The article reveals the essence of the concepts of "intelligence", "abilities", "intellectual abilities", "intellectual operations" from psychological and pedagogical positions. Based on the analysis of psychological and pedagogical research and practical experience, the effectiveness of the widespread use of design tasks in the educational process of primary school is proved, which stimulates the successful formation of intellectual operations in children of primary school age and the development of intellectual abilities. The peculiarities of conducting classes in which junior schoolchildren solve project problems are characterized. As an example, a description of a lesson on the implementation by fourth grade students of the final annual work aimed at implementing the previously mastered skills to solve design problems is given. In turn, this ensures the readiness of schoolchildren in the future to think and act not according to a template both in a non-standard educational situation and in a problematic life situation.

The article reveals the essence of the concept of "educational independence", which became a subject of study back in the 19th century. and remains one of the most pressing problems of modern education. The main criteria for its formation have been determined. Approaches to the formation of educational independence in younger students are considered. The idea is substantiated that the project task is an effective means of developing the educational independence of students. Specific examples of assignments for solving design problems with the aim of developing educational independence of primary schoolchildren are given.

The article raises the problem of the formation of the search activity of younger schoolchildren and the formation of their subjective position in learning. The essence of the concept of “educational task” is revealed as a component of educational activity. The structure of the lesson is described, in the process of which the skills of younger schoolchildren to solve educational problems that are aimed at mastering generalized methods of objective actions are formed. This provides the opportunity for students to master the system of scientific concepts that allows selfdevelopment and self-learning. A concrete example of solving the educational problem in the lesson of the Russian language in the second grade is given.

The article raises the problem of the formation of the search activity of younger schoolchildren and the formation of their subjective position in learning. The essence of the concept of “educational task” is revealed as a component of educational activity. The structure of the lesson is described, in the process of which the skills of younger schoolchildren to solve educational problems that are aimed at mastering generalized methods of objective actions are formed. This provides the opportunity for students to master the system of scientific concepts that allows selfdevelopment and self-learning. A concrete example of solving the educational problem in the lesson of the Russian language in the second grade is given.

The article reveals the essence of the concept of “educational independence”, which became a subject of study back in the 19th century. and remains one of the most pressing problems of modern education. The main criteria for its formation have been determined. Approaches to the formation of educational independence in younger students are considered. The idea is substantiated that the project task is an effective means of developing the educational independence of students. Specific examples of assignments for solving design problems with the aim of developing educational independence of primary schoolchildren are given.