PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL FEATURES OF CULTURAL IDENTITY FORMATION IN PRESCHOOL AGE

Abstract

The article reveals the psychological and pedagogical features of cultural identity formation in preschool children in the context of modern sociocultural transformations and martial law in Ukraine. The relevance of the problem is justified by the need to preserve national identity, language, culture, and historical memory as important factors in the spiritual stability of society. The normative and legal foundations of preschool education, which define the formation of cultural identity as one of the strategic directions of educating the younger generation, are analyzed. The essence of the concept of “cultural identity” as an integrative formation that combines emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components and is formed in the process of internalizing cultural norms and values is clarified. The age-specific nature of the formation of cultural identity in preschool childhood is highlighted, which is determined by the dominance of visual-figurative thinking, the leading role of play, high emotional sensitivity, and active social interaction. It has been proven that the assimilation of cultural experience at this age occurs mainly through emotionally saturated forms of activity – folklore, folk traditions, artistic images, symbols, and joint activities with adults and peers. The importance of speech development as a key mechanism for involving children in the national cultural space and forming a sense of belonging to the cultural community is substantiated. The role of a pedagogically organized cultural and educational environment that ensures the systematic and holistic formation of cultural identity through the integration of elements of national heritage into various types of children’s activities is determined. It is concluded that cultural identity in preschool age is formed as a dynamic process of transition from external assimilation of cultural models to their internal acceptance, which creates the basis for the further development of national self-awareness and successful socialization of the individual.