A importância do brincar no desenvolvimento da infância: uma análise geracional

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to analyze the issue of play and games from a generational and temporal perspective, emphasizing their importance for children's development during childhood. Since play is a fundamental right of the child and a crucial tool for cognitive, social, and emotional development, this research aims to understand how children's games have evolved over time, strongly influenced by social, technological, and cultural transformations. To achieve this, the research was structured around a theoretical framework grounded in authors who address the role of play in childhood, examining its nuances and origins, such as Lev Vygotsky and Mary Del Piore. In addition, anonymous interviews were conducted with educators working in the city of Juiz de Fora and with Pedagogy students at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). The goal was to collect current data on play and to revisit specific affective memories from different generations. The analysis revealed the central importance of play in childhood and advocated for its emerging revival. It also highlighted the diminishing space and time allocated to free play in contemporary childhood, which often clashes with the constant and evolving presence of digital and technological media. Therefore, it can be concluded that the revival and appreciation of traditional games and free play in childhood may enrich children's experiences today, fostering a more active and creative childhood that is integrated into the diverse cultural, social, and cognitive dimensions of their development.