THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL GAMES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS IN LOWER SECONDARY EDUCATION IN CONCÓRDIA, SC

Abstract

This study examines the role of traditional games in the school development of students in Lower Secondary Education in the municipality of Concórdia, SC. The research emerged from the observation that playful cultural practices have increasingly been replaced by technology-based and content-focused approaches, particularly in the final years of basic education. A quanti-qualitative methodology was applied through questionnaires and interviews with municipal school teachers. The findings indicate that most educators acknowledge the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of traditional games, although they face challenges in integrating them into today’s digitalized school environment. The study also highlights the relevance of continuous teacher education to foster innovative practices that connect playfulness and local culture with contemporary educational demands. It concludes that traditional games remain powerful pedagogical tools that, when intentionally incorporated, can enrich the teaching-learning process, strengthen social bonds, and preserve meaningful cultural elements within students’ formation.