A Importância de atividades recreativas no ensino infantil: um estudo com professores do ensino infantil da rede pública de são joão dos patos – ma

Abstract

Recreational activities play a fundamental role in child development, contributing to the construction of motor, cognitive, social, and emotional skills. This study aimed to understand the importance of recreational activities in the developmental process of children enrolled in Early Childhood Education in public schools in the municipality of São João dos Patos, Maranhão, Brazil. This field research adopted a quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach and involved 62 teachers working in public Early Childhood Education institutions. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that recreational activities are widely incorporated into the school routine, being carried out daily or frequently throughout the week by most teachers. Free play, guided games, dance activities, and motor circuits were identified as the most commonly used practices. Participants recognized that these activities contribute to motor development, social interaction, cognitive learning, and emotional expression among children. Despite the benefits observed, challenges related to school infrastructure, availability of adequate spaces, and professional training were identified. It is concluded that recreational activities represent important pedagogical strategies for promoting comprehensive child development, highlighting the need for investments in teacher training and improvements in educational infrastructure