O ensino da leitura e escrita e o livro didático na Educação Infantil

This article discusses two controversial issues: the teaching of reading and writing in early years education and the introduction of text books at this educational stage. We present some reflections on these topics, identifying and discussing different positions in the debate. Secondly, the two themes are pursued in an analysis of activities proposed by "Meu Livro de Atividades (Pre II)", one of the materials of the “Alfa e Beto” Preschool Program which aims to teach reading and writing to 5-year-old children. The article contributes, therefore, to more informed educational decisions in the field of Early Childhood Education.