METHODS OF SUPPORTİNG SELF-CONFIDENCE BASED ON ENVIRONMENT, GAME AND FAİRY-TALE USED İN CHILD EDUCATION

Abstract

This study, is examining the effect of games and fairy-tales on the development of self-confidence of children, comprehensively. Self-confidence is a fundamental, psychological need in regard to the individual's self-belief, his relationships in the social environment and his academic success. The self-confidence starting to develop from hence the early childhood, is especially being shaped by environmental interactions and emotional support. In this context, games and fairy-tales, are coming to the foreground as effective means used in developing the sense of self and ways of expressing one self, considering child development. In the study, firstly the psychological foundations of self-confidence has been explained theoretically and afterwards the pedagogical functions of games and fairy-tales have been discussed. And how these two methods have contributed to the self - confidence of children have been revealed by data, based on applied activity examples and field research. In the study, qualitative and quantitative findings have been supported by reviews of current literacy and examples of case; and the sample projects carried out in Türkiye and all over the world have been analyzed. Consequently, in the study, it has been emphasized that games and fairy-tales have a basic role in heightening the sense of self-confidence in the emotional, cognitive and social development of children. Suggestions for educators and families; and aspects that should be paid attention to during the applications, have been elaborated: concrete directions have been made in order to be used in future researches. This study, is aiming at presenting a comprehensive academic contribution concerning the empowering of the child based education notion. Besides, in this study, the comparative analysis has been accomplished regarding the approaches based on games and fairy-tales applied in different socio-economic and cultural environments. The data derived, have shown that these methods not only support individual development, but also create a positive effect on social adaptation, problem solving skills and the development of empathy, which are in fact the social learning areas. In this context, it is emphasized that games and fairy-tales should be taken into consideration not only as means of entertainment; but also as strategies, being structured consciously and having educational basis. The study, in putting forward the methods supporting the development of self-confidence by a theoretical and applied level, is making suggestions on various areas like teacher education and planning of the curriculum.