Nurturing Young Children as Spiritual Beings in a Globalized World - by Elizabeth Rouse & Brendan Hyde & Tony Eaude (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book brings together leading academics and practitioners to provide research-informed strategies for nurturing young children as spiritual beings.Globalization and performativity have led to a narrowing of education in early years settings and schools, and this book considers the types of knowledge and capabilities children and educators need to address the challenges this presents. The chapters explore and critique existing practices in a range of areas including sustainability, inclusion, relationships with parents, ethics of care, and the role of the arts. Written by contributors based in Australia, Canada, Malta, Norway, the UK and the USA, the book offers theoretical discussion and practical strategies to help educators nurture young children's spirituality emphasising holistic approaches and caring relationships as an antidote to current neoliberal discourse.

Review Quotes

A thought-provoking read for all educators, leaders and researchers in early childhood. The editors have curated a collection of chapters that challenge the dominant culture of globalization and performativity by re-orienting the vision of the child as a spiritual-being. The chapters weave together the case for spirituality in its myriad of experiences and expressions in childhood, drawn together by the common thread of questioning assumptions whilst promoting the spiritual child.

This is a well-timed and well-researched book which, through a spiritual lens, will inform policies and practices in Early Childhood Education. It reminds educators of their ethical responsibility to encourage respectful and authentic relationships, thereby nurturing the whole child and promoting learning and wellbeing for all children in their care.

This is an important volume for the field of Early Childhood internationally. With the voice of the child central to the premise, it presents a range of insights and practices that highlight how practitioners might encourage young children to navigate identity and relationships within an increasingly complex world.

About the Author

Elizabeth Rouse is Associate Professor in Education, Early Childhood at Deakin University, Australia.

Brendan Hyde is Senior Lecturer in Education, Pedagogy and Curriculum at Deakin University, Australia.

Tony Eaude is an independent researcher, affiliated with Oxford University, UK.