Discover how body movement transforms childhood and prepares children
for a more creative, safe and happy life.
In
times of screens and sedentary lifestyles, we invite you to delve into a deep
and enchanting reflection on the importance of physical exercise for children.
More than a health issue, movement is a tool for autonomy, creativity and
overall well-being.
Children are being
born into a world where touching the screen replaces touching the ground, where
sitting time exceeds running time. But children's bodies were made to move!
From the earliest years, movement is the most natural way of discovering the world.
When a child jumps, runs or spins, they are not just expending energy – they
are exploring the laws of physics, strengthening neural connections and
developing more balanced emotions. Practical tip: At least 60 minutes of
moderate to intense physical activity per day is recommended by the World
Health Organization for children aged 5 to 17. This could be playing in the
backyard, a family walk or a fun dance class.
Studies from leading
universities around the world, such as Harvard and Stanford, show that regular
physical exercise improves children's memory, attention and self-esteem.
Neuroscience reveals that movement stimulates the production of neurotrophins,
substances that promote brain plasticity. In other words, an active child is a
child who learns more and better.
Fun fact
Did
you know that children who exercise daily have up to 20% more chance of
performing well in school, according to a study published in the journal
Pediatrics?
But exercise doesn't
just work wonders in the cognitive field. An active body improves mood, combats
anxiety and prevents future illnesses. Children learn to know their limits,
overcome challenges and become more resilient. This is the basis for strong
self-esteem, something essential for life. Inspiring story: As a child, writer
and activist Maya Angelou used to run and play street games with other
children. She attributed body movement as an essential part of her inner
strength, which helped her face adversity with courage. In modern pedagogies,
movement is understood as a channel for expression and identity construction.
The Pedagogies of Creativity and Autonomy (PCA), developed by professor and
researcher Antônio Carlos dos Santos, offer an innovative perspective on this.
Their methods – TBMB (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater), MAT (Mindset, Action and
Theater) and ThM (Theater Movement) – value movement as a link between thought,
emotion and action. Children who participate in these activities do not just
move: they dramatize the world, design solutions, and transform themselves.
Motivational quote: “The body in movement is the soul of creativity. Children
who move freely grow with autonomy.” — Antônio Carlos dos Santos
The book " The Thousand Faces Little Witch
collection teaches you to live better" (vol. 4) is a literary treasure
in this sense. By following the journey of a family of frogs that needs to
adapt to the drought of the lake, children understand, in a playful way, the
importance of physical, mental and emotional preparation to face changes. This
volume is part of a collection that teaches everything from how to brush your
teeth with purpose to how to interact with empathy. By approaching physical
exercise as a tool for self-knowledge and overcoming, the book becomes
essential for parents and educators.
Movement is also
language, especially in childhood. When a child acts out a story with their
body or plays at acting out a character, they develop feelings, communicate
needs and develop empathy. PCA approaches allow this expression to be channeled
towards integral growth. In an activity with TBMB, for example, the child does
not just manipulate a doll: they negotiate roles, work out conflicts and
strengthen motor coordination.
Highlight
In
ThM (Theater Movement), the body is a tool for active learning. Children create
stories with their bodies, practice creative solutions and learn to think in
movement.
Therefore, more than
a medical recommendation or pedagogical advice, physical exercise for children
is an educational emergency. In times of global challenges and emotional
emergencies, teaching our children to move also means teaching them to live
with more meaning, joy and autonomy. May each jump, each run, each imaginative
leap be a seed for a better world.
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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