Why learn how to read? Affection and cognition in Early Childhood Education

Abstract This article aims to analyze the meanings attributed to written language in the journey of two five-year-old children in Early Childhood Education. A participant observation, comprising interviews, notes and video recording, was conducted to investigate and analyze data. The research was guided by the ontological and epistemological perspectives of Cultural-Historical Psychology and Educational Ethnography. The analysis of these children’s journeys makes it possible to claim that the processes of appropriation of the written language involve cognitive and affective aspects, the interaction with cultural artifacts and people, and lived experiences.