Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which goals were emphasized in Soviet preschool education?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
In the Soviet Union, preschool education was viewed as a foundational step in shaping a new Soviet citizen. The primary goals emphasized within this system included:1
- Socialization: A central objective was the socialization of children, which involved teaching them to respect authority and prioritize the needs of the collective over individual desires.1
- Development of Key Traits: The curriculum focused on instilling self-discipline and self-reliance in young children.1
- Ideological Foundation: Preschools served as the initial stage in the broader effort to create a new society, with education designed to align children with the values and outlook of the Soviet state.1
These objectives were implemented through a system of crèches (for children aged two months to three years) and kindergartens (for children aged three to seven), which utilized didactic teaching materials to achieve these developmental and ideological aims.1