Lubelski Rocznik Pedagogiczny (Nov 2021)
Preschool Education in Poland. Briefly on the Milestones in the History of Preschool Education; More on Activities Supporting the Education of Preschoolers to Be Wise Citizens of the Modern World
Abstract
Introduction It has been over 180 years since the first pre-school education institution was established in 1839. Over the years, the theory and practice of preschool education have been created, taking into account Polish social and economic needs, marking good and bad times in preschool education. Research Aim The aim of the article is to present the condition of preschool education in Poland from two perspectives: the background of milestones in the history of preschool education and the introduced pedagogical innovations by supporting preschool children in the development of speech along with shaping reading and writing skills, and developing the advances of mathematical talents. Evidence-based Facts This article presents societal major events and decisions that have determined the process of shaping preschool education in Poland to the present day. These events were arranged by dates that set milestones in the history of preschool education. The year 1839 marks the first milestone, as it is the date of establishing the first kindergarten in Poland. The beginning of the second milestone is connected with the end of the First World War and covers the interwar period. Another milestone marks the changes in preschool education since the end of the Second World War and those caused by the societal and economic turmoil of 1980s. In 2008, favorable changes were introduced in the theory and practice of pre-school education and this date marks the next milestone in the history of pre-school education. The second part of the article discusses two important areas of pedagogical activity of modern kindergartens - achievements in the form of pedagogical innovations. The basis of these innovations are subject to academic studies and many years of scientific research supporting children in the development of speech along with the implementation of them to master reading skills and organizing mathematical education along with supporting children in developing mathematical talents. Summary Thanks to this historical perspective and the innovations introduced, it is possible to notice how the dark and bright periods in the history of preschool education in Poland have intertwined and how beneficial changes can be implemented in upbringing children to be wise citizens of the world.
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