KNOWLEDGE AND HOW TO DO PRODUCED BY STUDENTS IN THE 5TH YEAR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION IN INTERACTION WITH THE BACKYARD
Mathematical knowledge. Knowledge produced. Interactions. Backyards.
This research investigates the knowledge produced by 5th grade students at the Maria Júlia de Almeida Municipal School, Alto Araguaia - MT, based on the act of spatializing the backyard/yard of their homes. Considering that mathematics is a concern we have in relation to teaching and learning, we decided to research the backyard, which is an outdoor area, usually located at the back of a house, where people can enjoy nature, grow plants, barbecue and spend leisure time. It's a private and cozy space! With this in mind, we sought to observe how the children spatialize their backyard using mathematics. This is how we came up with the guiding question for this research: What mathematical knowledge do the children at the Maria Júlia de Almeida school produce when they relate to their backyard? Methodologically, we used a qualitative, ethnographic approach, using data collection instruments such as interview guides, conversation circles and classroom reproductions of the activities observed in the backyards and described in the interviews and conversation circles. The subjects of the research were: parents of pupils and fifth-graders at the school under investigation. To collect the data, we interviewed the students' parents individually, going house to house and observing the backyards. We collected the children's opinions using conversation circles, a dynamic that helps produce dialog and ensures that everyone has the option to speak. To analyze the data, we used interpretive analysis to understand the relationship between mathematical knowledge and practices in the backyard environment. The results showed the possibilities of producing mathematical knowledge in the most diverse interactions between children in their backyards or similar spaces. The research carried out at the Maria Júlia de Almeida School revealed that 5th grade children produce mathematical knowledge in a significant way when interacting with their backyards. Backyards are fundamental spaces for children's all-round development, offering opportunities for authentic learning and enriching experiences. We suggest carrying out activities that value local culture and promote learning through interaction with the natural environment, such as gardening workshops, outdoor storytelling and observing fauna and flora.