San Zi Jing: A Chinese Primer

Abstract

For centuries, the Chinese taught young children about moral principles; basic concepts of science, daily life, and history; and the importance of learning by fully taking advantage of classical primer reading materials, such as the San Zi Jing (The Three-Character Classic). San Zi Jing is a lens through which one can understand what constitutes the core curriculum of early childhood education in ancient China, as well as view the richness of Chinese culture, history, and civilization. Even though modern Chinese preschools are extensively integrating western philosophies and practices into the development of new curricula, the use of classic primer reading materials remains. They serve as an engine to preserve the “China taste” in early childhood education. In order to develop avenues to effectively balance the integration of western philosophies, the cultural trend shifts in a modern society, and Chinese ancient culture, Chinese scholars are called upon to reexamine the role of classical primers in contemporary early childhood education. This article examines the controversial issues regarding the teaching of such classics as San Zi Jing, in addition to informing the international community about what an exemplary classical Chinese primer encompasses.