ETHNO-CULTURAL EDUCATION OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE SOUTH YAKUTIA REGION OF THE SAKHA (YAKUTIA) REPUBLIC

Abstract

The study focuses on the ethno-cultural education of elementary schoolchildren in the educational institutions of the South Yakutia Region of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic. An analysis was made of academic and instructional literature on the conceptual framework of elementary schoolchildren’s ethno-cultural education. The authors highlight the need to create a stimulating ethno-cultural educational environment directed at developing elementary schoolchildren’s skills in interacting with people from other cultural backgrounds. The study aims to investigate various aspects of the ethnocultural education of elementary schoolchildren residing in the South Yakutia Region of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic. The study provides data from a psychological and educational experiment and demonstrates the need for an efficient organization of the teacher’s professional activity aimed at providing full educational support for elementary children’s ethno-cultural development. The implementation of the Planet of Friendship elective course into the multicultural educational environment improved elementary schoolchildren’s knowledge system and their knowledge of the history, traditions and culture of different peoples. The results of the final diagnostic assessment pointed to positive developments in the experimental class, including increased interest among elementary schoolchildren in learning more about both their and other cultures and history and improved positive attitudes towards people of various ethnic backgrounds and readiness for intercultural interaction.