THE IMPORTANCE OF THE EDUCATOR AS A PLAYFUL MEDIATOR IN THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILD IN EARLY EARLY EDUCATION

Abstract

Early childhood education is a crucial stage in the child's integral development, covering cognitive, emotional and social aspects that are intertwined in the teaching-learning process. The research presented in this article aims to investigate the strategies used by educators to incorporate playful activities into the early childhood education curriculum and the impacts of these practices on children's development. The justification for this study lies in the need to understand how play can be a powerful ally in the child's integral education. The methodology of this article was based on a systematic literature review to explore and understand the role of the educator as a playful mediator in the integral development of the child in early childhood education. The literature review is an essential approach to consolidate existing knowledge and identify gaps in the literature on the topic. To collect data, we used a search in recognized academic databases, such as Scielo, Google Scholar, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) and CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel). The keywords used in the searches included "playful mediation", "early childhood education", "integral child development", "role of the educator", and "playing in education". This study demonstrated the crucial importance of the educator as a playful mediator in the integral development of children in early childhood education. By revisiting classic and contemporary theories, it was possible to confirm that playful mediation significantly impacts both the cognitive and socio-emotional development of children.