INTERDISCIPLINARY GAMES FOR LITERACY: Exploring the Fauna of the UFJF Botanical Garden

Abstract

This article presents the development of an e-book containing printable games aimed at the literacy process, based on the fauna of the Botanical Garden at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). The objective was to integrate Portuguese Language and Science content through contextualized playful practices, promoting the advancement of writing hypotheses among 1st-grade students and valuing the local environment. The research problem addressed the lack of teaching materials that encourage interdisciplinarity and student engagement in literacy. The theoretical framework is based on the psychogenesis of written language and Vygotsky’s concept of play, highlighting the importance of playfulness for cognitive and writing development. The hypothesis is that educational games based on regional elements foster meaningful learning and environmental awareness. The methodology consisted of a bibliographic review and the development of four educational games organized into a free e-book for public school teachers. Results indicate that the material can stimulate creative educational practices and increase students’ interest in reading and contextualized scientific knowledge.