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How
dedication and continuous effort shape character, creativity, and the future of
children, with lessons from science, theater, and education.
Picture the smile of a child who, through effort and dedication,
discovers they can achieve their dreams. In this article, we’ll explore how
parents and educators can nurture this spark, using science, theater, and
inspiring stories to turn small steps into great achievements!
Childhood is a fertile
ground where every seed planted can blossom into great achievements. Dedication
and continuous effort are like water and sunlight for this growth: essential
for developing skills, character, and confidence. Recent studies from Harvard
University show that children who learn to persevere through challenges develop
greater emotional resilience, a key factor for success in adulthood. But how
can we teach this in a practical and inspiring way? The answer lies in
combining science, education, and culture, such as theater, which sparks
creativity and autonomy. In this article, we’ll explore how the Pedagogies
of Creativity and Autonomy (PCA), created by Antônio Carlos dos
Santos, can help parents and educators foster dedication in children, using stories,
examples, and practical tools to turn small efforts into big victories.
Motivational Quote: “Success is not the absence of
obstacles, but the courage to push through them.” – John Wooden
Neuroscience teaches us
that the child’s brain is highly plastic, capable of forming new connections
based on repeated experiences. A study from Stanford University reveals that
children exposed to activities requiring continuous effort, such as learning a
musical instrument or solving math problems, strengthen the prefrontal cortex,
the area responsible for self-regulation and decision-making. This process is
enhanced when dedication is encouraged positively, with praise for effort
rather than just results. The fable The Rooster and the Fox, by
Antônio Carlos dos Santos, illustrates this perfectly. In the story, the
rooster Carijó uses his intelligence and perseverance to resist the fox’s
tricks, teaching children the importance of critical thinking and not falling
for empty promises. The fable’s lesson is clear: dedication to learning and
caution can protect and empower.
Curiosity Box: The
Rooster and the Fox
·
Origin:
Inspired by Aesop’s fable, adapted by Antônio Carlos dos Santos with humor and
modernity.
·
Lesson:
Teaches prudence, critical thinking, and resistance to false promises.
·
Fact:
The play has been performed in schools, inspiring children to reflect on trust
and friendship!
Dedication doesn’t come
naturally; it needs to be nurtured by parents and educators. An inspiring
example is young Malala Yousafzai, who, from childhood, dedicated herself to
the fight for education, even facing threats. Her story shows that continuous
effort, supported by an encouraging environment, can lead to extraordinary
change. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ methodologies, part of the Pedagogies of
Creativity and Autonomy (PCA), offer practical tools for this. The Mané
Beiçudo Puppet Theater (MBPT), for instance, uses recycled puppets to
teach children to persevere in creative tasks. In a school in rural Pernambuco,
children used MBPT to create a play based on The Rooster and the Fox,
learning to build puppets and rehearse lines, which required patience and
collaboration. The result was not only a moving performance but also a boost in
the students’ confidence.
Inspiring Story:
Malala and Education
At age 11, Malala began writing about her desire to study, despite oppression
in Pakistan. Her dedication to this cause, even after an attack, made her the
youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner. Her story inspires children to persist in
their dreams.
The MAT (Mindset,
Action, and Theater), another of Santos’ methodologies, combines
neuroscience and theater to teach children the importance of a growth mindset.
In MAT workshops, children act out roles that simulate challenges, like
resolving a conflict or completing a difficult task, learning to associate
effort with progress. Studies from the University of Cambridge show that this
experiential learning activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine
and making the process more motivating. Santos’ Children’s Collection, with 10
theatrical plays like The Rooster and the Fox and The Hare and the
Tortoise, reinforces these lessons. Each story carries a moral that values
dedication, like the tortoise who beats the hare through persistence,
encouraging children to believe in the power of continuous work.
Practical Tip:
Praise the Process
When your child or student puts effort into a task, praise the process, not
just the outcome. For example, say: “I loved how you tried several times until
you got it!” This reinforces the importance of dedication and builds a growth
mindset.
The ThM (Theater
Movement) methodology, also part of the PCA, focuses on creating
theatrical narratives that teach children how to structure ideas and express
emotions. In a São Paulo school, teachers used ThM to help students write a
play inspired by Green, I Want You Green from the Children’s
Collection. The process required the children to research sustainability,
rehearse lines, and collaborate, developing patience and critical thinking.
According to the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), theatrical
activities like ThM improve diction, self-esteem, and argumentation skills,
which are essential for life. The final play, performed for parents, was a
moment of pride that showed the children the value of their efforts.
Curiosity Box: The Children’s Collection
·
What is it? 10 theatrical plays by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, such as The
Rooster and the Fox and The Cicada and the Little Ants.
·
Objective: Teach values like dedication, friendship, and diversity through
theater.
·
Impact:
Used in schools to foster creativity and autonomy in children of all ages.
Theater, as championed by
Santos, goes beyond entertainment: it’s a pedagogical tool that helps children
overcome shyness, improve communication, and develop empathy. In The
Rooster and the Fox, the humor and irreverence of the dialogue between the
rooster Carijó and the fox make the story engaging, while the moral encourages
reflection on trust and deceit. Studies from Yale University show that children
involved in theatrical activities have a greater ability to regulate emotions,
helping them face frustrations and persist in difficult tasks. By acting out
characters like the clever rooster, children learn to think strategically, a skill
that prepares them for academic and social challenges.
Inspiring Story:
The Pernambuco Play
In a rural school, children used MBPT to perform The Rooster and the Fox.
The process of creating puppets and rehearsing the play took weeks of effort,
but the result was a performance that moved the community. “I learned that
trying multiple times is worth it,” said Ana, age 9.
Continuous dedication also
strengthens autonomy, a core pillar of Santos’ PCA. Neuroscience explains that
when children have space to make decisions and face challenges, the brain
develops greater connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala,
improving emotional control. In a MAT workshop in Rio Grande do Sul, teachers
used the play It’s Great to Be Different to teach children about
diversity. Each student created a unique character, which required research and
rehearsals, reinforcing the idea that effort leads to unique results. The
Children’s Collection, with stories like All Colors Are Cool, supports
this approach, showing that dedication to acceptance and creativity builds a
more inclusive world.
Practical Tip:
Create Effort Routines
Establish a daily routine for your child, like 15 minutes of reading or
practicing a hobby. Use a reward chart (like stars for each completed day) to
motivate consistency, but without overwhelming them.
The impact of dedication
and continuous effort extends beyond childhood. Studies from the University of
Oxford indicate that children who develop perseverance habits are more likely
to achieve academic and professional success in adulthood. Santos’ PCA, with MBPT,
MAT, and ThM, offers a practical path for this, blending fun and learning. The
play The Wizard Esculfield of Chamberleim Castle, for example, teaches
children about courage and teamwork, while the theatrical process develops
skills like posture and stage presence. As Antônio Carlos says, “different
knowledge is what creates the magic of human evolution”. By encouraging
dedication, we’re helping children discover their own knowings and build a
bright future.
Motivational Quote: “Every small effort is a step
toward a big dream.” – Antônio Carlos dos Santos
The invitation is open:
parents, educators, and everyone who believes in children’s potential, let’s
sow dedication and continuous effort. Inspired by Malala, the children of
Pernambuco, and the Pedagogies of Creativity and Autonomy, we can turn
childhood into a time of discovery and achievement. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’
theater, with his Children’s Collection, shows us that every story, every
rehearsal, every step taken with effort is a victory. Let’s work together to
help our children shine, because, as the saying goes, “those who plant with
dedication reap with joy”!
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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