Georgian Government develops school program for first graders

A new program developed by Georgia's Ministry of Education will make young childrens' school entrance easier and less stressful.

Education Minister Tamar Sanikidze and UNICEF representative in Georgia Sascha Graumann officially presented the 'School Readiness’ program yesterday.

The program targeted first graders and aimed to develop a child’s motor, social and cognitive skills, communication and speech, as well as desire for learning.

Those behind the program said it would also help children make the transition from kindergarten to school easier.

Minister Sanikidze noted the program offered a variety of interesting and fun mind games and activities, which helped children to design the rules and obey social routines, push them to be creative and inventive, develop critical thinking and basic life skills, as well as provide information about personal safety.

The 'School Readiness' program also offered a new approach to educators for organising the teaching process. The program gave specific instructions for the activities that should be implemented over days, weeks and months.

The minimum length of the school program is 30 weeks with three hour daily activities.

The presentation was attended by governors of nine Georgian regions, representatives of kindergartens, Parliament Members, and members of different governmental and non-governmental organisations.