Focus on faith in early learning
News
‘Explore, wonder, connect’ are the key themes of a new booklet that is supporting early learning educators in their mission to nurture faith and curiosity with young children.<br /> Launched by Catholic Education SA in May, the booklet fills a gap that previously existed in resources and provides a consistent message about Catholic identity for all early learning educators.
Launched by Catholic Education SA in May, the booklet fills a gap that previously existed in resources and provides a consistent message about Catholic identity for all early learning educators.
Written in simple, accessible language, it covers three themes – exploring sacred spaces and symbols; wondering about God and spirituality; and connecting to the Catholic story.
Marcia Burgess and Sue Coghlan, education advisors in CESA’s Religious Education Curriculum Team, worked on developing the new publication for about 18 months, consulting with early learning leaders on their needs when integrating Catholic identity and mission into all aspects of early childhood education.
“It is basically a guide for educators to illuminate, explore, wonder and connect with the Catholic story,” said Marcia.
The booklet has already been distributed to CESA early learning settings as well as to CESA-supported playgroups around the State. It has been shared with principals and religious leaders and will be shared with an international audience at the Australian Catholic Education Conference to be held in August.
“The feedback has been very positive and there has been a lot of enthusiasm about where it may be a useful resource in other settings,” Sue said.
Co-director at Nazareth Early Childhood Centre, Joanne Bird, said the guide was a great tool for educators at the Findon centre, inspiring them to “look more deeply into the provocations in the booklet and make a more authentic connection with the everyday experience of Catholic identity”.
She added that the booklet was applicable to nurturing Catholic identity “from babies through to pre-school children”.
Assistant director Aurianne Warley said having “clear messaging” would give educators the confidence to start discussions about God and Catholic traditions.
“It means they can connect in a meaningful way and bring their own experiences (of faith) with a personal approach,” she said.
In their introduction to the booklet, CESA executive director Dr Neil McGoran and Port Pirie Diocesan director Nichii Mardon outline CESA’s commitment to providing ‘faith-filled environments that integrate our Catholic identity and mission into all aspects of early childhood education’.
‘This booklet provides foundational information that guides educators in CESA early learning settings to nurture the spiritual growth of children. It serves as a valuable resource to promote rich discussion about how children can be invited to explore, wonder and connect with the Catholic tradition,’ they write.
