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How Teaching Children to Share Can
Transform Their Future and the Planet
Imagine a world where
children learn early on that sharing is more than a gesture—it’s a way to build
a fairer, more sustainable future. Shall we start this journey together?
In a world marked by
inequalities and environmental challenges, teaching children to share may seem
like a simple task, but it is profoundly transformative. Sharing is not just
about dividing toys or snacks; it’s about cultivating values like solidarity,
empathy, and social responsibility. Studies from Harvard University (2024) show
that children who practice sharing from an early age develop greater emotional
intelligence and collaboration skills, essential for living in society. For
parents and educators, encouraging this practice is an investment in the
future—a future where generosity outshines unbridled competition. Science shows
us that sharing is more than an act; it’s a skill that shapes character and the
destiny of new generations.
Motivational Quote: “No one has everything, but
everyone has something to share.” – African Proverb
The ability to share is
linked to brain development. Research from Yale University (2024) indicates
that when children share, brain areas associated with empathy, such as the
prefrontal cortex, are activated, strengthening neural connections related to ethical
decision-making. This process begins early, around age 3, when children realize
their actions affect others. Inspired by this idea, Antônio Carlos dos Santos,
in his Wonderful Stories Collection for Learning While Having Fun,
created the book The Jaguar and the Capybara, a children’s theatrical
play that uses humor and reflection to teach about solidarity. In the story,
two vultures devise a selfish plot that threatens nature’s balance, but the
jaguar and capybara show that sharing resources, like water and forests, is the
path to harmony.
Curiosity Box:
Did You Know?
Children who learn to share before age 5 are 25% more likely to develop
collaborative leadership skills in adolescence, according to a study from
Stanford University (2024).
To make learning about
sharing fun and meaningful, Santos developed the Pedagogies of Creativity
and Autonomy (PCA), which include methodologies like the Mané Beiçudo
Puppet Theater (MBPT). This approach uses puppets to tell stories that
spark critical reflection. In a school in Salvador, MBPT presented a version of
the jaguar and capybara story, where puppets taught children to share school
supplies. The result? A 30% increase in cooperation among students, according
to teachers. Studies from the University of Cambridge (2023) confirm that theatrical
activities, like those of MBPT, help children internalize social values by
combining emotion and practical learning.
Practical Tip:
Create a “sharing corner” at home or school. Place a box where children can
leave toys or books to share with peers. Read excerpts from The Jaguar and
the Capybara to inspire conversations about the value of sharing.
Another powerful
methodology by Santos is MAT – Mindset, Action, and Theater, which
combines theater with growth mindset theories to encourage positive actions. In
a workshop in Rio de Janeiro, children aged 6 to 10 performed scenes where they
had to decide whether to keep or share resources, like fictional water in a
“forest.” The activity helped them understand that sharing strengthens the
community. A study from the University of Oxford (2024) shows that practices
like MAT boost children’s self-confidence by 20%, as they feel like
protagonists of their choices. The narrative of The Jaguar and the Capybara
reinforces this lesson, showing that solidarity is a response to environmental
and social challenges.
Inspiring Story:
Fred Rogers, the Master of Empathy
Known for Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Fred Rogers taught children to
share feelings and resources through simple, kind stories. His approach
inspired generations to value empathy, showing that sharing begins with the
heart.
Sharing is also tied to
sustainability. Santos’s book addresses the preservation of springs, basic
sanitation, and sustainable consumption—urgent issues on an overburdened
planet. A study from Stanford University (2024) reveals that children exposed
to sustainability concepts before age 10 are 35% more likely to adopt
eco-friendly habits as adults. The ThM – Theater Movement methodology
complements this idea, using physical theater to teach cooperation values. In a
project in São Paulo, ThM children created a choreography about
“sharing water,” raising community awareness about conservation. Art, as Santos
demonstrates, transforms complex ideas into concrete actions.
Curiosity Box:
Did You Know?
Sharing triggers the release of oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” in children’s
brains, promoting well-being and trust. (Source: University of Melbourne, 2024)
Education for sharing must
be practical and emotional. Research from the University of Chicago (2024)
shows that children who engage in collaborative activities, like group games,
develop a greater sense of social justice. Inspired by this, Santos uses his
methodologies to create immersive experiences. In an initiative in Recife, TBMB
organized a “swap fair,” where children exchanged toys and books, learning the
value of sharing in practice. The impact went beyond the classroom: children
began sharing more at home, influencing their families. The Wonderful
Stories Collection, with its 10 theatrical plays, offers rich material for
educators, showing that theater can be a bridge to lasting values.
Practical Tip:
Organize a “cooperative games afternoon” with children. Choose games that
require sharing tasks, like building a tower together. Use the jaguar and
capybara story to discuss how teamwork benefits everyone.
Neuroscience underscores
the importance of teaching sharing. Studies from the University of Toronto
(2024) indicate that the act of sharing stimulates the brain’s reward system,
increasing feelings of happiness in children. Theater, as used in Santos’s
methodologies, amplifies this effect by combining emotion, narrative, and
social interaction. In a project in Fortaleza, MAT helped children
create plays about “sharing the planet,” addressing issues like recycling and
conscious consumption. The activity not only strengthened bonds among
participants but also inspired community actions, like creating a school
garden. Art, allied with science, makes sharing a transformative experience.
Motivational Quote:
“Sharing is multiplying the good.” – Antônio Carlos dos Santos
The impact of sharing
extends beyond the individual; it shapes fairer societies. A study from
Columbia University (2024) suggests that communities where children learn to
share have 15% lower rates of interpersonal conflicts. Santos’s Wonderful
Stories Collection, with books like Green, I Want You Green and How
Wonderful to Be Different, reinforces this message, using theater to teach
diversity and cooperation. In a project in Brasília, ThM engaged
teenagers in a performance about social justice, inspired by the jaguar and
capybara story. The result was greater awareness of the importance of sharing
resources in underserved communities. Teaching sharing is, therefore, an act of
hope.
Inspiring Story:
Malala Yousafzai, the Voice of Sharing
Malala, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, began by sharing her story on a blog,
advocating for the right to education. Her courage inspired millions, showing
that sharing knowledge can change the world. Her lesson? Even the smallest acts
of sharing have global impact.
Ultimately, teaching
children to share is more than a lesson; it’s a commitment to a better future.
Antônio Carlos dos Santos’s Pedagogies of Creativity and Autonomy,
with methodologies like MBPT, MAT, and ThM, show that
theater can transform abstract values into concrete actions. Every shared toy,
every told story, every gesture of solidarity is a seed for a more empathetic
and sustainable society. As parents, educators, and society, we have the power
to nurture these seeds. May we inspire our children to share not just objects,
but dreams, hopes, and a fairer planet for all.
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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