DEVELOPING COGNITIVE COMPETENCIES OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN THROUGH INTRODUCING THEM TO NATURE

INTRODUCTION: This article examines the issue of developing cognitive competencies of preschool children through introducing them to nature. Nature is considered an important learning source in the process of children's understanding of the surrounding environment. Familiarization with plants, animals, and various natural phenomena develops children's observation skills, thinking abilities, and curiosity. In the modern preschool education system, special attention is paid to developing cognitive competencies in children such as independent thinking, problem solving, and the ability to apply knowledge in practice. From this perspective, nature-related activities help to organize the educational process in a more interesting and effective way. The natural environment is the most natural and effective learning space for children, through which they develop their initial knowledge and understanding about the surrounding world.