SCIENCE TEACHING IN PRESCHOOL EDUCATION LEVEL IN THE GDR

Abstract

In this study, a survey on legal regulations of kindergarten was firstly made from a historical standpoint. Next, the author defined the scientific area by studying guidelines which have been unitedly applied to kindergarten education. At last, the author compared the new guidelines for kindergarten education with the old in connection with “Heimatkunde.” As the result, the author found out the following in relation to science teaching in kindergarten, specially the goals and objectives of learning and the contents: (1) In the goals and objectives of learning of the area “introduction into nature” in kindergarten, those in knowledge and understanding relative to understanding and generalization of nature, ability of observation, etc. and attitude for nature were shown. The goals and objectives of learning have been continuously connected with those of the scientific area in “Heimatkunde.” (2) The contents of the area “introduction into nature” in kindergarten, the learning about plants and animals, etc. every quarter have been modified in the revision. Four seasons as the item were clarified, and then the contents have been changed into the learning about non-living nature (weather phenomenon), plants and animals of every season. (3) In the area “introduction into nature” in kindergarten and the scientific area in “Heimatkunde,” this revision has made possible the learning about weather phenomena, plants and animals through four seasons, and also the solidification of the topics in connection with those in both areas.