In May, on the 28th and 29th, the Centro Educativo João Paulo II held another edition of its Literary Project. The initiative aims to encourage reading habits among children who, over two months, dive into classics of children’s literature and, at the end of the process, present artistic productions inspired by the stories, such as plays and dances.
On the first day of the event, 1st-year students explored Ou Isto ou Aquilo, by Cecília Meireles. The 2nd-year worked with the classic story Menina Bonita do Laço de Fita, by Ana Maria Machado. The 3rd-year class presented what they learned from Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo, by Ruth Rocha. The 4th-year immersed themselves in O Menino Maluquinho, by Ziraldo, and the 5th-year explored their creativity with Aprendiz de Inventor, by João Anzanello Carrascoza.
The second day was dedicated to presentations from the more advanced classes. The 6th-year brought Cordelendas – Histórias Indígenas em Cordel, by César Obeid, to life. The 7th-year also worked with Ou Isto ou Aquilo, by Cecília Meireles, reinforcing the versatility of the work. The 8th and 9th years explored Melhores Poemas, by Paulo Leminski, with sensitive readings and poetic interpretations of the author.
Each teacher guided their class for about two months, leading readings, reflections, and creative activities related to the chosen book. As a result, the final presentation becomes a highly anticipated moment for everyone: boys and girls share what they’ve learned about the authors and their stories, becoming true artists and protagonists of the narratives they explored.
The Literary Project was created to foster a love for books from an early age. The event is held twice a year — in the first and second semesters — and involves all classes, both morning and afternoon.
Encouraging reading is more than just opening a book: it is opening doors to imagination, giving freedom to create, and planting, in each child’s heart, a lasting affection for words. It allows them to discover new worlds, walk through stories, and meet characters that teach, move, and transform them. Reading, when lived with affection and creativity, doesn’t just form readers — it forms dreamers, thinkers, and authors of their own stories.
