Much needed extracurricular activities – MK

“Full inclusion in the process”

Let us remind you that extracurricular activities take place in all Russian schools and institutions of secondary vocational education at the same time – the first lesson on Mondays. “We foster pride in our country, its culture and centuries-old history,” this is how the head of the Russian Ministry of Education, Sergei Kravtsov, outlined the goal of “Conversations about Important Things.”

It is noteworthy that such conversations affect all spheres of life of schoolchildren and Russian society as a whole. For example, in September-October of this year, “Conversations about Important Things” are dedicated to love for the Motherland, the electoral system of Russia, the feat and biography of Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya, relationships in the team, and so on. The range of topics is varied and will be expanded in the near future, methodological recommendations and handouts will be improved, and the lessons will become more and more interesting.

– I’ll be honest: “Talking about important things” is a very necessary direction. – Lyudmila, a primary teacher from the Krasnodar Territory, shares with MK. – I myself am actively involved in this activity. Our lessons are held in a friendly discussion; the children and I raise the topic, usually getting to know it through a poster. I adhere to a strict script, I don’t take information from outside – the material that we teachers are provided with is quite enough. The material there is very interesting, there is a lot of informative information. And these activities really resonate – they allow the children to get closer to the urban environment, and the life of the country becomes closer to them. This is an opportunity to once again remind us all how important unity and support of loved ones are. And who is closer to us than the country and our parents?

The teacher also expressed a wish that, in her opinion, is relevant for all teachers:

– Worksheets are very useful in these classes. They have ready-made tasks that require a creative approach. For example: “Draw your family”, “Write what your homeland means to you.” This creates excellent feedback. Usually we, teachers, find such sheets on the Internet and print them out, but last time they were sent to us by e-mail as part of handouts. If they continue to send them centrally, it will be absolutely wonderful.

– In general, what is the attitude at school towards “Conversations about Important Things”?

“We can see from the children that they are interested in this.” There is no rejection, no ridicule, no indifference – complete inclusion in the process. And my kids sing the anthem by heart at the beginning of the lesson – they learned it a long time ago.

Friendly and without stereotypes

We asked a current history teacher, deputy director of Lyceum No. 35 in Chelyabinsk, to share his opinion about such classes.

– The very first question that comes to mind is: why wasn’t “Conversations about Important Things” introduced earlier? These are very necessary lessons,” our interlocutor, winner of the city competition “Teacher of the Year – 2017”, finalist of the All-Russian “Pedagogical Breakthrough – 2020”, member of the All-Russian Expert Pedagogical Council under the Ministry of Education, Vladimir Bryukhov, told MK. – The website has methodological recommendations – a ready-made classroom script, but the teacher does not have to follow it completely; he has the right and opportunity to adjust the lesson and adapt it to the children in his class. For example, during the “conversation” on the topic “Father’s Day,” it was very important not to blindly follow the “guidelines.” Walking into the classroom, I know that some children are raised only by their mother, I understand that I need to speak on this topic more delicately, and some things not to be said at all.

For older children, “conversations” are aimed at developing patriotism, citizenship, moral education, and historical education. Of course, the perception depends on the age of the student, but for younger children “Talks about Important Things” are also useful, but the material is presented a little differently. Recently there was a wonderful topic about the 115th anniversary of Russian cinema. The children shared what films and cartoons they are watching now, and learned a lot about the history of our animation and cinema. Older guys are capable of a more complex “conversation”, for example, analyzing Soviet films, highlighting the values ​​that directors instill in viewers. It is important that the “talk” is a conversation and not a lecture. I would also like to note that the quality of the teaching materials provided has improved, and the classes have become more interesting.”

“These lessons are definitely important,” confirms Alisa Zotova, a psychologist from Sevastopol and mother of two sons. – But on one condition: if you avoid stereotypes and moralizing in the classroom, if you allow children to speak out openly. If the teacher only repeats how all teenagers are wrong, with the message “I’ll tell you how to live,” there will be no value in “Talks about important things,” and older children will perceive them as an obligation. This is unlikely to result in a good dialogue, because from the age of 14 children have their own opinions and want to be heard. The tone of the lessons should not be edifying, but friendly, partnering.

The psychologist also draws attention to the importance of involving accredited outside specialists in such extracurricular activities.

“This is my opinion both as a specialist and as a parent,” explains Alisa Zotova. – Not all topics can be discussed with the class teacher – for example, if we are talking about relationships with teachers or parents. It will be more effective to discuss such topics with invited experts. Also, as a psychologist, I would like to point out that professionalism and confidentiality are important in lessons: if a child shares something painful, there is no need to immediately run to report it to parents or the director. Unless, of course, this is some serious issue that requires the intervention of third-party authorities. The very idea of ​​“Conversations about important things” is cool. The main thing is not to spoil it with incorrect implementation.

Parents’ opinions

“It seems to me that the value of “Conversations about Important Things” is that modern children will finally see how great the cultural heritage of our country is,” shares the mother of a third-grader Irina from Voronezh. – I must admit, I paid little attention to this aspect, because I work all the time. My daughter watched mostly foreign cartoons. And recently she comes after class and says: “Mom, at “Conversation about Important Things” we were told about how cinema was created in our country. We learned so many interesting things and watched cartoons. They, it turns out, are no worse and even cooler than foreign ones. Let’s watch Soviet films and cartoons this weekend, for example “Prostokvashino”.

Military pensioner Igor Valentinovich from St. Petersburg is raising his grandson alone (his parents live in another city), and he admits that he keeps him strict.

– When “Conversations about Important Things” was introduced, I immediately understood: it was the right thing, because they instill the right values ​​there, talk about the history of our great homeland and the achievements of our scientists, musicians, and military leaders. And, of course, about such things that it is awkward for a teenager to discuss with his grandfather – for example, about relationships with peers. But then a problem arose: Artem complained that he did not want to get up early because of an “optional” lesson. I fought with him for a long time, convinced him, every Monday I hung over his bed with an alarm clock and literally forced him to go to school at eight in the morning. But the best “persuader” was the lessons themselves. The fact is that the guys and the teacher were lucky. She presents the material in such an interesting way! And he always invites you to discuss and share your opinion.

“Yes, I have reconsidered my attitude,” the teenager confirms. – In principle, there are a lot of useful things in the lessons. And when they told us that they would tell us about the work of special forces, I almost jumped to the ceiling! After all, this is my dream – to work in special forces.

– I approve of this choice. Let your grandson grow into a real man – a strong and whole person, and not a mama’s boy. A patriot of his country,” the grandfather agrees.

Photo: Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation