Sociocultural competence in pre-service english teacher training

 authentic visual materials (portraits of American pupils, their families, and typical types of houses in which Americans live);  U.S. national symbols, national costumes, and historically and culturally associated elements of clothing;  English-language computer games.As is well known, children's linguistic experience at this age is insufficient to ensure the development of sociocultural competence solely through a foreign language.Therefore, in primary school, it is necessary to use the mother tongue in both oral and written forms and to gradually introduce learners to:  American holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Mother's Day, Independence Day on July 4, St. Patrick's Day, etc.);  traditions of food culture (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and typical American food (pizza, peanut butter, toast, Coke, Mountain Dew, etc.);  elements of pupils' educational and play-related activities;  traditions of preparing for receiving guests and children's entertainment when visiting others;  leisure activities and children's participation in school celebrations;  American souvenirs reflecting the historical and cultural characteristics of the United States.We believe that at the end of each year or semester, a cultural quiz should be conducted, with tasks partially prepared by the teacher with the involvement of the students, as well as the dramatization of fairy tales, plays, and performances on topics related to cultural studies.At the second stage of foreign language learning (middle school), the focus is on the systematic development of all components of students' sociocultural and communicative competence through reading, listening, writing, and speaking.Foreign language instruction is aimed at learning the language as a means of international communication through:  Religious life in America, including Baptist Church, Church of Christ, Lutheran Church, Protestant and Catholic Churches, peace-oriented youth organizations, the role of missionaries, and the connection between churches and society. Formal and informal communication in America, including sociocultural differences in education, community-government relationships (hierarchy of power), youth non-governmental organizations, charitable organizations, youth fashion, the role of volunteering and public relations, and admission criteria for higher education institutions. Social stratification and its reflection in the English language, opportunities for studying in elite institutions, and the freedom and right to choose a profession and leisure activities. Social protection and the role of social services in American culture, including mechanisms of implementation (activities of charitable organizations, social rehabilitation, social communities such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Single Parents, Gay and Lesbian Associations). Political and economic foundations, values, and guiding principles of American democracy, including universal and civil rights, personal freedoms, and the sociocultural model of state governance in America (the role of the Constitution in American consciousness, the significance of Congress and the President, local self-government bodies). Intercultural contacts and communication, including stereotypes, subcultures, the background of American traditions in intercultural communication during daily interactions, cultural and educational school exchanges, admission to study or work, writing and interpreting resumes and recommendations, and extracurricular activities. National-historical memory of Americans, including the Revolution of the 1800s, emancipation of African Americans, the role of Native