ENTRE O ÓCIO E O BRINCAR LIVRE: A VALORIZAÇÃO NAS INSTITUIÇÕES DE EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL DE NAVIRAÍ - MS

Abstract

This article aims to analyze how leisure (ócio) is portrayed in Early Childhood Education, focusing on children aged 4 to 5 years in institutions in the municipality of Naviraí-MS, considering it as an essential element for child development. In this context, leisure is not understood as inactivity or purposelessness, but as a moment of pause, experimentation, and creative freedom. The study is based on a descriptive, qualitative research, conducted through classroom observations and semi-structured interviews with two early childhood education teachers. Initially, a literature review was carried out, drawing on authors such as Venturini and Schuler (2020), Veríssimo (2018), and Fortuna (2014), among others, to provide the theoretical foundation for the investigation. The results indicate that leisure and free play are still underrecognized and undervalued in daily pedagogical practices. Furthermore, it was found that the concept of “leisure” is often misunderstood, commonly associated with idleness or lack of productivity. It is concluded that valuing leisure and free play is fundamental to ensure children's full development, and that Early Childhood Education should intentionally incorporate time and space to foster these experiences.