Upbringing is one of the most important aspects of social life, and the progress of all social, economic, political, and cultural spheres of society depends on it. However, upbringing should begin from early childhood, namely within the family and at preschool institutions. Preschool educators should continuously acquire new knowledge, improve their skills and professional qualifications, and make extensive use of modern methods of teaching and upbringing. It is extremely important for preschool institution staff to be familiar with the fundamentals of pedagogy, psychology, and methods of teaching and upbringing, as this is a key prerequisite for their success and for improving the activities of preschool institutions.
In preschool institutions in our country, alongside other areas of education and development, constant attention should be paid to the patriotic upbringing of children. All forms of upbringing begin in preschool. The task of preschool educators is to ensure that their activities employ a variety of appropriate and effective methods and stimulate children's interest in learning. To make educational activities more effective, educators should widely use stories and fairy tales, poems and songs, various visual aids, video presentations, and other similar materials. Experience shows that the use of examples of folk creativity and folklore (oral folk tradition) in activities with children produces positive results. Folk creativity promotes kindness and good deeds, friendship and companionship, affection and love, courage and bravery, beauty and strength. The heroes of folk tales and poems are patriotic, virtuous, and honorable people. They support and promote good forces and reject the forces of evil.
Fairy tales occupy an important place in folk creativity. This genre of folklore is highly accessible to children's understanding and corresponds closely to their interests. Fairy tales often praise perseverance, courage, heroism, and patriotism. Every child seeks to cultivate these qualities within themselves. For example, the famous tale “Eraj the Talisman-Breaker” is an outstanding example of promoting courage and bravery and plays an effective role in the spiritual upbringing of children. Folk creativity contains many similar examples, and introducing children to them is highly important for the proper development of their personalities.
In secondary schools, primary school teachers should pay particular attention to the educational and moral aspects of the subjects covered during lessons. Furthermore, during educational activities, while explaining and interpreting the proposed topics, teachers should encourage pupils to draw correct conclusions based on their own understanding and to distinguish good behavior and actions from bad ones. To achieve these objectives, educational activities should include the discussion and consideration of topics such as “Good Manners,” “Proper Conduct,” “On Respecting Parents,” “Let Us Respect the Elderly,” “Appreciate Others and You Will Be Appreciated,” “Love for the Motherland,” and others.
Another factor that has a positive influence on the spiritual development of pupils is the culture of reading and a love of books. A person reaches spiritual maturity when they have developed all the finest and noblest qualities, such as kindness toward birds and animals; respect for and care of the four elements of life — water, earth, fire, and air; cleanliness and personal hygiene; regular engagement in sports; listening to the advice of elders; love for the Motherland; and other positive qualities.
Raising young people in the spirit of respect for national traditions, progressive customs and practices of their ancestors, and the moral heritage of previous generations is one of the important responsibilities of parents and teachers. At the same time, it is one of the important requirements of the National Concept of Upbringing. Looking back at history, it becomes clear that the great figures and wise thinkers of the Tajik people, through their continuous efforts and dedication, succeeded in leaving us a rich, elevated, and humanistic culture. This culture, like a source of life wisdom, is imbued with goodness and represents a banner of wisdom, humanism, faith, peace and friendship, prosperity, well-being, and abundance of life's blessings. It is also our national identity, through which the world has come to understand and appreciate the true character of our national traditions and customs, as well as the greatness of our ancient celebrations. The valuable national celebrations of the Tajik people reflect their historical consciousness, spiritual identity, hopes and aspirations, customs and traditions, worldview, and understanding of the world.
The upbringing of adolescents and young people is the responsibility of every member of society, as well as social institutions and organizations. In order to ensure proper observance of public laws and regulations, cooperation between parents and the social institutions where their children study should be strengthened.
In conclusion, only patriotic, knowledgeable and wise, creative and honorable young people who genuinely possess constructive thinking will be able to make a worthy contribution to the state, the nation, and society in the future.
Didavar Bekov,
Researcher at the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan
