EFFECTIVE FORMS OF ORIENTING PRESCHOOL CHILDREN TO NATIONAL VALUES
Author:BAHRONOVA Sabina Elmurod qizi
Navoi State University 3rd-year student, Preschool Education-Navoi, Uzbekistan
Abstract:
This article explores the theoretical and practical foundations of orienting preschool children toward national values within preschool educational institutions. The role of national games, folk tales, songs, oral folklore, and traditions in developing moral, patriotic, and cultural values in children is analyzed. The article emphasizes the significance of national pedagogy in early childhood education and presents practical pedagogical approaches used by educators. Integrating national values into preschool education contributes to the formation of children’s moral character, cultural identity, and respect for national heritage.
Keywords: national values; preschool education; folk pedagogy; games; fairy tales; traditions
In the current era of increasing globalization, educating the younger generation in the spirit of national values is one of the most pressing issues. Understanding one’s national identity and showing respect for the cultural heritage of the people play a significant role in the moral development of an individual. The preschool age, in particular, is a critical period in the formation of a child’s personality, and the education provided during this period significantly influences their future worldview and behavior.
As L. S. Vygotsky (1978) emphasized, a child’s psychological development is closely connected with the social environment and cultural experience. Therefore, the educational process in preschool institutions based on national values ensures cultural identification and social adaptation in children.
Theoretical Foundations of National Values
National values are a set of moral, spiritual, and cultural riches formed throughout the historical development of a people. Introducing national values during preschool education helps children develop social behavior, moral norms, and aesthetic taste (Yusupova, 2019).
D. B. Elkonin (1999) defines play as the leading activity for preschool-aged children. During play, children assimilate social roles, understand societal rules, and learn behaviors characteristic of national culture.
Educational Significance of National Games
National games are an integral part of folk pedagogy and cultivate virtues such as teamwork, discipline, respect, and mutual assistance in children. Games like “Oq Terakmi, Ko‘k Terak,” “Do‘ppi Tashlash,” and “Kelin-Kuyov” help children adopt folk values, family traditions, and national customs (Abdurahmonov, 2021).
Practical Example:
During the role-play game “Kelin-Kuyov,” children take on family member roles, show respect to elders, and develop communication, collaboration, and cultural etiquette skills.
Education through Fairy Tales and Oral Folk Art
Folk tales enrich children’s thinking, help them distinguish between good and evil, and instill concepts of justice and honesty. Tales such as “Zumrad va Qimmat,” “Bo‘g‘irsoq,” and “Oltin Tarvuz” reflect the national mentality of our people (Karimova, 2020).
Staging fairy tales, analyzing characters’ behaviors, and organizing question-and-answer sessions foster independent thinking and moral reasoning in children (Piaget, 1962).
Aesthetic Education through Songs and National Music
National songs and lullabies cultivate aesthetic feelings in children and nurture love for their mother tongue and national culture. Folk songs such as “Alla” and “Boychechak” positively influence children’s emotional states (Saidova, 2022). Introducing traditional musical instruments during music lessons encourages children’s interest in folk music.
Education through National Customs and Traditions
Events such as Navro‘z, sumalak celebrations, and national costume days foster respect for folk traditions and customs in children. During these celebrations, children participate in national games, sing songs, and perform stage presentations, which strengthen their sense of national pride and community (Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 2023).
Conclusion
In summary, orienting preschool children toward national values is a vital aspect of the educational process in preschool institutions. Pedagogical activities organized around games, fairy tales, songs, oral folklore, and national customs help children understand their national identity, cultivate moral virtues, and develop respect for cultural heritage. The effectiveness of this process depends on the educator’s pedagogical skill and creativity (Rogoff, 2003; Hurlock, 1978).
References:
- Abdurahmonov, A. (2021). Educating children in preschool based on national values. Pedagogical Education, 4(2), 45–50.
- Elkonin, D. B. (1999). Psychology of Play. Moscow: Pedagogika.
- Hurlock, E. B. (1978). Child Development. New York: McGraw-Hill.
- Karimova, G. R. (2020). The role of oral folk art in educating preschool children. Science and Education, 3(1), 78–82.
- President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2020). Concept for the development of the preschool education system until 2030. Tashkent.
- Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2023). State requirements for the development of children of early and preschool age. Tashkent.
- Piaget, J. (1962). Play, Dreams and Imitation in Childhood. New York: Norton.
- Rogoff, B. (2003). The Cultural Nature of Human Development. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Saidova, M. (2022). Moral education of preschool children based on national customs. Journal of Educational Development, 6(1), 112–118.
- Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
- Yusupova, D. (2019). Preschool Pedagogy. Tashkent: Fan va Texnologiya.Bahronova Sabina Elmurod qizi was born on November 22, 2004, in Navbahor District, Navoi Region. She attended School No. 22 in Navbahor District. Currently, she is a third-year student in the Preschool Education program at Navoi State University.Since childhood, Sabina has been engaged in literature and the arts. To date, she has published her creative works and articles on various topics in mass media outlets.Her primary goal is to become a qualified specialist in her profession and to share the knowledge and experience she has acquired with future generations.
