Nurturing children's spirituality through 'silence'

Abstract

Are early years’ children spiritual? How can we measure spirituality at this age? How can we direct children towards spirituality? Do mindful practices clue the way? Does ‘silence’ contribute to children’s spirituality and holistic development? Since this is still quite an area that has not been sufficiently researched yet, I first studied and analysed well the research works that are available, mainly those of Elaine Champagne, Angelo Caranfa, David Hay and Rebecca Nye. After delving into correlated literature it was premeditated six weeks of auto-ethnography action research where I carried out naturalistic observations during my own practice as an early childhood educator. During these six weeks the Tibetan Bell, meditation music and candle light where used, in order to lead children into ‘silence’ in the light of nurturing and studying their spiritual development. I observed the interactions of the children in class; their behaviour, their comments, their attitude whether calm or restless, their concentration span and their silence. To make sure that I document detail I used a photo camera and premeditated observation sheets which were destroyed after results were documented. After the six weeks it was time to acknowledge the findings and analyse the results by comparing and enhancing arguments in view of prior related literature. I discussed the findings and concluded accordingly. Children are indeed spiritual, more than we may believe. After delving this area I assert the responsibility to express that children are naturally spiritual and nurturing their spirits is only our responsibility as the caring adults. Through this research we’ll learn how ‘silence’ helped nurture the children holistically.