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.