Spirituality and child protection in early childhood education: a strengths approach
In recent international and Australian early childhood curriculum guidelines and child-protection policies, the need for teachers of young children to foster spirituality has been highlighted. However, what this might mean in practice has not been widely explored. This article addresses the more con...
| Published in: | International journal of children's spirituality |
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| Authors: | ; |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis
[2015]
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| In: |
International journal of children's spirituality
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| RelBib Classification: | AG Religious life; material religion AH Religious education CB Christian life; spirituality RF Christian education; catechetics ZD Psychology |
| Further subjects: | B
Spirituality
B spiritual abuse B strengths approach B Early Childhood B Resilience |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (Verlag) |
| Summary: | In recent international and Australian early childhood curriculum guidelines and child-protection policies, the need for teachers of young children to foster spirituality has been highlighted. However, what this might mean in practice has not been widely explored. This article addresses the more controversial issue of spiritual abuse and the right of children to protection in terms of spiritual development. We present a critique of current definitions taken from research and policy documents. Qualitative data provide the research background. Vignettes are presented to give examples of what spiritual harm might look like in practice. Finally, a strengths-based approach is introduced and strategies are suggested in order to explore the potential of the Strengths Approach (a social justice approach originating from social service practice) to aid early years' teachers to create spiritually protective learning environments. This approach recognises and values children's holistic development and wellbeing and supports them to appreciate, engage with and question the world around them with a resilient spirit. |
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| ISSN: | 1469-8455 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: International journal of children's spirituality
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1080/1364436X.2015.1030594 |