Development of Students’ Ethnocultural Competence in Teaching the Topic “National Cuisine” on the Example of the 4th Grade “Literature Reading” Course

Relevance: national cuisine is not only a set of traditional dishes but also a combination of the historical, geographical, social, and spiritual aspects of a people's culture. Through learning about and consuming national dishes on a daily basis, students gain a living and firsthand experience of national traditions, customs, and values. Purpose of the study: to promote the development of students' ethnocultural competence in teaching the topic "National cuisine" using the "Literary reading for 4th Grade" course as an example. The aim was to foster identity and a sense of belonging, and to develop intercultural dialogue and tolerance in elementary school students. Materials and methods: Analysis of literary works, selection of texts from fiction, folk tales, poems, and stories that reflect the traditions of the national cuisine. Development of lesson plans, games, crossword puzzles, multimedia presentations, and video materials dedicated to the national cuisine. Observation and pedagogical experiments conducted during lessons that incorporate the theme "National cuisine" into the course "Literary reading." Conducting conversations with students to determine their attitudes, interest, and understanding of national culture through the study of national cuisine. Results: by learning about the characteristics of other cultures' cuisines, students develop respect and interest in the diversity of the world. Discussing the similarities and differences in culinary traditions promotes the development of intercultural tolerance, reduces stereotypes, and fosters a positive attitude towards cultural diversity. Conclusions: The national cuisine serves as an important means of developing ethnocultural competence among primary school students. It helps shape a unique cultural worldview, foster respect for other peoples, and strengthen national identity, which is vital for the harmonious development of personality in conditions of globalization and multiculturalism.