The history of the education of peasant children in Russia can be divided into two stages: before the 18th century and after, since it was in this century that peasants were admitted to school. Until that moment, education for peasant children, and even more so for serfs, was simply not available.
Peasant training until the 18th century
Until the 18th century, peasant education took place in the family. More precisely, adults taught children by example. Children took part in various events in the village on an equal basis with adults, often even participating in field work. However, there were also special forms of education for the younger generation. So, for example, the smallest ones learned through games.
The girls' games were aimed at preparing for the fulfillment of women's responsibilities in the family: equipping a house for dolls, cooking food, spinning, sewing clothes, doing laundry and even growing their own vegetable garden. The boys played outdoor games aimed at developing stamina, strength and male prowess.
In addition, from an early age, children were instilled with love for their homeland, homeland. For this purpose, many epics were told to children, historical songs were sung. As a result, the adults hoped to instill in the children the idea of the impossibility of renouncing Russian customs and the rules of their ancestors. However, historical stories served to achieve another educational goal - fostering respect for the older generation.
And of course, not only in word, but also in deed, parents and all residents of the community set an example to the younger generation in showing kindness and mercy. According to the unspoken rules of peasant life, assistance had to be provided to all those in need.
Peasant training after the 18th century
According to historical data, in 1786 the Charter of public schools was issued, it allowed peasant children to be trained. To this end, schools began to be built in the provincial and district cities of Russia. The main task of such institutions was to teach literacy and training clerks for various institutions that governed the peasants.
Most often, parish schools were opened, in which priests and deacons acted as teachers. Therefore, the curriculum included only elementary subjects: reading, calligraphy and the law of God. The school was attended mainly by boys and mostly during the cold season, when the field work was over. There were very few girls in school, most of them stayed at home and learned only about housework.
As a result, despite the innovation, most of the population of the village remained illiterate. However, in most villages and towns, everything changed with the advent of Soviet power. Since it was at this time that a large-scale program to eradicate illiteracy was unfolding: now both adults and children sit at the desk. In 1949, the Soviet Union introduced compulsory seven-year education, then eight- and, finally, nine-year education.
