The past conception of children in the 5th grade

Abstract

The main objective of this study has been the understanding of concept of past in children who study in the 5^th grade of Elementary School, from historical knowledge which is worked in the classroom. The research subjects are children enrolled at Prof. Paulo Freire Municipal Education Center, located in the city of Vitória da Conquista and three teachers who teach in the 5th grade classes. The research inserts in discussions of Historical Education, with the focus in historical school learning, understanding the historical concepts which are worked in that phase are important to sustain the learning during the course lived in school and in the own relations that will be established by that child to throughout everyday life. In that sense, we’ve approached the perspective defended by Hilary Cooper (2012), Lee (2003), Oliveira (2006) regarding the understanding of historical ideas and temporality presented by children in the early years of schooling. We’ve adopted qualitative research as a methodological approach and Content Analysis for data treatment. Thus, we’ve sought through this study to enter the meanings about the past and history, built by children in school space, relating to teaching and learning process of History subject. We’ve found their past does not lead them to develop historical empathy, which would allow more meaningful historical learning.