In September 2023, users of social networks distributed images of illustrations from a certain book that depicted kissing naked pairs. It was argued that the publication was made mandatory for study in preschool institutions of Estonia. Eesti päevaleht and "verified" We found out whether such publications are correct.
The viral photograph captures the turn of the book, on it - inscriptions in Estonian and drawings depicting kissing people. Two of three pairs in the pictures are naked, including the genitals. “New textbooks for kindergartens in Estonia,” - claims The Anti-Fascist Baltic Anti-Fashists published this picture (285,000 views at the time of writing this analysis) in the post located on September 24th. With similar comments, users also distributed photographs Facebook.
The book depicted in the photo is real, this is the work of the Norwegian artist and children's writer Anna Fisk called “How to get a child” (in Estonian translation she I went out In August of this year). From the description on the website of the Tallinn bookstore Rahva Ramat shouldthat in this book the author “answers many questions that arise in children about babies: how does the child get into the mother’s stomach, who can have children and how do they actually appear?” On the website of the same store, separate pages of the book are presented, including a fragment of a viral picture.
The allegations that this publication will enter the program of preschool education in Estonia appeared on social networks no later than September 21. "From the New Year, these books will be used in kindergartens", - wrote One of the Facebook users on that day, attaching to their posts that later became viral photographs of a turn with naked people.
Eesti Päevaleht journalists contacted the author of this publication and asked him where the photo was taken. “I don't know where the picture was taken. But it was made by a kindergarten worker. I don't know her personally. No need to ask which employee and from which kindergarten I will not specify so as not to disturb a person. ” - The Internet user answered.
Also, a fact of a commentary to Mile Rayamets, head of the department of preschool education of the Ministry of Education and Science of Estonia. She explained that the book of Fiscu in particular and sexual education as a whole is not included in the state curriculum in local kindergartens.
“However, the curriculum provides for the development of general skills of children who should support preschool institutions. In order for children to recognize improper sexual behavior, the obligation of both parents and all employees of educational institutions to solve health issues in accordance with age. Nannies and educators of kindergartens must be able to in advance problems related to the security and sexual behavior of the child, and have the courage to report them. Children need to develop consciousness and willingness to protect themselves from potential sexual violence ", - Reported Rayamets.
Estonian facts also contacted three kindergartens in Tallinn to find out if they use the work of the Norwegian writer in their work. Our colleagues replied that the educators in these preschool institutions do not have such a book and that no one “from above” says what books they should be used in pedagogical activity.
It is likely that the extension of the picture with an incomprehensible comment on the introduction of the book “How to get a child” into the curriculum of Estonian kindergartens began with an incorrect interpretation of the commentary, which is accompanied on the website of the bookstore Rahva Ramat. "An indispensable manual for sexual education at home, in kindergarten and school", - The book is praised by teacher Rita Holm (this quote bring In their posts some Estononal Facebook users). In a comment by Eesti Päevaleht, she said she only shared her opinion. “It was just a proposal. When they advertise a new detergent, they often say that this is an indispensable detergent that should be in every house. This does not mean that everyone is obliged to buy this tool or that its use will somehow be mandatory. [Book] is indispensable in the sense that he tells where the children come from, correctly, in detail and so that the child can understand. Nowadays, we do not say that children bring children or they are found in cabbage. Children can ask this question at any time, and parents very often do not know how to answer it, are lost. But it is very easy to explain these things to the child with the help of a book ", - explained the hill.
Thus, the viral picture shows the turn of the book by Anna Fisk “How to have a child”, which appeared on the shelves of Estonian stores a few weeks earlier. This publication is not included in the educational program of kindergartens in Estonia, which in general does not provide for classes in sexual education. The book of the Norwegian artist is available in stores, employees of educational institutions (like any other people, including parents) can independently purchase it and, if desired, use it in communication with children.
Photo on the cover: social networks
- European Commission. Sexuality Education Across the European Union
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