In thinking about this assignment, I found my imagination running wild actually. There were so many ideas that I had, many of which made absolutely no sense at all, however I believe that’s the joy in the process of creative thinking!
So in my imaginative research world, I would choose “spirituality” in the early childhood field. I would want to research the benefits of children learning about the diverse range of spiritual beliefs and practices share throughout the world at an early age. My research would involve giving children a choice in what spiritual beliefs they would like to follow or learn more about, as well as have the families support this decision and process for a specific length of time.
I can imagine the positive contributions would revolve around children and families that are spiritually in tune with one another creating a sense of respect, peace, harmony, and love amongst the families involved in the study. I would also like to imagine that from this research the participants would share the positive effects of the study and others including early childhood programs would want to follow and adapt this new culture of opening up the “choice” door for children in regards to their spiritual beliefs instead of not giving children a choice to develop their own personal spiritual beliefs and practices at an early age. Adults would support children through out the process, giving guidance as needed. Taking it a step further, children would share with one another about their beliefs and learn to accept and appreciate the views of other children who do not share their same spiritual beliefs.
Imagine that…
I really appreciate your imaginative topic. Spirtuality is of great importance and as it is said in the bible train up a child in the way that you would have the go so when they get older they will not depart. The early childhood setting is one of the most impressionable places and would be an exception place to focus on spirtuality. Good job!!!
ReplyDeleteTasha, what an interesting topic to research. I would be very curious what these results would conclude; moreover, I would be interested to see how families would accept they child's chosen spiritual route. You definitely have me wondering of the potential benefits that this study may encounter! Thanks for your post!!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I firmly agree that children should learn to respect the diverse spiritual beliefs, I question we as early childhood practitioners should assume the role of exposing children to different religions and then asking them to choose the one they like. A child may say he/ she likes a particular religion based on concrete elements associated with the religion rather than an actual experience or conversion. But,like Kvonya said, this would be interesting.
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Cheryl Byrd
Wow! This is a great topic to research I would have never thought about it before. That is why we are here to learn together. I would love to see where you would go from here on that subject. Spiritualiity is something that is always left behind when in comes to the classroom similiar to the 10 Commandments being removed from the classroom.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Stapleton-Tuhy
I actually laughed while reading your blog, however you make an excellent point. If children learned to respect but not neccessarily agree with their peers spiritual beliefs and ideas then they will grow up to be adults who practice this great habit. I remember as a child when we said prayers as a class before we ate, but now its such a sensitive subject when we bring God into the situation. I wish things could go back to the way they were, we just need to figure out how to implement such additions to the class with respect for everyone.
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