Something We Can Learn From A Ukrainian Educator
August 19, 2010 4 Comments
Vasilii Sukhomlinsky was a famous Ukrainian educator, and many of his concepts are applicable today in the U.S. and all over the globe. He was one of the few noted educators to delight in teaching pre-school, because he realized that the seeds of learning need to be planted early. He believed that it was important for children to experience words before learning them. Thus, he took his students on nature trips pointing out what interested them. Later, they learned to form words and do simple drawings. As their vocabulary grew, the children were encouraged to write brief compositions on what they saw in nature.(Although my Grandma Lillian and my Dad didn’t know it, they were applying Sukomlinsky’s ideas to my mental development.) Sukhomlinsky also believed that every child should grow a rose. He believed a child attuned to beauty will develop a sensitivity towards all living things. Readers interested in learning more about Sukhomlinsky’s philosophy are referred to my highly edited translation, I Give My Life to Children.
“When you think about a child’s brain, picture a tender rose petal holding a trembling drop of dew. Imagine what care and tenderness you need to exhibit, so that the drop doesn’t spill after you remove the petal. This is the very care which we(teachers) need to show every moment; after all, we are touching the most delicate and tender thing in nature– the thinking matter of a growing organism.”
About Robert M. Weiss
Site of Discovery and Wonder 
‘He believed that it was important for children to experience words before learning them.’ This is an interesting concept.
And ‘He believed a child attuned to beauty will develop a sensitivity towards all living things.’
Was your Grandma Ukrainian? I have to grandsons (twins) who’s grandparents were Ukrainian. Their grandparents settled in Australia in the 1950s.
Thanks, Robert, for coming to my blog. I’ll try to find out more about what you blogged on the subject of education.
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My grandma was not Ukrainian. When I was reading about Russian educators, I came upon the name Sukhomlinskij. I read some of his works, and became interested in his ideas. I later met Ukrainian friends who told me more about this wonderful educator and human being. Auntyuta, I appreciate your taking the time to look through my posts. I really liked Peter’s photos, especially the sign to Kangaroo Valley. It made me feel as if I were in Australia, a country I admire greatly.
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Hello, Robert!
My name is Svetlana.
I am from Ukraine (from Donetsk), I work at the Institute, which works with the teachers.
In October our institute holds an international conference on Sukhomlinsky. I learned that you have studied his work.
We invite you to participate in our conference with the report!
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I appreciate the invitation, Svetlana, but, unfortunately, I have prior commitments. Sukhomlinskij’s philosophy was a major topic at an MEI International Education Symposium.
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