The first years are critical, a pivotal time when children have powerful curiosity, exuberance for learning, and make strong connections through their experiences. This is also when a child's attitudes, values and perceptions are formed: 'Do I belong here?', 'Am I good enough?' Our grasp of how children learn has developed sharply in recent years. Nurseries and schools constantly review their approach, but churches frequently employ antiquated practices. Many alienate children because our methods don't meet their needs, and because we don't realise that some of the strongest messages are hidden. We are inoculating our children against church. The intention is to challenge churches about their children's work; to inform children's workers about the latest research; and to provide practical ideas. The authors suggest ways of providing relevant experiences and developing children's creativity, so that children's encounters with church is positive and enriching.

How to create a church environment that is child-friendly and takes proper account of the way children learn and perceive.

About the Author
Carrie Kingston is Senior Lecturer in Early Years at the School of Education, Bath Spa University. A mother, professional educator and children's church worker, Carrie has a breadth of experience in the area of child development. Isobel MacDougall is a teacher and researcher in early years education. Having completed a master's degree in Early Years Education, she is working on an MPhil in Education and Culture. Originally a primary school teacher, she has been a lecturer for over 20 years, training people to work with children from birth to eight years.


Book Information
ISBN 9780857210296
Author Carrie Kingston
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Monarch Books
Publisher SPCK Publishing
Weight(grams) 391g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 172mm * 14mm