How is it possible to form concepts in early childhood education? This question was the starting point of this study using recreational activities as a tool to support ecological literacy. The research was conducted with children aged 4-5 years in a Brazilian school. Initially, the meanings children attributed to the concept of a "food web" were identified during a teaching sequence including dramatization, games, drawings and interviews. The results show that although the understanding of the scientific concept of a food web did not exceed the complex phase of thought established by Vygotsky [(1986). "Thought and language." London: The MIT Press], we observed a development relating to the children's ecological literacy, supporting the research of Capra [(2006a). "A teia da vida: uma nova compreensão científica dos sistemas vivos." São Paulo: Cultrix; Capra, F. (2006b). "Alfabetização Ecológica--a educação das crianças para um mundo sustentável." São Paulo: Cultrix]. The group of young children developed the perception of belonging to the web, raising awareness of the importance of animal care to preserve life.