In the article, we will talk about the moral education of preschool children. We will consider this topic in detail, and also talk about key tools and methods.
What is this about?
To begin with, we note that the moral education of children of middle preschool age is an extensive concept, which includes a whole range of educational methods that teach a child moral values. But before that, the child gradually increases his level of education, joins a certain social environment, begins to interact with other people and learn self-education. Therefore, the moral upbringing of children of primary preschool age, which we will also talk about, is also important, because it is precisely during this period that significant changes in personality occur.
The content of moral education
Since ancient times, philosophers, scientists, parents, writers and teachers have been interested in the issue of moral education of the future generation. We will not hide the fact that every old generation marks a decline in the moral standards of youth. Regularly developed more and more new recommendations, the purpose of which is to increase the level of morality.
A great influence on this process is provided by the state, which actually forms a certain set of necessary human qualities. As an example, let us consider the times of communism, when workers had the most honors. People who were ready at any moment to come to the rescue and clearly execute the order of the leadership were extolled. In a sense, personality was oppressed, while collectivists were valued the most. When capitalist relations came to the fore, such a person’s features as the ability to search for non-standard solutions, creativity, initiative, and enterprise became key. Naturally, all this affected the upbringing of children.
What is the moral education of preschool children for?
Many scientists answer this question in different ways, but in any case the answer is ambiguous. Most researchers nevertheless agree that it is impossible to cultivate such qualities in a child, you can only try to instill them. It is rather difficult to say exactly what the individual perception of each child depends on. Most likely, this comes from the family. If a child grows up in a calm, pleasant environment, then “waking up” these qualities in him will be easier. It is logical that a child who lives in an atmosphere of violence and constant stress will be less likely to succumb to the efforts of the educator. Also, many psychologists say that the problem lies in the discrepancy in the upbringing that the child receives at home and in the team. Such a contradiction may eventually turn into an internal conflict.
As an example, let’s cite the case when parents try to instill a sense of ownership and aggression in a child, and educators try to instill qualities such as goodwill, friendliness and generosity. Because of this, the child may experience some difficulties in forming their own opinions about this or that situation. That is why it is very important for young children to teach the highest values, such as goodness, honesty, justice, regardless of what principles his parents are currently guided by. Thanks to this, the child will understand that there is some ideal option, and will be able to make up his own opinion.
The basic concepts of moral education of children of preschool age
The first thing to understand is that training should be comprehensive. However, in the modern world, we are increasingly seeing a situation when a child, moving from one caregiver to another, absorbs completely opposite values. In this case, a normal learning process is impossible, it will have a chaotic character. At the moment, the goal of moral and patriotic education of preschool children is to fully develop both the qualities of a collectivist and an individual.
Very often, educators use a personality-oriented theory, thanks to which the child learns to openly express his opinion and defend his position without entering into conflict. Thus, self-esteem and significance are formed.
However, to achieve maximum results, the methods of moral education of preschool children should be selected deliberately and purposefully.
The approaches
There are several approaches that are used to form moral qualities. They are realized through the game, work, creativity, literary works (fairy tales), a personal example. Moreover, any approach to moral education influences the whole complex of its forms. We list them:
- patriotic feelings;
- attitude to power;
- personal qualities;
- relationships in the team;
- unwritten etiquette rules.
If educators even work a little in each of these areas, then they are already creating an excellent base. If the whole system of upbringing and education acted according to one scheme, skills and knowledge, stacked on top of each other, would form a whole complex of qualities.
Problems
The problems of moral education of preschool children are that the child fluctuates between two authorities. On the one hand, these are educators, and on the other, parents. But there is a positive side to this issue. Preschools and parents, acting together, can achieve excellent results. But, on the other hand, the unformed personality of a child can be very confusing. At the same time, let's not forget that children at a subconscious level copy the behavior and reactions of the person whom they consider to be their mentor.
The peak of this behavior occurs in the first school years. If in Soviet times, all the shortcomings and mistakes of each child were brought to public view, then in the modern world such problems are discussed behind a closed door. Moreover, scientists have long proved that education and training based on criticism cannot be effective.
At the moment, publicizing any problems is interpreted as punishment. Today, parents can complain about the teacher if they are not satisfied with his methods of work. Note that in most cases this intervention is inadequate. But with the moral and patriotic education of older preschool children, the authority of the educator is of great importance. But teachers are becoming less active. They remain neutral, trying not to harm the child, but thus not teaching him anything.
Goals
The goals of moral education of older preschool children are:
- the formation of various habits, qualities and ideas about something;
- fostering a humane attitude to nature and others;
- the formation of patriotic feelings and pride in their country;
- fostering a tolerant attitude towards people of a different nationality;
- the formation of communication skills that allow you to work productively in a team;
- the formation of an adequate self-esteem.
Facilities
Spiritual and moral education of preschool children occurs when using certain means and techniques, which we will discuss below.
Firstly, this is creativity in all its manifestations: music, literature, art. Thanks to all this, the child learns to perceive the world figuratively and feel it. In addition, creativity provides an opportunity to express your own feelings and emotions using words, music or drawings. Over time, the child understands that everyone is free to realize himself as he pleases.
Secondly, it is communication with nature, which is a necessary factor in the formation of a healthy psyche. To begin with, we note that spending time in nature always fills not only a child, but also any person with strength. Watching the world around him, the child learns to analyze and understand the laws of nature. Thus, the baby understands that many processes are natural and do not be shy.
