Description: This unit explores the historical and current interest in the spiritual life and development of children. It examines links between Scripture, theological thought, spiritual and psychological development, neurobiology and ministry with children. The unit seeks to develop a more informed ministry of pastoral care through religious education.

 

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of the unit student will be able to:

1 Demonstrate awareness and an informed critique of a range of view relating to the development of spirituality in children.;
2 Identify aspects of church life, ministry and pastoral care where the experiences of children can be recognised and valued;
3 Recognise, articulate and integrate within a practice framework the pastoral significance of love for the self, the other, the environment and the Divine as part of spirituality in the life of the child.
4 Reflect on and demonstrate an ability to integrate spiritual experiences in life from childhood to the present.
5. Demonstrate a capacity to critique and integrate, in reflection and practice, sound educational theory and theories of faith development.

Corequisites                           None

Prohibited Combinations          None

 

Assessment:

(second level)
One 2,000 word essay 50% (Learning Outcomes Assessed 1, 3)
One 2,000 word tutorial paper 50% (Learning Outcomes Assessed 2 ,4)

(3rd level)
One 2,500 word essay 50% (Learning Outcomes Assessed 1, 3, 5)
One 2,500 word tutorial paper 50% (Learning Outcomes Assessed 2 ,4, 5)

Recommended Reading:

Allen, H., (ed) (2008) Nurturing children's spirituality Oregon: Cascade
Berryman, J., (2002) The complete guide to Godly Play Colorado: Moorehouse
Berryman, J., (2009) Children and the theologians New York: Moorehouse
Boyle, E., (2007) Science as sacred metaphor Minnesota: Liturgical Press
Buckland, R., (2001) Children and the gospel Gosford NSW: Scripture Union
Coles, R., (1990) The spiritual life of children Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Collier, J. (ed) (2009) Toddling to the kingdom London: Child Theology Movement
Fowler, J., (1981) Faith development through the family life cycle San Francisco: Harper and Row
Groome, T., (1998) Educating for life: A spiritual vision for every teacher and parent New York: Crossroad
Hart, T., (2003) The secret spiritual world of children Canada: Transcontinental
Hay, D. & Nye, R., (1998) The spirit of the child London: Harper Collins
Hughes, D., (2007) Attachment focused family therapy New York: Norton
Hughes, P., (2007) Putting life together Victoria: Open Book
Hyde, B., (2008) Children and spirituality London: JKP
Jensen, D., (2005) Graced vulnerability Cleveland: Pilgrim Press
Miller-McLemore, B., (2007) In the midst of chaos: Care of children as spiritual practice San Franscisco: Jossey-Bass.
Nye, R., (2009) Children's spirituality London: Church House
Moltmann, J., (2003) Science and wisdom Minneapolis: Fortress
Moltmann, J., (2007) Experiences of God Minneapolis: Fortress
Mountain, V., (2007) "Educational contexts for the development of children's spirituality: exploring the use of imagination" in International journal of children's spirituality UK: Taylor and Francis
Mountain, V., (2008) Research into children's perception of prayer Saarbrucken: VDM
Richards, A. & Privett, P.,(2009) Through the eyes of a child London: Church House
Siegel, D., & Hartzell (2004) Parenting from the inside out New York: Penguin
Stonehouse, C., (1998) Joining children on the spiritual journey Grand Rapids: Bridge Point
Yust, K., (2004) Real kids, real faith San Francisco: Jossey-Bass