ACADEMIC TEXTS REPOSITORY

Summary

The article deals with the problem of the formation of natural science and ecological competence in children of senior preschool age. The purpose of the article is to highlight the problem of the formation of natural science and ecological competence in senior preschool children in preparation for the New Ukrainian School. The analysis of scientific publications determined the psychological and pedagogical foundations of environmental education and upbringing of preschoolers. The concept of «natural science and ecological competence» is defined. It was found that the process of formation of natural science and ecological competence in children has its own characteristics, which are based on the psychological readiness of children; understanding the laws of nature; knowledge about the nature of the planet Earth and the universe, a positive emotional and value attitude to its components, awareness of the rules of nature use and their observance, nature-appropriate behaviour; an integrated approach to the organization of familiarization of senior preschoolers with the natural environment, creation of a developmental natural environment in a preschool education institution while observing psychological-pedagogical, material-technical, sanitary-hygienic and aesthetic conditions. The range of principles, forms, methods and techniques for implementing educational interaction of natural science and ecological content in order to maintain children's interest in the topic and to encourage them to act is characterized. The model of formation of natural science and ecological competence of senior preschool children in the vector of preparation for the New Ukrainian School is proposed, and recommendations for educators of preschool educational institutions on the formation of natural science and ecological competence in senior preschool children are provided.