Additional education as a space for children's self-realization

Modern children are increasingly searching for means of self-realization and self-affirmation. Today, additional education implements a number of important functions that contribute to the development of essential human spheres. In the process of self-realization in additional education, a child reveals his or her Self through inclusion in creative activities through their own efforts. Thanks to pedagogical support for the implementation of the child's subjective position, enormous opportunities are revealed for the formation of his or her creative abilities, self-determination and self-realization. At the same time, co-creation with other children and teachers is very important. Additional education provides these means for them. The article presents the results of a large-scale study of children's expectations from participation in additional education, conducted by the All-Russian Center for the Development of Artistic Creativity and Humanitarian Technologies. Studying children's expectations from participation in clubs, sections and other children's communities is very important for the implementation of the educational potential of additional education. The study confirmed the importance of creating a value-oriented educational environment in which children think about their moral self-improvement, which is very important for their further self-development and determination in life. In our study, the degree of success of self-realization was assessed by the interests of children, their satisfaction in practice and reflection of the results of their activities. It was found that the expansion of the sphere of communication in children, as well as new conditions that allow the child to realize his personal potential, are of particular importance.