Life education for young children in Taiwanese preschools: Meaning, aspects and teaching methods

Abstract

Life education for young children is an important element of education in Taiwan. This kind of education is centered on life care and allows young children to understand the meaning of life and to respect and cherish life. Life education for young children also cultivates kindness and teaches compassion. Young children must develop kindness and be sympathetic to living things around them. This study determines the meaning, various aspects and teaching methods for life education for young children. Firstly, the meaning of life education for young children is explained and then the various aspects of life education for young children are discussed. The teaching methods that are used for life education of young children are: (1) teaching through picture books, (2) learning from experience, (3) teaching through instructional media, (4) teaching using stories, (5) learning by role-playing and (6) teaching via the PTA (Parent and Teacher Association). The emphasis on the importance of life education has been increasing and this study contributes to the development of life education in preschools in Taiwan. Life education classes allow young children to develop a sense of self, a sense of society and a sense of nature.