Contribution of Literature for the Development of Soft Skills of Students: Based on Children's Stories in the Primary Curriculum Currently Implemented in Schools

Abstract

Education is a great support for the progress of the entire humanity. Thus, primary education, which is the first stage, is assisting in the overall development of the human beings. The student acquires hard skills as well as soft skills through formal and informal education. Soft skills are the qualities that a student needs to effectively use the knowledge gained from hard skills and to interact effectively and harmoniously in interpersonal communication. In Sri Lanka's education system, the national goals of education as well as the basic competencies have drawn attention to the development of soft skills. In the education of the 21st century as well, a special place has been given to the development of soft skills. Literature provides great support in imparting soft skills to the students through the accordingly prepared primary education curriculum. The primary education curriculum is also closely intertwined with literature. In this research, the opportunities provided for the development of soft skills of the students were examined in relation to the five children's stories included in the primary curriculum. Subject to qualitative research method, data were gathered through the analysis of children's stories included in the primary curriculum, interviews conducted with teachers and parents of the selected schools, and direct observation of student activities. The analysis of the collected data revealed that by including children's stories in primary education, assists in the development of students' tastefulness, creative skills, acting skills, communication skills, good attitude and critical and analytical skills as well as sociability, patience, leadership skills, and also the stories provide significant support for the development of soft skills such as social-emotional skills.