Children's Spirituality: How Are Early Childhood Educators Supporting the Whole Child?

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Spirituality & Education Roundtable Session

Abstract

Based on a holistic approach to childhood development, this study presents an online survey instrument designed to be distributed to in-service educators working with children between ages birth to eight, in order to determine what is being done in classrooms to support and nurture children’s spirituality. This paper focuses on the qualitative analysis and findings from the five open-ended questions asked in the survey designed. After surveying 33 in-service educators, it was found that they consider children's spirituality important and actively and explicitly plan for activities and experiences to support it. Some of these experiences include contemplative practices, activities that promote creative expressions, are related to nature, and offer opportunities to foster connections to others and self.

Authors

• Jennifer Mata-McMahon, DePaul University

• Michael J Haslip, Drexel University

• Deborah L. Schein, Champlain College