ABSTRACT
Objective: To understand the repercussions of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) from the perspective of schoolchildren. Materials and method: A qualitative study, of the participant action type, based on Paulo Freire’s theoretical and methodological precepts. The participants were 10 children living in the coastal area of Santa Catarina, Brazil, from a virtual culture circle held in July 2020. An analogy was made with the colored pencil to go through the stages of the research itinerary. Results: Two generative themes emerged for dis-cussion: the good things of the COVID-19 pandemic and the “cannots” of the pandemic. In the first theme, they highlighted more time with the family and strengthening family ties, proximity to pets, and self-care. In the second, they pointed out the impossibility of playing with friends, celebrating birthdays and hugging people. Conclusions: The children identified positive and negative points experienced during the pandemic and unveiled the challenges of transforming moments of social isolation into spaces of family proximity, although restricted to their homes. © 2020, Universidad de La Sabana. All rights reserved.