National Identity and Possibilities of Its Formation Through the Means of Art in Children of Older Preschool Age

The article examines the currently relevant problem of using themeans of Ukrainian art for the effective process of national identityformation in older preschool children. It was established that it isnecessary to use effective means of Ukrainian art, the results ofwhich in the future will form the «germs» of nationalconsciousness in children's minds. The interpretation of theconcepts of «national identity», «national consciousness» and«Ukrainian national identity» in the modern prism of Ukrainianhistory is given. The positive influence of Ukrainian art on theprocess of formation of national consciousness of older preschoolchildren is described. It is emphasized that music, painting andanimation effectively influence the formation of national identityand consciousness of older preschool children. The articleprovides examples from Ukrainian culture and art that help a childof older preschool age to establish his own life values and form apatriotic position. The work of the Ukrainian singer and composerA. Pyvovarov, his collection «Your poems, my notes» and itsinfluence on a child of older preschool age is considered andanalyzed. The painting compositions of the Ukrainian artistM. Prymachenko are analyzed. It was found out what influenceM. Prymachenko's work has on Ukrainian culture, how her workshelp to form national identity in a child of older preschool age. It isemphasized that animated films are one of the most effectivemeans of art, with the help of which it is possible to form family,spiritual, moral, cultural and national values in a child of olderpreschool age. It is described that by using «correct» cartoons, weform national values in older preschool children. The main ways ofusing various types of art for the effective process of forming thenational identity of older preschool children in preschool educationinstitutions are characterized.