proposes to analyze its historical and legal dimensions. Its methodological framework is based on qualitative bibliographical and documentary research, grounded in the contributions of classical authors such as Vygotsky (1994), Wallon (1968), Brougère (1995), and their interlocutors. From this perspective, play is understood as children's primary form of expression, with these authors converging on its relationship to child development. Official early childhood education documents also recognize the relevance of play, although gaps may still exist in its conception and implementation within the institutional framework. Thus, the organization of spaces and times in institutions and the role of educators are discussed. In this sense, the environment is a great resource for promoting the integral development of children in early childhood education, as long as their specificities are taken into account in planning and, consequently, play is properly valued. It is concluded that it is necessary to break with perspectives that do not understand the complexity and potential of play as children's main activity, especially in early childhood education.