Small steps, big achievements: how interaction shapes autonomous children

 Discover how play, conversation, and collaboration build confidence and independence in young ones

Every conversation, every game, every shared moment is a seed for a child’s autonomy. In this article, we explore how interaction, backed by science and inspiring stories, can transform the future of our children.

Imagine a child running through the backyard, laughing with friends while inventing a new game. Or sitting at the table, telling their grandparent about their day at school. These simple, everyday moments are the foundation for growing confident, curious, and independent. Interaction is the cornerstone of autonomy. It enables children to develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills that prepare them for life. Inspired by the eighth volume of the The Thousand Faces Little Witch collection teaches you to live better by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, this article delves into the science and practice of interaction, highlighting the methodologies of the Pedagogy of Creativity and Autonomy (PCA) - MBPT (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater), MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater), and ThM (Theater Movement). Let’s discover how parents and educators can use interaction to nurture secure children ready to transform the world.

Motivational Quote: “When a child interacts, they don’t just learn; they become.” – Antônio Carlos dos Santos

Interaction is more than talking or playing; it’s the process through which children build their identity and learn to navigate the world. In the book Interact, the eighth volume of the The Thousand Faces Little Witch collection teaches you to live better, a family of frogs faces a drying pond and must collaborate to survive. This story teaches children that working with others is essential to overcoming challenges. A 2023 study from Harvard University on child development shows that positive interactions with peers and adults stimulate the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for planning and self-regulation. When a child plays pretend or resolves a playground conflict, they’re training skills that will make them more autonomous.

Practical Tip: Set aside 10 minutes daily for a collaborative playtime with your child, like solving a puzzle or creating a story together. Let the child lead some decisions to boost their confidence.

The methodologies of Antônio Carlos dos Santos, grouped under the Pedagogy of Creativity and Autonomy (PCA), are powerful tools for fostering interaction. The MBPT (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater) uses puppets to stage stories that teach values like cooperation. In a São Paulo school, for instance, teachers used MBPT to create a show where puppets solved a community problem, encouraging children to discuss group solutions. A 2024 study from Yale University on arts-based education confirms that theatrical narratives enhance empathy and collaboration in children, underscoring the effectiveness of Santos’ method.

Inspiring Story: Maria Montessori, a pioneer in early childhood education, believed children learn best through free interaction. Her approach, used in schools worldwide, proves that interaction is key to autonomy.

Curiosity Box: What is the Pedagogy of Creativity and Autonomy (PCA)?
Created by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, PCA is a set of methodologies combining theater, movement, and storytelling to promote child development. MBPT uses puppets to teach values, MAT fosters a growth mindset through theater, and ThM explores bodily movement for emotional expression. Together, these practices stimulate creativity and independence.

Interaction also strengthens emotional intelligence, crucial for autonomy. When a child negotiates who’s the “boss” in a game or comforts a sad friend, they learn to recognize and manage emotions. Santos’ MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater) uses role-playing to help children practice these skills. In a pilot project in Recife, educators applied MAT in the classroom, asking children to act out scenarios like “resolving a disagreement.” A 2024 study from Stanford University on emotional intelligence shows that theatrical activities improve emotional regulation in children, preparing them for independent decision-making.

Practical Tip: Create a “conversation corner” at home with cushions and toys. Encourage your child to share how they feel after a school day. Listen without judgment to build their trust.

Santos’ ThM (Theater Movement) focuses on the body as a tool for interaction. Through dance and expressive movements, children learn to communicate without words, building self-confidence. In a Rio de Janeiro daycare, ThM was used to help shy children express themselves through gestures, leading to greater participation in group activities. A 2023 study from the University of Cambridge on embodied learning suggests that movement enhances self-esteem and collaboration skills, both fundamental for autonomy.

Motivational Quote: “Every interaction is a brick in building a strong, independent child.” – Maria Montessori

The The Thousand Faces Little Witch collection teaches you to live better is a treasure for parents and educators. Its ten volumes cover topics like planning, studying, and making friends, but the eighth book, Interact, emphasizes collaboration as a driver of success. In the story, the frogs learn that only together can they find a new pond. This reflects reality: children who interact well tend to be more resilient. A 2024 study from the University of São Paulo on social development shows that children with strong interaction skills perform better academically and have higher self-esteem, reinforcing the book’s message.

Inspiring Story: Fred Rogers, creator of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, used simple conversations to teach children how to connect with others. His empathy-based approach inspired generations to value interaction.

Curiosity Box: Who is Antônio Carlos dos Santos?
An author, educator, and theater director, Antônio Carlos dos Santos is a reference in Brazilian early childhood education. His extensive work includes the The Thousand Faces Little Witch collection teaches you to live better and methodologies like MBPT, MAT, and ThM. His books, available on Amazon, blend playfulness and learning, promoting autonomy and creativity.

Interaction also fosters critical thinking, another key piece of autonomy. When a child joins a storytelling circle or solves a problem with peers, they learn to analyze situations and propose solutions. Santos’ MBPT encourages children to create alternative endings for puppet stories, sparking creativity. A 2024 study from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro on critical thinking in children shows that collaborative activities enhance problem-solving skills, preparing them for future challenges.

Practical Tip: Organize a “story night” with family. Each person tells part of a story, and the child decides the ending. This boosts creative thinking and decision-making.

Beyond individual benefits, interaction shapes a better world. Children who grow up collaborating tend to become empathetic, engaged adults. Santos’ MAT teaches this by encouraging children to work together to create plays. In a Fortaleza school, MAT was used to stage a play about recycling, uniting students around a common goal. A 2023 study from the University of Oxford on social development suggests that collaborative children are more likely to become ethical leaders, an impact that ripples through society.

Motivational Quote: “Interacting is planting seeds for a more human, fairer and more promising future.” – Antônio Carlos dos Santos

Ultimately, interaction is a gift that parents and educators can offer children. Every moment of connection — whether a conversation, a game, or a story — is a chance to build autonomy. The The Thousand Faces Little Witch collection teaches you to live better and Santos’ methodologies show that, with creativity and care, we can help children soar. Why not start today? Grab a book, organize a group activity, or simply sit with a child and listen. As science and Santos teach us, interaction is the key to a bright future.

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