domingo, 25 de maio de 2025

Move, child! The secret to growing up happy


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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https://www.amazon.com/author/antoniosantos



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