Pedagogical potential of folk games and entertainments in the tourism-based activities of preschool and primary school age children

Abstract

Abstract: the article explores and analyzes historical references to the origins of folk games, modern aspects to the use of Ukrainian folk games and traditional entertainments recommended for preschool and primary school children during excursions and hiking trips. Emphasized the role and significance of folk games and traditional entertainments, their influence on the formation of children’s worldview and value orientations. Identified the main definitions and concepts related to children’s play and tourism-based activities, presented a list of folk games and entertainments recommended for use during hiking trips. Purpose of the article: the purpose of the article is to analyze and substantiate the pedagogical potential of Ukrainian folk games and traditional entertainments in the context of tourism-based activities of preschool and primary school children. Methods: data's analysis and generalization from scientific and methodological resources, pedagogical research methods, analysis, synthesis and data's comparison presented in scientific and methodological literature on the given issue. Results: according to the analysis of relevant publications it has been demonstrated that the integration of folk traditions into tourism and local history activities is an effective tool for the formation of national consciousness among preschool and primary school children. Analyzed the impact of folk games on children during hiking activities, influence on their physical and psycho-emotional well-being, considered the aesthetic component of play activities and the gender characteristics of folk games. İt is noted that Ukrainian folk games during hiking trips facilitate not only to children’s physical development, but also to the improvement of their psycho-emotional well-being. Conclusions: Ukrainian folk games and traditional entertainments in combination with children’s tourism activities include types of motor activity that have historically developed with the purpose of influencing on physical and psychological child’s development and preparing them for active life. Ukrainian folk games allow the child to step beyond the limits of everyday life. Folk games and traditional entertainments particularly stimulate physical activity, develop cognitive processes, and evoke positive emotions in children.