Seeds of National Culture in Preschool Education

The Kazakh people have long paid special attention to the upbringing of the younger generation, and the preschool education system faces a responsible task — to raise a generation that deeply respects its roots, history, and native language. Kindergarten, as the child's first social environment, fosters in the child a love for the native land, the native language, and their people.

Culture, language, and traditions constitute the spiritual core of the people. In this context, national upbringing is a priceless heritage passed down to us by our ancestors. It is an essential path for forming a harmonious, conscious, and spiritually rich personality and for preserving the identity of the people.

National upbringing in preschool age is the foundation for forming a citizen who is aware of their identity, respects cultural heritage, and is ready to contribute to the development of society.

The Role of the Native Language and Folklore

Upbringing begins with respect for the native language. By communicating in their native language, a child takes the first steps in learning about their culture, history, and traditions. Familiarity with oral folk art is an effective means of forming national self-awareness and spiritual and cultural values.

Music and Art

Music and art open the path to national culture for children. Listening to Kazakh songs, getting acquainted with the dombra, and dancing awaken an interest in art. The sounds of the dombra and kui form in a child a sense of pride and respect for their culture.

Traditions

Traditions are the foundation of national upbringing. Becoming familiar with them sparks children's interest in the way of life of their people. Through national clothing, dishes, and ornaments, a child learns about the cultural heritage of their country.

National Games

National games occupy a special place in upbringing: asyk, tug of war, "sokyr teke," togyzkumalak. They not only entertain but also develop agility, quick thinking, and physical activity. In the process of play, children learn to interact, work as a team, and respect one another.

Holidays

Holidays and memorable dates leave vivid impressions on children. Events such as Nauryz and Independence Day become important elements of upbringing. National clothing, dances, and poems help form patriotic feelings in children.

The Organic Integration of National Traditions, Customs, and Cultural Values into the Educational Process Creates a Favorable Environment for the Comprehensive Development of the Child

For Kindergarten No. 89 "Қыз Жібек" in the city of Astana, national upbringing is not a one-time event but a well-thought-out schedule of activities for the entire year. Here is how this happened in practice.

Week of "Nauryz Dástúri" (Nauryz Traditions)

On the eve of the Nauryz holiday, a week called "Nauryz Dástúri" was held at the kindergarten. During the week, each day was dedicated to a specific theme. The children were shown Kazakh national costumes and their features were explained.

In the main part of the week, the rituals "Besikke salu" (placing the baby in the cradle) and "Tusaukeser" (cutting the bonds) were staged. The children performed the roles assigned to them (grandfather, grandmother, mother, child) with interest. The teacher explained the content of each tradition by asking the children questions.

As a result, the children gained an understanding of the traditions of the Kazakh people, learned to respect them, and showed active participation during the staging.

Lesson "Getting Acquainted with National Food"

The children were introduced to such national dishes as "kurt," "baursak," "irimshik," and "kumys." The teacher explained in simple language how each dish is prepared and what it means. The children looked at pictures of the dishes and repeated their names. In addition, they tasted some of the dishes and shared their impressions.

As a result, the children learned to distinguish types of national food, pronounce their names correctly, and their interest in the daily life and ways of the Kazakh people increased.

Upbringing Through Kazakh Folk Songs and Kui

During organized activities, the children were given the opportunity to listen to the sound of the dombra. Kuis such as "Kelinshek" and "Balbyrauyn" were played, and the children were asked about their impressions. Many said the kui was cheerful and expressed their thoughts.

The children were also taught simple folk songs. The lyrics of the songs were analyzed together and repeated several times. The children actively participated in the singing.

As a result, the children's interest in music increased, and respect for national art began to form.

The Use of National Games

During the daily walk, national games were regularly held — "Asyk atu" (playing with asyks), "Sokyr teke" (the blind goat), and "Arkan tartys" (tug of war).

The children participated actively, following the rules of the game. In the game "Arkan tartys," teamwork skills were demonstrated.

As a result, the children's movements developed and their agility increased. In addition, they learned to respect one another and to act as a team.

Contest of Proverbs and Sayings

As part of the week, a contest of proverbs and sayings was organized. In class, the children were offered proverbs, tongue twisters, and riddles, which helps expand vocabulary and develop thinking. The children were given tasks based on previously learned proverbs and sayings. They tried to find the continuation of a proverb and explain its meaning. The children participated in the contest with interest and showed active involvement. Some children recited proverbs fully and correctly.

The Role of the Educator

The effectiveness of all this work depends directly on the personality of the educator. If a teacher sincerely loves their work and passes on national values to children with soul, the upbringing will certainly bear fruit.

National upbringing is a spiritual force that enriches the child's inner world and forms love for the native land, the people, and the culture. The educator carries not only a pedagogical function but also great responsibility — to instill these values at an early age. If national traditions are organically integrated into the educational process, we will be able to raise a generation of conscious, cultured, and patriotic citizens.

The educator becomes a guide between the past and the future, connecting the wisdom of the ancestors with modern educational approaches.

Zhanar MUKASHEVA,

Aigerim UTKELBAYEVA,

Kindergarten No. 89 "Қыз Жібек,"

Astana

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АННОТАЦИЯ

Бұл мақалада балабақшадағы ұлттық тәрбиенің маңызы, оның бала болмысына әсері, ұлттық құндылықтарды күнделікті жұмысқа енгізу жолдары баяндалады. Автор өз тәжірибесіне сүйене отырып, балалардың бойында ұлттық сана-сезім мен отансүйгіштік қасиеттерін дамытуда қолданатын тиімді әдістерді мысалдармен көрсетеді.