An Analysis on Childhood Development of the 2015 Practical Arts Education Textbooks For Elementary Education

This study analyzed content related to childhood development in six types of elementary school curriculum revised in 2015. The research question were: First, what are the characteristics of the external system and composition of the 2015 revised elementary school curriculum related to ‘childhood development’? Second, what are the characteristics of the contents of ‘childhood development’ in the 2015 revised elementary school curriculum? The findings revealed that first, the contents on childhood development were organized within the first unit of the first semester of the 5th grade in the practical department of elementary school, planned for a duration equivalent to 3~4 sessions. Second, all practical arts textbooks outline development characteristics in body, cognition, emotion, and society, as well as individual differences in development and prerequisites for healthy development, based on related achievement standards. However, some textbooks omitted content on individual differences in development and the factors contributing to these differences. Based on the results, the following suggestions for further research are made: First, more direct explanations of childhood development characteristics and the necessary conditions and methods for healthy growth and development should be provided. Second, more practical and specific activities that help students recognize individual differences in development beyond the individual should be presented. Third, it is crucial to discuss the factors that contribute to individual differences in development and explain that development outcomes can be influenced by individual efforts and acquired skills.