Marco de Canaveses Initiative Cultivates Socioemotional Skills Through Interactive Reading

Progressive educational philosophies are increasingly prioritizing the cultivation of socioemotional competencies alongside traditional academic instruction, a trend exemplified by recent initiatives in Portugal. This approach centers on nurturing a genuine enthusiasm for reading and developing crucial life skills through dynamic, participatory learning methods. Such educational shifts align with broader European efforts to integrate social and emotional learning (SEL) into curricula, recognizing its role as a catalyst for positive academic and behavioral outcomes across the K-12 spectrum.

The Municipal Educational Services of Marco de Canaveses are actively advancing this pedagogical vision through their recurring program, "História Vai... História Vem" (Story Goes... Story Comes). This municipal undertaking is designed to systematically encourage emerging literacy and firmly establish reading habits from the earliest stages of childhood development. The project’s structure involves bringing engaging reading sessions directly to local schools, reinforcing the principle that learning should be actively promoted within the community context.

On January 27, 2026, a specific session took place at the EB1 da Feira Nova, engaging a cohort of 84 first-cycle students. The focus of this particular reading event was the book "Cocuruto," authored by Clara Cunha and illustrated by Vitor Hugo Matos. This narrative features a magical, invisible entity that serves as both a friend and guardian to children, providing a powerful vehicle for stimulating both creativity and critical reflection among young readers. The book incorporates elements like repetition, crescendo, and metaphor, themes that explore concepts such as fear of the unknown and belief in others.

This specific reading session, like others held in January 2026 in locations such as Vila Boa de Quires and Maureles, underscores the commitment to integrating emotional engagement directly into literacy instruction. Research confirms that SEL programs yield medium to large effect sizes on student outcomes, promoting prosocial behaviors, reducing emotional distress, and improving engagement in learning. Furthermore, studies involving Portuguese schools have shown that growth in socio-emotional skills positively impacts academic results, even when assessed longitudinally during challenging periods.

The emphasis on interactive reading, as seen in the "História Vai... História Vem" project, is recognized internationally as a strategy to develop language and critical thinking skills, often integrated alongside SEL competencies in modern teacher training seminars. The active involvement of the school community, including educators and external agents, is considered vital for developing relational skills and fostering a positive school environment. The Municipal Educational Services' regular deployment of these dynamic reading sessions directly supports the creation of these beneficial learning environments for the youngest students in Marco de Canaveses.