Spiritual Education and Practices in Early Childhood According to Waldorf Approach

Year 2023, Volume: 10 Issue: 2, 710 - 736, 15.09.2023

Kübra Yıldız , Aybiçe Tosun

https://doi.org/10.51702/esoguifd.1308375

Cited By: 1

Abstract

The Waldorf approach emphasizes a holistic perspective on supporting the child's physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual development. Spiritual education and practices enable children to explore their inner worlds, establish a connection with nature, and enhance their imaginative abilities. Instead of focusing on specific religions or belief systems, this approach aims to cultivate a deep sense of awareness about the universe and life. This article aims to provide a general overview of spiritual education and practices in early childhood according to the Waldorf approach. The research, which preferred a qualitative research methodology, utilized document analysis and interview methods. Interviews conducted with nine early childhood educators who have completed Waldorf early childhood teacher training were compiled and thematically analyzed. The research findings indicate that the Waldorf approach places great importance on supporting spiritual development in early childhood. Activities such as making toys with natural materials, going on nature walks, and celebrating seasonal events are believed to enrich children's sensory experiences and stimulate their creativity. Efforts are made to provide a nurturing environment where children can establish a connection with nature, explore their inner worlds, and develop feelings of wonder and respect. This approach offers valuable insights for educators, parents, and researchers who seek to promote spiritual well-being and holistic development in early childhood.

Keywords

Religious Education, Early Childhood, Waldorf Approach, Spirituality, Spiritual Education

Waldorf Yaklaşımına Göre Erken Çocukluk Döneminde Spiritüel Eğitim ve Uygulamalar

Abstract

Waldorf yaklaşımı çocuğun fiziksel, bilişsel, duygusal, sosyal ve spiritüel gelişimini destekleme konusunda bütüncül bir perspektifi vurgulamaktadır. Spiritüel eğitim ve uygulamalar, çocukların iç dünyalarını keşfetmelerine, doğa ile bağlantı kurmalarına ve hayal güçlerini geliştirmelerine olanak sağlamaktadır. Belirli din veya inanç sistemlerine odaklanmak yerine, bu yaklaşım evren ve yaşam hakkında derin bir farkındalık duygusu oluşturmaya odaklanmaktadır. Bu makale, Waldorf yaklaşımına göre erken çocukluk döneminde spiritüel eğitim ve uygulamalara ilişkin genel bir bakış sunmayı amaçlamaktadır. Nitel araştırma metodolojilerinden fenomenolojik yöntemin tercih edildiği araştırmada doküman analizi ve görüşme yöntemlerinden yararlanılmıştır. Waldorf erken çocukluk eğitimini tamamlamış dokuz eğitmen ile yapılan görüşmeler derlenerek tematik şekilde analiz edilmiş ve ilgili literatür kapsamında değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırma bulgularına göre Waldorf yaklaşımında erken çocukluk dönemi spiritüel gelişimini desteklemeye büyük önem verilmektedir. Doğal malzemelerle oyuncak yapma, doğa yürüyüşlerine çıkma ve mevsimsel etkinlikleri kutlama gibi etkinliklerin çocukların duyusal deneyimlerini zenginleştirdiği ve yaratıcılıklarını uyardığı düşüncesiyle hareket edilmektedir. Çocukların doğa ile bağlantı kurabilecekleri, iç dünyalarını keşfedebilecekleri, hayranlık ve saygı duyguları geliştirebilecekleri bir besleyici ortam sağlamaya özen gösterilmektedir. Bu yaklaşım, erken çocukluk döneminde spiritüel iyi oluşu ve bütüncül gelişimi teşvik etmek isteyen eğitimciler, ebeveynler ve araştırmacılar için değerli öneriler sunmaktadır.

Keywords

Din Eğitimi, Erken Çocukluk, Waldorf Yaklaşımı, Spiritüellik, Spiritüel Eğitim

Supporting Institution

Bu makale; Doç. Dr. Aybiçe TOSUN danışmanlığında, Kübra YILDIZ tarafından 2023 yılında tamamlanan “Erken Çocukluk Döneminde Manevi Eğitim: Waldorf Eğitimi Örneği' isimli doktora tezinin bir bölümüdür.

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