PEDAGOGICAL CONDITIONS FOR THE FORMATION OF UKRAINIAN NATIONAL IDENTI IN SENIOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

The article examines the pedagogical conditions for the formation of Ukrainian national identity in senior preschool children within preschool educational institutions. It is established that the senior preschool age is a sensitive period for acquiring basic concepts about the homeland, native language, traditions, cultural heritage, and state symbols. Key legislative documents of Ukraine have been analyzed, including the Laws of Ukraine «On the Basic Principles of State Policy in the Sphere of Consolidating Ukrainian National and Civic Identity», «On Preschool Education», and the Basic Component of Preschool Education, which define the normative foundations for the formation of Ukrainian national identity in children and the role of preschool education in this process. The essence of pedagogical conditions is revealed as a purposeful combination of organizational, content-related, and methodological factors of the educational process that ensure coherence of educational influences, integration of learning material with the national-cultural environment, and the application of an activity-based approach. The role of the educator as a carrier of patriotic values and as a model for fostering a positive attitude toward Ukrainian culture, history, and traditions in children is outlined. Key conditions for effective formation of national identity are highlighted: enriching the educational process with nationally oriented content, creating a national-cultural educational environment, activating various types of activities, involving families of children, and enhancing the professional competence of educators. Practical forms of implementing these conditions are analyzed, including the use of integrated projects, game- and research-based tasks, theatrical activities, multimedia technologies, and joint family engagements. The implementation of these conditions ensures the integrity, systematization, and effectiveness of the process of forming Ukrainian national identity, promotes the development of patriotic feelings, children's awareness of their belonging to the Ukrainian nation, and the formation of socio-civic competence.