Navigating the Spiritual Dimension of Childhood: Theory, Pedagogy and Practice

Navigating the Spiritual Dimension of Childhood: Theory, Pedagogy and Practice

Focusing on enhancing spiritual development, this book guides educators in thoughtful pedagogy and practice to encourage and recognise young children’s spirituality in everyday educational settings. Young children’s innate spirituality is an integral part of their everyday lives, as well as their personal growth and development. This book draws on the Reggio Emilia approach to develop an environment that will nurture the spiritual expression of children. Based on qualitative research, the book presents children’s expression of spirituality through flow, creativity, imagination, caring or empathy towards another, attraction to nature and natural phenomena, joy, wonder and awe, curiosity and engagement. It guides the reader in creating environments in which children explore, discover and play, and where spiritual expression can manifest and be nurtured. Each chapter concludes with a variety of practical suggestions to support the reader in noticing and nurturing spirituality in children. Drawing on interdisciplinary research and perspectives, this accessible book is written for pre-service and in-service educators alike, offering an inspiring way to recontextualise childhood and design pedagogy. “With this book, Helena Card offers an antidote to the messages of efficiency, standardisation and scripted programmes that are too evident in today’s educational landscape. It challenges the educator to critically reflect on the role of education and the kind of educator they want to be. Learning stories bring theory to life, helping the reader to recognise the child’s spirituality in the everyday and also imagine new possibilities. Guiding questions support the reader to reflect on their pedagogical practices and to connect to mission and purpose: to their own spirituality.” Lisa Burman , Pedagogical Consultant, Author and Speaker “A beautifully written intersecting tapestry of ideas between the Reggio Emilia Educational Project and the witnessing of spirituality as told through the eyes of children, adults, the environment, and the researcher. This book will become a treasured resource for those in both faith-based and secular educational settings. As an academic, I can also visualise its place in teacher education courses, particularly when investigating the role of spirituality in young children's emotional well being in these increasingly troubled times.” Deborah Harcourt PhD, MEd, BEd, DipT, MACE, Asia Pacific Early Childhood Consultants Helena Card is an educator with over 35 years of experience, as a classroom teacher and in significant leadership roles. For many years, she has been involved in facilitating educational workshops and professional development sessions for educators. Recently, Helena has been dedicated to research in early childhood education and completed a Master’s by Research thesis. At this point in her educational career, Helena has come to understand and believe that spirituality is an integral part of childhood; it is the way that children express themselves and learn.