Features of education of children in Japan

We have already told, what it is necessary to learn from the Japanese. However, the art of drawing, perseverance and respect for personal space - this is not all the features of the national character, which you can learn from this amazing nation.

No less interesting is the approach the Japanese to the education of children. It was he who "ikudzi". And this is not just a set of pedagogical methods. It's a whole philosophy aimed at education and training new generations.

Mother and child - are united

Sweat, pain, tears... And the light appears "child of the sun." The first cry. The doctor cuts the umbilical cord neatly. Her little piece later will dry and put in a box with gilt lettering - and the name of the mother date of birth child. Umbilical cord as a symbol now invisible but strong and unbreakable connection mother and her child.

Mothers in Japan called "amae". It is difficult to translate and understand the deeper meaning of the word. But derived from it the verb "amaeru" means "to spoil", "protect".

For centuries, the education of children in a Japanese family - the duty of women. Of course, to the XXI century mores have changed a lot. If before the fairer sex were engaged exclusively in housekeeping, modern Japanese women study, work, travel.

However, if a woman decides to motherhood, she has to devote himself to it. Not welcome to come to work until the child is three years old. Worthless to leave the baby in the care of grandparents. The main duty of women - to be a mother, and to shift their obligations to others in Japan is not accepted.

Moreover, To mother and child - almost a single entity. Wherever directed Japanese, whatever worked, little is always there - in the chest or behind the back. Baby slings have appeared in the country long before the spread of the West, and creative Japanese designers strongly improve their developing special garments with pockets for children.

Amae - the shadow of his child. Permanent physical and spiritual contact creates an immutable authority of the parent. For the Japanese, there is nothing worse than to upset or offend his mother.

The child - god

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Up to five years, according to the principles ikudzi, child - a celestial being. He did not forbid him not to cry, it does not punished. For him, there is no word "impossible", "bad", "dangerous". Kid free in their cognitive activity.

From the point of view of European and American parents - this pampering, indulging whims, complete lack of control. In fact, parental authority in Japan much stronger than in the West. And all because it is based on personal example and appeal to the senses.

In 1994, a study was conductedNihonjin no shitsuke to kyōiku: hattatsu no Nichi-Bei hikaku ni motosuite the difference in approaches to training and education in Japan and America. Scientist Hiroshi Azuma asked representatives of both cultures to gather together with your child constructor pyramid. As a result of observation revealed that the Japanese women initially shown how to build a structure and then allow the child to repeat it. If he was wrong, the woman began all over again. American went the other way. Before you start building, they explained in detail the kid algorithm of actions and only then, with him (!) Built.

Based on the difference seen in the pedagogical methods, Azuma defined "chastenest" type of parenting. Japanese chastenest their children not by words but by his own actions.

In this case, the child from an early age are taught to be considerate of the feelings - their surrounding people and even objects. Little mischievous not distilled from the hot cup, but if it's going to hurt amae asks for forgiveness. Do not forget to mention the pain caused her indiscretion child.

Another example: a spoiled kid breaks his beloved car. What do American or Europeans in this case? Most likely, it takes away the toy and read a notation of how much she worked hard to buy it. Japanese does not take anything. Just say, "You're hurting her."

Thus, children up to five years in Japan formally be everything. Thus, in their consciousness It formed the image of "I'm good," which later becomes "I am educated and loving their parents."

The child - slave

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At the age of five, the child is facing "harsh reality": it falls under the strict rules and regulations, which can not be observed.

The fact that for centuries the Japanese people tend to the concept of community. Natural, climatic and economic conditions forced people to live and work hand in hand. Only mutual and selfless service to the common cause provided the rice crop, which means that full life. This explains the highly developed here Isik (group consciousness) and IE system (patriarchal family structure). Public interest - above all else. The man - a cog in the complex mechanism. If you did not find its place among the people, you are outcast.

That is why the grown children are taught to be part of the group: "If you behave like this, will laugh at you." For the Japanese, there is nothing worse social alienation, and the children quickly get used to sacrifice individual selfish motives.

Educator (and they are, by the way, is constantly changing) in kindergarten or special preparatory school serves as no teacher and coordinator. In the arsenal of his teaching methods are, for example, the delegation of authority for the conduct of supervision. Giving assignments wards, the teacher divides them into groups, explaining that it is necessary not only to do a good piece, but also to follow the companions. A favorite pastime of Japanese kids - team sports, relay races, choral singing.

Follow the "laws of the pack" also helps the attachment to the mother. After all, if violate generally accepted standards, amae very upset. It's a shame not on his own, but on its behalf.

So, the next 10 years of life a child learns to be a part of microgroups seamlessly work in a team. Since it formed the group consciousness and social responsibility.

The child - equal

By age 15, the child is considered to be practically formed person. Then follows a brief phase of rebellion and identity, which, however, rarely undermine the foundations laid in the previous two periods.

Ikudzi - unusual and even paradoxical education system. At least, in this, the European sense. However, it is tested for centuries and helps grow disciplined, law-abiding citizens of their country.

Do you think this approach is acceptable to the national reality? Perhaps tried some principles ikudzi in the upbringing of their children? Tell us about your experience.

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