Rio Tinto e sua cultura : quebra-cabeça como ferramenta de pertencimento regional

Abstract

This article presents the design development of the educational toy “Quebra-Cabeça Rio Tinto e Sua Cultura” (Rio Tinto and Its Culture Puzzle), which is the result of the extension project O Traço Mágico – Year 5. The proposal aims to stimulate children’s cultural belonging and cognitive development by adapting illustrations that represent symbolic elements of the city of Rio Tinto/PB. Based on authors such as Freire (1970), Krucken (2009), Vygotsky (1998), Piaget (1971) and Kishimoto (1995), the work combines design, critical pedagogy and territorial identity to create a playful-pedagogical artifact that connects children to their local culture. The methodological process involved research, graphic refinement, thematic selection and prototyping of pieces adapted to different age groups. The results demonstrate that the puzzle acts as an educational and symbolic instrument, promoting meaningful learning and strengthening regional identity.