Slow and steady: how effort shapes children’s futures

 Lessons in Perseverance That Transform Lives, Inspired by Science and Theater

Imagine a child learning that every small step, even a slow one, brings them closer to their dreams. Dedication and continuous effort are seeds for success, and science, alongside theater, shows us how to nurture them. Let’s discover how to help little ones grow strong and resilient!

Dedication and continuous effort are fundamental pillars for child development, shaping not only skills but also character and resilience. For children, learning that progress comes with patience and persistence is a lesson that resonates throughout life. Studies from Stanford University (2024) show that children encouraged to value effort over natural talent develop a growth mindset, which boosts their motivation and ability to overcome challenges. This idea is at the heart of the fable The Hare and the Tortoise, by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, part of his Children’s Collection. The story, inspired by Aesop, teaches that the tortoise, with its steady determination, defeats the arrogant hare, proving that “slow and steady” is the key to success. This lesson resonates with parents and educators, showing that continuous effort is more powerful than speed or innate gifts.

Science reinforces the value of continuous effort in children’s brain development. Research from Harvard University (2023) indicates that children engaged in activities requiring persistence, such as learning a musical instrument or solving math problems, show greater activation in the prefrontal cortex, the area linked to planning and self-regulation. For young ones, this means that every attempt, even if it results in failure, strengthens their ability to face difficulties. Santos’ Children’s Collection, with its 10 theatrical plays, including The Hare and the Tortoise, uses theater to make these lessons tangible. In the play, the tortoise faces the forest’s mockery but perseveres to victory, inspiring children not to give up in the face of adversity.

Curiosity Box: the growth mindset
Did you know that the concept of a “growth mindset” was developed by psychologist Carol Dweck? In her studies at Stanford University (2020-2024), she proved that children who believe they can improve through effort are 30% more likely to achieve academic and personal goals.

Theater, as proposed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos in his Pedagogies of Creativity and Autonomy (PCA), is a powerful tool for teaching dedication. The MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater) methodology encourages children to adopt a positive mindset (“I can improve with practice”), take concrete actions (like studying regularly), and use theater to experience these lessons. In a MAT-based workshop, children act out the hare and tortoise race, playing the tortoise and reflecting on how persistence has helped them in their own lives. A 2024 University of São Paulo study showed that theatrical activities increase children’s self-confidence by 25%, as they connect emotion and learning, making effort fun and meaningful.

Inspiring Story: Malala Yousafzai and persistence
Malala, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner, faced immense obstacles to study and advocate for girls’ education in Pakistan. Her dedication, even after an attempt on her life, shows how continuous effort can change the world. Malala is a living example of the tortoise, proving that perseverance overcomes any barrier.

The ThM (Theater Movement) methodology, part of Santos’ PCA, uses bodily movement to reinforce the importance of effort. In exercises, children “dance” the tortoise’s journey, with slow, steady steps, while the hare leaps chaotically. This approach, tested in 2024 projects at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, helps children internalize the idea that progress comes with consistency. For parents, ThM offers a practical lesson: encouraging physical activities that require repetition, like sports or dance, can teach children to value discipline. These sensory experiences make learning deeper, like the tortoise that, step by step, reaches its goal.

Practical Tip: the effort journal
Help your child create an “Effort Journal.” Each day, ask them to write down a small task that required dedication, like finishing homework or practicing a sport. At the end of the week, celebrate their achievements together, reinforcing that effort leads to results.

The Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater (MBPT), another of Santos’ methodologies, brings the message of The Hare and the Tortoise to communities in a playful way. Puppets made from recycled materials perform the race, with the tortoise facing the hare’s taunts. These performances, described in the Teatro Mané Beiçudo blog (2020), captivate children and adults, showing that humility and persistence are universal values. Recent studies have shown that children who watched MBPT were more willing to try again after failure, applying the turtle lesson to schoolwork. For educators, MBPT is an accessible tool for teaching resilience in the classroom, using theater as a bridge to learning.

Motivational Quote
“Every step taken with effort is a victory that builds the future.” – Antônio Carlos dos Santos

Continuous dedication also strengthens children’s self-esteem. When children see that their effort leads to achievements, like improving in a subject or learning a new skill, they develop confidence in themselves. Santos’ Children’s Collection, with plays like The Grasshopper and the Ants and The Rooster and the Fox, reinforces these values, using stories that blend fun and learning. A 2024 University of Cambridge project showed that children involved in theatrical activities based on motivational narratives are 20% more likely to face challenges with optimism. For parents, this means that celebrating small efforts, as the tortoise would celebrate each step, is essential to nurturing their children’s confidence.

Ultimately, teaching children the value of continuous effort is a lifelong gift. The tortoise’s lesson – that persistence trumps arrogance and haste – is a compass for navigating childhood challenges and beyond. As Santos’ work shows, theater can turn these lessons into unforgettable experiences, whether through a play, a dance, or a puppet. Parents and educators have the power to guide young ones on this journey, showing that every attempt, every mistake, and every step is part of a great victory. Why not start today, telling the tortoise’s story or acting out its race? Just like the tortoise, children can learn that effort, even slow, always leads to the finish line.

Curiosity Box: theater in antiquity
In Ancient Greece, theater was more than entertainment; it was a ritual to honor gods like Dionysus. Stories like those of Aesop, which inspired The Hare and the Tortoise, taught moral lessons and united communities, a legacy that lives on in Santos’ work.

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