Meeting with Heads of the First Classes
Irine Kurdadze, deputy minister of Education and Science of Georgia, and Natia Jokhadze, director of National Curriculum Center, held a meeting with the heads of first classes.
As it is known, according to a child’s characteristics and parents’ will, it is possible for a child to begin school at the age of five. Consequently, the new National Curriculum of 2011-2016 has been modified; also, the Guide for the First Class Teachers – Teaching and Learning 5 Years Olds' Peculiarities – was created in the National Curriculum Centre.
The guide’s purpose is to help primary level teachers plan and implement teaching processes effectively and correctly. The guide features extensive recommendations on the classroom environment teachers should create for children in the first year, especially in the critical first months, of school. Teachers’ attention is directed to approaches for individual student attention, activities, and practical exercises to supplement their instruction.
An expert in primary education, psychologist Nino Labartkava, delivered a presentation at the meeting. She discussed the importance of knowing 5 years olds' unique characteristics and needs, and how to use all methods of adaptation for first-class students so that they may easily adjust to their new classrooom enviornment.
At the end of the meeting, the discussion was held with the participation of invited teachers. Afterwards, primary education expert Nino Labartkava answered teachers’ questions.
The National Curriculum Center has already trained 1,900 primary-level teachers throughout Georgia. Trainings in "Teaching and Learning 5-Year Olds Peculiarities" will continue.
