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How reading shapes creative minds, builds
self-confidence, and creates a better future for children.
Imagine a child who, with a book in hand, discovers new worlds,
faces challenges with courage, and dreams big. Reading is the key to that
future—and it’s within everyone’s reach.
Reading is one of the
greatest adventures a child can embark on. More than just entertainment, it’s a
powerful tool that shapes the brain, develops emotional skills, and prepares
young minds for a world full of possibilities. Recent studies, such as one from
Harvard University in 2023, show that children who read regularly have a
vocabulary 20% larger and problem-solving skills 15% more advanced than those
who read sporadically. But the benefits go further: reading stimulates
imagination, boosts self-confidence, and fosters empathy. In the fifth volume
of the Little Witch with a Thousand Faces Teaches How to Live Better
series, Antônio Carlos dos Santos highlights how reading is essential for
raising independent, confident children capable of building a better world.
This article is an invitation to parents, educators, and anyone who believes in
the power of books, exploring why reading is indispensable and how Santos’
methodologies can make it even more engaging.
Motivational quote:
“A book is a portal to many worlds; reading is the key that opens it”. – Antônio Carlos dos Santos
A child’s brain is like a
sponge, absorbing information and forming connections that last a lifetime. A
2024 study from the University of Cambridge revealed that reading in childhood
activates brain areas linked to language, memory, and creativity, increasing
neural plasticity by up to 25%. This means that the earlier a child reads, the
easier they learn and adapt to new challenges. The Little Witch with a
Thousand Faces series by Santos uses playful stories, like that of a frog
family facing a drying lagoon, to teach planning and critical thinking. In the
volume dedicated to reading, the Little Witch guides children to discover the
joy of reading, showing that books are allies in problem-solving and
dream-building. This approach reflects the essence of Santos’ Pedagogies of
Creativity and Autonomy (PCA), which blend fun and learning.
Curiosity Box: How does reading impact a
child’s brain?
Research from Yale University (2023) shows that children who read fiction
develop 30% more empathy by putting themselves in characters’ shoes. Reading
also reduces stress by 20%, activating brain areas linked to relaxation, such
as the prefrontal cortex.
Reading is also a bridge to
autonomy. In Little Witch with a Thousand Faces Teaches How to Live Better:
Reading, Santos shows how reading empowers children to make informed
decisions, from choosing a game with friends to planning a school task. His
TBMB (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater) methodology makes this process even more
engaging. Through puppets, children act out stories they’ve read, reinforcing
comprehension and oral expression. A 2024 experiment from the Federal
University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) found that using puppet theater increases
reading interest by 35%, especially in children aged 6 to 10. This playful
approach transforms books into interactive adventures, encouraging kids to
explore new stories with enthusiasm.
Inspiring Story: The boy who found his voice
Lucas, a shy 7-year-old, hesitated to read aloud in school. His teacher, inspired
by Santos’ TBMB, created a puppet theater based on Little Witch with a
Thousand Faces. Lucas chose a puppet to represent the Little Witch and
began narrating her adventures. Within weeks, he was reading confidently and
even leading performances. Today, Lucas is an avid reader and dreams of
becoming a writer.
Beyond cognitive skills,
reading strengthens emotional intelligence. Children who read stories with
complex characters learn to navigate feelings like sadness, fear, and joy. A
2023 study from Stanford University showed that reading fiction improves
emotion recognition by 22%, crucial for raising empathetic adults. Santos’ MAT
(Mindset, Action, and Theater) methodology reinforces this by using theater to
help children express what they feel while reading. For example, after reading
about the frogs in Little Witch, kids can act out how they’d face the
drying lagoon, connecting the story to their own experiences. This practice not
only makes reading more meaningful but also teaches resilience and collaboration.
Practical Tip: How to encourage reading with
TBMB
1.
Choose
a children’s book, like a volume from Little Witch with a Thousand Faces.
2.
Create
simple puppets with recyclable materials, such as socks or cardboard, to
represent characters.
3.
Read
a passage with the child and ask them to act out the story with the puppets.
4.
Discuss
what they learned, encouraging them to create alternative endings.
Reading is also a tool for
cultural inclusion. In a diverse world, books introduce children to different
cultures, perspectives, and realities. Santos, in his extensive children’s
literature, including works like Saci Pererê and Caipora,
celebrates Brazilian folklore, connecting kids to their roots. His ThM (Theater
Movement) methodology takes this further, integrating physical movement into
the reading process. Children dance or create gestures to represent characters,
which, according to a 2024 study from the University of São Paulo (USP), boosts
content retention by 28%. Picture a child dancing like Saci while reading his
adventures—learning becomes a celebration, and reading, a tribute to culture.
Curiosity Box: Why does reading reduce
stress?
A study from the University of Sussex (2022) found that just six minutes of
daily reading lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone, by 20%. For children,
this effect is even more pronounced, helping them relax after a busy day.
The benefits of reading
extend beyond childhood, preparing kids for adulthood. A 2023 longitudinal
study from the University of Oxford showed that adults who read regularly as
children are 18% more likely to reach leadership positions, thanks to the
critical thinking and communication skills books foster. The Little Witch
with a Thousand Faces series teaches children that reading is part of a skill
set—including planning, studying, and interacting—that paves the way for
success. Santos, in his Giant Letters blog
(letrinhasgigantes.blogspot.com), shares tips for parents and educators,
emphasizing that reading should be a joyful habit, not a chore. He suggests
creating “reading nooks” at home with cushions and colorful books to make the
moment special.
Inspiring Story: The girl who dreamed big
Clara, a 9-year-old from a rural community with few resources, received a copy
of Little Witch with a Thousand Faces: Reading. Captivated by the
story, she began reading other books and acting out adventures with friends
using Santos’ ThM. Today, she leads a school reading club and dreams of
becoming an astronaut, inspired by stories that transported her beyond her
village.
Reading also combats
procrastination, a common childhood challenge. Children who read regularly
develop discipline and organization, associating reading with enjoyable
routines. Santos’ MAT methodology aids this process, encouraging kids to act
after reading—whether by writing a story continuation or creating a drawing. A
school project in Recife based on Little Witch reduced procrastination
in reading tasks by 30%, according to a 2024 report. Parents and educators can
adopt these ideas, turning reading into a habit that blends fun and
responsibility. Santos, in his Culture and Education blog
(culturaeducacao.blogspot.com), stresses that reading is an investment in the
future but also a joy in the present.
Practical Tip: Create a reading nook at home
1.
Choose
a quiet space with good lighting.
2.
Add
cushions, a small bookshelf, and engaging books, like those from Little
Witch with a Thousand Faces.
3.
Read
with the child for 10 minutes daily, alternating between reading aloud and
listening to them read.
4.
Use
MAT to create a post-reading activity, like drawing a scene or acting out a
dialogue.
The impact of reading in
childhood is undeniable, but it depends on the involvement of parents and
educators. A 2024 study from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
found that children whose parents read with them are 25% more motivated to
learn. The Little Witch with a Thousand Faces series is a perfect
ally, with stories that captivate and teach values like respect and friendship.
Santos, with his PCA, offers practical tools to make reading a lasting habit.
Whether through puppets, theater, or movement, he shows that reading is more
than decoding words—it’s opening doors to a bright future. For readers, the
challenge is clear: pick up a book, sit with a child, and start this journey.
The world needs more readers, and the future begins now.
Motivational Quote: “Give a child a book, and they’ll
conquer the world.” – Antônio Carlos dos Santos
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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