Forming financial literacy and consumer culture in older preschoolers

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Introduction. The development of financial literacy helps preschoolers better understand real life, stimulates economic thinking, and contributes to the formation of qualities inherent in a well-rounded personality. At this age, children not only grasp the basic principles of financial literacy but also gain incentives for continuous learning and exploration throughout their lives. This study aims to explore the potential of an academic program in developing financial literacy and consumer culture among older preschoolers. Materials and methods. The study involved 56 children of older preschool age from State Preschool Organization No. 32 in Andijan, Uzbekistan, and 48 children from Preschool Organization No. 173 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The primary research method was diagnostic tasks designed to assess economic understanding, based on A.D. Shatov's techniques. Methods of mathematical statistics included the nonparametric χ 2 -Pearson test. Results. The study, conducted across two preschool institutions in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, revealed significant differences in the levels of financial literacy and consumer culture among older preschool children. The program "Financial Tales: Adventures in the Land of Financial Literacy" effectively contributed to the development of stable financial literacy and consumer culture in preschoolers, equipping them with the necessary skills for more conscious management of personal and family resources in the future. The program significantly improved motivational (χ 2 = 7.973; p<0.05), cognitive (χ 2 = 7.530; p<0.05), and activity-based (χ 2 = 10.318; p<0.01) components. The program enhances not only financial literacy but also impacts the socio-pedagogical aspects of education, including self-control and proper economic thinking from a young age, aligning with global educational trends. Conclusion. From preschool age, children gradually begin to engage in the economic life of society and financial relationships, including production, exchange, distribution, and consumption of material goods within the family. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate reasonable economic needs, the ability to align desires with real possibilities, and the belief that diligent work is the primary means of satisfying needs from an early age.