A ópera como mediador no processo de aprendizagem e desenvolvimento de crianças de baixa renda cursando a 1ª série do ensino fundamental: uma perspectiva vigotskiana

Abstract

The present research shows how a project aimed to develop the reading, writing and drawing abilities of students from the lower economic layers of Brazilian population, as well as to improve their musicality, dancing and staging promotes learning and development for all children enrolled in the 1st. grade of basic schooling. For such, it was developed a project called Opera for All (OFAP), involving 31 pupils of a community school, located in the periphery of São Luís, Maranhão, a northeast state of Brazil. The basic assumptions of the research were taken from Vygotskian social historical theory, in special the idea that what is lived through concrete actions is converted in abstract material, in superior mental functions. Since this is an Art project, contradictions typical of this area were generated, provoking choc, destruction and also overcoming of these feelings, promoting, consequently, development. The study offers consistent results, especially in what concerns voluntary attention, self-regulation and self-knowledge. The research points out that: a) the rhyme is an important mediator for autonomous writing, notably when the students are in the processing of acquiring reading and writing abilities; b) observational drawing acts as a facilitator for the elaboration of personal drawings, offering details and references easily appropriated by 6 to 7 years old children; c) both rhymes and observation drawing, when practiced, promote voluntary attention, memory and imagination. The research concludes that the staging and the appreciation of an Opera by children, under the supervision of adults, using well structured activities and meaningful material, involve active and creative actions, which, in turn, propel human development