明治期郷土唱歌「信濃の国」の社会科地理教育的考察

Abstract

“Shinano” is an ancient name of Nagano prefecture. The “Shinano no kuni” (Shinano province=Nagano prefecture), a local song in Nagano prefecture was made in the 33rd year of Meiji (1900), and has been sung by almost people in Nagano prefecture since then. The “Shinano no kuni” became to the prefectual song of Nagano prefecture in the 43rd year of Showa (1968).The author has examined university students' knowledge about the “Shinano no kuni” by questionnaire in Nagano prefecture at April 1996. As a result, I have found that almost students horned in Nagano prefecture know the “Shinano no kuni” and they memorized the song at the age of elementary school student.Based on the above mentioned facts, I would like to point out following 3 points as meaning of “Shinano no kuni” for the geography teaching as social studies education.1) The “Shinano no kuni” is a good teaching material for local geographical study of Nagano prefecture in school, because many local important facts are written in the song words.2) The love for their home prefecture Nagano could been developed by learning and singing the “Shinano no kuni”.3) It is important in the lifelong education society to connect the school geography with the community activities. The “Shinano no kuni” is one good teaching material for lifelong geography teaching.