Thirdly, the activity that manifests itself in games, work or creativity. At the same time, the child learns to express himself, to conduct and present himself in a certain way, to understand other children and to put into practice the basic principles of communication. In addition, thanks to this, the baby learns to communicate.
An important means of spiritual and moral education of preschool children is the situation. As they say, in a basket with rotten apples and healthy will soon begin to deteriorate. Means of moral education of preschool children will be ineffective if the team does not have the right atmosphere. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of the environment, as modern scientists have proved that it plays a huge role. Note that even if a person does not particularly strive for anything, then when changing the communication environment, he noticeably changes for the better, acquires goals and desires.
During the moral and patriotic education of children of preschool age, specialists resort to three main methods.
This is the establishment of contact for interaction, which is built on respect and trust. With such communication, even in a conflict of interest, it is not a conflict that begins, but a discussion of the problem. The second method concerns soft confidential influence. It lies in the fact that the teacher, having a certain authority, can influence the conclusions of the child and adjust them, if necessary. The third method is to form a positive attitude towards contests and competitions. In fact, of course, the attitude towards competition is understood. It is very important to form the correct understanding of this term in a child. Unfortunately, for many, it has a negative color and is associated with meanness, cunning, and dishonest actions toward another person.
Programs for the moral education of preschool children imply the development of a harmonious attitude towards oneself, people around and nature. It is impossible for a person to develop morality in only one of these areas, otherwise he will experience strong internal contradictions, and as a result will be inclined to a specific side.
Implementation
The education of moral qualities in preschool children is based on some basic concepts.
In an educational institution, you need to let your child know that they love him here. It is very important that the educator can show his affection and tenderness, because then the children will learn these manifestations in all their diversity, observing the actions of parents and educators.
It is equally important to condemn hostility and aggression, but at the same time not to force the child to suppress his real emotions. The secret is to teach him to correctly and adequately express both positive and negative emotions.
The basics of moral education of preschool children are based on the need to create situations of success and to teach children to respond to them. It is very important that the baby learns how to perceive praise and criticism. At this age, the presence of an adult who can be imitated is of great importance. Often in childhood, unconscious idols are created, which in adulthood can affect uncontrolled actions and thoughts of a person.
Social and moral education of preschool children is largely based not only on communication with other people, but also on solving logical problems. Thanks to them, the child learns to understand himself and look at his actions from the side, as well as interpret the actions of other people. The specific goal facing educators is to develop the ability to understand their emotions and strangers.
The social part of upbringing lies in the fact that the child goes through all stages with his peers. He must see them and his successes, empathize, support, feel healthy competition.
The basic means of educating preschool children is based on the observations of the educator. He must analyze the behavior of the child for a certain period, note the positive and negative trends and inform parents about this. It is very important to do this in the correct form.
Spirituality problem
An important part of moral education is often lost, namely, the spiritual component. Both parents and educators forget about it. But morality is built precisely on spirituality. A child can be taught what is good and bad, or he can develop such an internal state when he himself will understand what is right and what is not.
In kindergartens of a religious orientation, very often children develop a sense of pride in their country. Some parents instill in their children a religious faith. This is not to say that scientists support this, but in some cases it is really very useful. However, in most cases, the kids are lost in the difficult vicissitudes of religious movements. If you teach children this, then you need to do this very correctly. Do not give the unformed person any specialized books, as they easily lead him astray. Using images and fairy tales it is much better to talk about this topic.
Civil bias
In many children's educational institutions, a bias towards civic feelings is being made. Moreover, many educators consider such feelings a synonym for morality. In kindergartens of those countries where there is a sharp class inequality, teachers very often try to instill in children unconditional love for their state. Moreover, there is little useful in such moral education. It is unreasonable to instill foolish love, it is much better to first teach the child stories and help him eventually form his own attitude. However, respect for the authorities must be brought up.
Aesthetics
An important part of parenting is the development of a sense of beauty. It just won’t be possible to form it, since the child must have some kind of base from the family. It is laid in early childhood, when a child watches his parents. If they like to walk, visit theaters, listen to good music, understand art, then the child, not understanding it himself, absorbs it all. It will be much easier for such a baby to evoke a sense of beauty. It is very important to teach the child to see something good in everything that surrounds him. Frankly, not all adults own it.
Thanks to just such foundations laid down from childhood, talented children grow up who change the world and leave their names for centuries.
Environmental component
At the moment, ecology is very closely intertwined with upbringing, since it is incredibly important to educate a generation that will humanely and intelligently relate to the blessings of the earth. Modern people have launched this situation, and the issue of ecology worries many. Everyone perfectly understands what an environmental disaster could turn into, but money still comes first.
Modern education and upbringing of children is faced with the serious task of cultivating a sense of responsibility in children for their land and environment. It is impossible to imagine a comprehensive moral and patriotic education of preschool children without this aspect.
A child who spends time among environmentally conscious people will never become a hunter, will never throw garbage on the street, etc. He will learn how to save his space from an early age, and pass this understanding on to his descendants.
Summing up the article, let us say that children are the future of the whole world. It is on what the next generations will be that determines whether our planet has a future at all. The upbringing of moral feelings in a child of preschool age is a feasible and good goal that all educators should strive for.