Texts in primary school Turkish textbooks analyzing root values

The objective of this study is to examine the texts in primary school Turkish language textbooks used during the 2021-2022 academic year from the perspective of root values. The research employed the qualitative research method of document analysis. During the data collection phase, ten root values specified in the curriculum, namely 'justice, friendship, honesty, self-discipline, patience, respect, love, responsibility, patriotism, and helpfulness,' were identified and marked within sentences and paragraphs in primary school Turkish language textbooks. Content analysis was utilized for data analysis in this research. The frequencies and percentages of the identified root values in the texts of primary school Turkish language textbooks were calculated, leading to the creation of tables. The research findings indicate that the most prominently featured values in the examined texts of primary school Turkish language textbooks are love, responsibility, and self-discipline, while patience and honesty are mentioned the least. Regarding the thematic analysis of the texts in Turkish language textbooks, the most prevalent themes containing values are the National Struggle and Atatürk, Virtues, Personal Development, Health and Sports, whereas the Science and Technology theme contains the fewest values. Texts with the highest value content are found in the 3rd-grade Turkish language textbook. Another significant conclusion is that there is an uneven distribution of root values in the primary school Turkish language textbooks under examination in terms of their inclusion of root values. Therefore, considering the grade levels in primary school Turkish language textbooks, attention should be given to the diversity of root values, and preference should be given to texts with a balanced distribution of root values within themes.