To Parents or Guardians

To Parents or Guardians

Has your child come home talking about inventing a language?
Yes, that is correct. We would like to explain how this activity—although it may appear at first glance to be merely a game unrelated to learning—is, in fact, a powerful pedagogical tool being implemented at school with great care and intentionality.

It is natural for questions to arise, such as: “But what does this have to do with education?” or “In what way will this help with Portuguese?” The answer is an encouraging one: yes, it helps a great deal—and we are pleased to explain why.

What is the Conlang at School Project?

Our project is based on the idea that the creation of artificial languages (similar to those seen in films, television series, or works of fantasy and science fiction) can serve as a creative gateway to scientific and linguistic thinking. Rather than merely memorizing pre-established grammar rules, children are challenged to think like linguists: they invent words, elaborate their own rules for forming sentences, and discover in practice how communication is structured and used. This approach transforms language into an object of investigation and reflection, sparking students’ curiosity and interest.

What are the real benefits for my child?

This activity extends far beyond simple entertainment. It contributes directly to the development of essential academic and personal competencies:

• Improves understanding of Portuguese: in order to invent a new language, students must observe and analyze how their own mother tongue works. It is a form of “reverse engineering,” through which grammar ceases to be abstract and acquires a concrete, practical meaning.
  
• Stimulates logical reasoning and creativity: creating a language requires organization, planning, and imagination. In this process, children exercise both logical skills and the ability to think “outside the box.”Develops scientific thinking: the activity encourages formulating hypotheses (“What if my language has a different word order?”), testing possibilities, and drawing conclusions—skills that are fundamental across all areas of knowledge.
• Strengthens self-esteem and autonomy: seeing one’s own creation take shape is a unique experience that generates pride, motivation, and confidence.
  
  

Is this truly a serious activity?

Yes, absolutely. The project is not improvised; it has been developed by researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) and is supported by both national and international studies demonstrating the effectiveness of this methodology (Adger; van Urk, 2020; Girardi, 2020, 2025; Honda; O’Neil, 2007; Honda; O’Neil; Pippin, 2010; Ilari; Basso, 2017; Pearson, 2020; Punske; Sanders; Fountain, 2020; Sanders, 2020). Furthermore, all activities are supervised by the school’s teaching staff and follow a carefully designed plan, ensuring that the educational purpose is present at every stage.

How can I provide support at home?

Family support is essential to maximize this learning experience. You may:

• Ask questions about the language your child is creating;
  
• Request to learn some of the invented words;
• Demonstrate curiosity and enthusiasm about their discoveries.
  

Such encouragement reinforces learning, strengthens affective bonds, and increases the child’s motivation.

Why do we believe in this proposal?

Because we understand that innovative education is one that goes beyond traditional teaching and prepares students for the challenges of the future. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and scientific curiosity, we help to form citizens who are more capable, reflective, and self-assured.

Inventing a language is not merely playing with words; it is learning to think about language itself, about the world, and about one’s own identity. This is the stimulating journey that we invite you and your family to embark upon with us.