Aesthetic Education in Primary School English Reading Classes: Rationale and Potential

The primary focus of the author's research lies in the reading class, which is one of the various English courses offered in compulsory education. This selection is based on several factors. Firstly, the extensive content within the reading curriculum compensates for the limitations found in primary school English textbooks. This allows teachers to conscientiously and purposefully choose appropriate texts that align with students' cognitive abilities and teaching objectives, thereby facilitating aesthetic education through the exploration of diverse literary materials. Secondly, in comparison to writing and listening classes, the textual nature of the reading class serves as a more conducive medium for the cultivation of aesthetic education. Within this medium, the beauty of textual rhythm, artistic form, as well as the exploration of thoughts and emotions can be developed. Lastly, the new curriculum standard explicitly outlines the primary school's discourse types, including verse, illustrated stories, plays, fables, among others, thus offering abundant opportunities for the advancement of aesthetic education.