A MAGIA DO BRINCAR: COMO A DIVERSÃO TRANSFORMA A LUTA CONTRA O CÂNCER INFANTIL

ABSTRACT Introduction: Playful activities play a key role in promoting the well-being and emotional development of hospitalized children by contributing to stress reduction and the humanization of health care. Objective: To report an extension experience involving playful activities in the hospital environment as a strategy to promote child-centered and humanized care. Method: This is an experience report conducted in a public hospital in the city of Teresina (PI), involving children hospitalized in the pediatric unit. The interventions were carried out weekly, lasting an average of two hours, by extension students supervised by health professionals. Activities included storytelling, drawing, puppet theater, games, artistic workshops, and music. Results and Discussion: The actions strengthened the bond between professionals, students, children, and families, favoring communication, coping with hospitalization, and rescuing childhood subjectivity. Improved acceptance of hospitalization, emotional expression, and behavior were observed. From the extensionist perspective, the actions promoted integration between teaching and service, broadening students’ understanding of person-centered care. Conclusion: Playful activities proved effective in humanizing the hospital environment, fostering welcoming practices and the holistic development of hospitalized children, while enhancing the training of extension students through real-life health care experiences. Keywords: Hospitalized child care; Play therapy; Humanization of care; Games and toys; Child health.