Teachers: “Talking about important things” is not only about patriotism and increasing interest in history. It’s about life values

2023 – the Year of the Teacher and Mentor – was marked by radical progressive changes in the educational system of our country, which should completely change its very essence and final results. Everything is reoriented to not only give the child in the educational institution the most advanced knowledge in subjects, but also to instill moral values. And one of the most important and effective tools for developing students’ interest in the history of the country was the extracurricular activities “Talking about important things.”

From September 1, 2022, the Ministry of Education of Russia launched a large-scale project in Russian schools that is fateful for the future of the country – a series of extracurricular activities “Talks about important things.” Now in all Russian schools the school week begins with a class hour “Talking about important things.” “Conversations…” are devoted to a variety of topics, but they have one thing in common: they are designed to instill in schoolchildren, through the example of real heroes of our days, a sense of pride in their country, awaken in them an interest in the history of their region and state, and also educate them in environmental issues, career guidance, civil society, healthy lifestyle, etc.

When all this was just being introduced, Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov promised that children would be told “in a fun way” “about the history, traditions and cultural heritage of our country” and try to encourage them to “look for historical facts on their own, read more, learn new things.”

“Conversations about Important Things” has many tasks, but one of the priorities is to educate children in historical terms and fight against fakes that undermine the interests and prestige of the Russian state. Many topics in “Conversations…” are timed to coincide with some important historical dates and milestones. For example, on November 4, a “Conversation” took place with the guys about National Unity Day: why we celebrate this holiday, about the role of Minin and Pozharsky, who were able to unite the Russian people during the Great Troubles, led them and liberated the Kremlin from Polish invaders, etc. d. Or earlier, in September, a “Conversation” took place with Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Medinsky about the immortal feat of Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya during the Great Patriotic War, dedicated to its 100th anniversary.

“Talking about what’s important” is a very significant project from the point of view of raising our children, I’m convinced winner of the competition “Teacher of the Year in Russia – 2018”, social studies teacher at the Mathematical School in Grozny Alikhan Dinaev. – Its special value is that teachers receive ready-made, proven, varied and very high-quality materials on each topic – presentations, videos, infographics, lesson plans. “Talking about important things” is not a lesson where children are given C’s or A’s. This is an activity where the teacher and children can freely express their opinions, share impressions and feelings, and ask questions that children might be embarrassed or afraid (“what if they give you a bad grade?”) to ask in a regular lesson.

At the same time, “Conversations about Important Things” is not only about patriotism and increasing interest in history. This is about caring for nature, and about the most important family values, and about career guidance, and about much more.

We, of course, are not so naive as to think that after the next lesson dedicated to Zoya Kosmedemyanskaya, all children will become interested in the history of Russia, will be filled with a patriotic spirit, or will run to the library for a volume of The Young Guard. But I am absolutely sure, and I know this for sure from my students, that some children will be captivated by this activity (like any others), encouraged to read something, study this topic on their own and, what is very important, ask questions about it. And if one lesson from this series encouraged some of the children to sort garbage at home, another made them give up bad habits, and the third increased interest in their native history, then this is already a wonderful result.

“First of all, I would like to emphasize that “Talks about important things” have taken root in our schools,” MK said in turn. Executive Director of the National Parents Committee Yuri Obolonsky. – It is very valuable that during such class hours children learn the history of their region, the history of the state, the history of the anthem, the flag… Where did all this come from, what do they mean, etc. Children will learn about the most respected people of their region, city, country, who through their work have truly earned the respect of society and brought benefit to Russia. From these strokes the children develop an understanding and pride for their country!

At the first stage, I will tell you, there were some mistakes; popular teenage “idols” were attracted to these classroom hours, who did not convey any important message in their speeches. Parents were indignant – why are they needed? Now everything is happening differently. Our soldiers who passed the military military training, authoritative people of the region, labor veterans, athletes, cultural and artistic figures speak to the children and tell them what our anthem, flag means to them, what our President means to them… And what their beloved country is, in which they live. And children love sincerity, so they listen to such speakers with pleasure and absorb their stories like a sponge. It is gratifying to see that this tradition is taking root, and famous, truly respected people, using the example of their lives, will form in our children a model of a worthy citizen of the Russian Federation: this is kindness, respect for elders, knowledge of one’s history, so that a person has a heart for his country, etc. d.

Photo: Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation