Sustentoy: A Pedagogical Manual for Building Toys with Recyclable Materials

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of a pedagogical activity involving the construction of toys from recyclable materials on the development of socioemotional and cognitive skills, with a focus on consolidating soft skills among high school students in technical education. The main objective was to stimulate creativity, teamwork, concentration, problem-solving, and manual dexterity through interdisciplinary workshops aligned with educational guidelines emphasizing sustainability and student protagonism. A descriptive quantitative method was used, with data collected via questionnaires administered to first-year technical students during integrated workshops. The activity involved collaborative prototyping of sustainable toys, combining discussions on environmental awareness with practical tasks focused on planning, designing, and assembling products from discarded materials. Results indicated promotion of creativity, improvement in motor coordination, and enhancement of social sensitivity, as students collaborated effectively and adapted to challenges during toy construction. The project strengthened responsibility, engagement, and teamwork while fostering empathy and reflection on sustainable practices. Some students showed difficulty maintaining focus, suggesting the need for adjustments such as dividing tasks into smaller stages and incorporating reflective pauses. Overall, participants expressed motivation to engage in future projects, demonstrating the effectiveness of manual, creative, and cooperative practices for fostering socioemotional competencies. These findings highlight the value of experiential, interdisciplinary approaches for strengthening soft skills, promoting environmental education, and preparing students to face contemporary societal challenges in line with the Brazilian National Common Curricular Base (BNCC).