Values Education in the COVID-19 Pandemic Process: An Example of "Arkadaş" Books Prepared by the Ministry of National Education

Abstract

The pandemic process that deeply affects human life has brought many changes with it. In this process, some necessary measures have been taken. In our country, within the scope of these measures, schools were closed and distance education started. The Ministry of National Education published holiday books called “Arkadaş” in order to support students who are out of school. It is important to include universal and national values in books prepared for children in accordance with their developmental characteristics. In this study, the holiday books ‘’Arkadaş’’ were examined in terms of values by document analysis method. It has been determined which values were included in the books by making a descriptive analysis of the documents. As a result of the study, it was seen that these books, which were prepared for primary school 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades separately, contain many values. It has been determined that among these values, the value of cooperation is used the most, followed by the values of protecting cultural heritage and responsibility. It has been observed that values such as optimism, compassion, empathy and self-confidence are not included in the books. It is thought that these books can be enriched in terms of values and should not be limited only to the pandemic period.