My Body, Your Body, Our Bodies: Indigenous Art and Ethnic-Racial Relations in Early Childhood Education
Indigenous art, Early Childhood Education, Ethnic-racial relations
This research focuses on experiences with Indigenous art in Early Childhood Education and its contribution to fostering positive attitudes in ethnic-racial relations. Through an intervention-research conducted with a group of 4-year-old children, artistic and cultural activities were developed, including clay modeling, body painting, instrument crafting, traditional dances, and visits to Indigenous villages and cultural spaces. Employing a methodological approach that combines elements of action research, case study, and ethnography, this study aims to understand how these experiences influence children’s perceptions of Indigenous culture and cultural differences. Grounded in theorists such as Vygotsky (2018), Amaral (2018), Lagrou (2013), Pontes (2013), Barbosa (2009), and Silva (1995), the research combines experience reports, reflective analysis, and records of children's interactions to highlight the power of art as a mediator in overcoming prejudice and valuing diversity. The expected outcomes include the development of pedagogical practices that are more attuned to ethnic-racial issues, contributing to a more inclusive society from the earliest years of childhood.