The aim of research: reveal the potential of forming cognitive interest in social phenomena in children 5–6 years by means experimentation.
Introduction. Based on classical and modern research the theoretical justification of the relevance of the problem of forming cognitive interest in social phenomena in children are presented, potential of use of social experimentation are motivated.
Methods. 40 children aged 5-6,5 years (18 girls and 22 boys) took part in the research. To study the features and pedagogical conditions of development of cognitive interests in children used technique N.B. Shumakova «Voprosiki»; monitoring of educational activities; analysis of calendar plans and questionnaires of kindergarten teachers. At the formative stage, the series of educational situations by using social experimentation of children was tested. The effectiveness was evaluated during the control diagnostics using the techniques Mann-Whitney.
Results. The data of control diagnostics reveal to positive dynamics of indicators of cognitive interest to social phenomena in children of the experimental group. Differences between indicators of cognitive interests at ascertaining and control stages are statistically significant.
Conclusion. Organization of social experimentation contributes to the formation of children 5-6 years of cognitive interest in social phenomena, the expansion of communication skills, overcoming of egocentrism, increased activity, safer than spontaneous social experimentation of preschoolers.