Let’s Play Together: Deconstructing Stereotypes in School Games: The Potential of Play for Participation and Inclusion

The ways in which children engage in play, the skills they acquire, the dynamics they navigate, and the relationships they form offer valuable insights into their future development as adults. It is precisely because of this powerful, yet often underestimated, role of play in shaping their growth that children's playful activities must be carefully observed, studied, and guided by the adults responsible for their care. By actively accompanying them on their developmental journey, educators and caregivers can better support the formative processes that influence children's social, emotional, and cognitive growth. We aim to offer methodological and practical guidelines directed at countering the emergence of stereotypes during the elementary school years. By engaging in collective play and deconstructing these limiting mechanisms, children can explore and identify alternative pathways that enhance their imagination and creativity. Through play, a space is created where diverse perspectives are embraced, allowing for the broadening of their understanding and the development of more inclusive attitudes. The heuristic value of mistakes made collectively by children and teachers enables learning through play without the fear of failure or feelings of inadequacy. This process not only leads to unexpected and challenging outcomes but also encourages individuals to push their boundaries while sharing their discoveries with others.