Development of spiritual literacy of children by educators in forest preschool education
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19223924 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jitka Patakiová (Tomas Bata University in Zlin), Jitka Musilová (Tomas Bata University in Zlin), Ivo Jirásek (0000-0003-1244-5237, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-18 |
| Publication date | 2026-02-28 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Children s Spirituality (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1364-436X • E-ISSN: 1469-8455 |
| Publisher | Routledge (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/1364436x.2026.2638208 |
| OpenAlex | W7133999931 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 31 |
The study presents the results of qualitative research into the concept of spiritual literacy as understood by forest preschool educators and its integration into educational processes. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The main thematic motifs highlight the personal journey towards spirituality, the perception of spirituality, the specifics of children’s spirituality, a love for nature, and the development of spiritual literacy in preschool education. The findings indicate that some educators regard spiritual literacy as an important element of children’s personal development, while others focus more on practical activities related to nature and creative learning. The integration of spiritual literacy into the educational process is understood as a means to support the overall development of the child and to enhance their personal and social skills
Breastfeeding · Early childhood education · Emergent literacy · Literacy · Preschool education · Spiritual development · Education, Innovation and Language Studies · Educational Challenges and Innovations · Values and Moral Education
Interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Enacting a spiritual pedagogy in the early years
One teacher’s journey towards a spiritual pedagogy – an auto ethnographical narrative of epistemological beliefs and practice
Spirituality and creativity in the early childhood context
Spiritual literacy
Children’s spirituality, life and values education
Finding connections between spirituality and play for early childhood education
‘I saw the universe and I saw the world’
Pedagogical growth journeys
The potential of ‘wonder’ to engage children’s spirituality
Music as expression of children’s spirituality
Exploring trauma, loss and healing
Earthing spiritual literacy
Environmental and outdoor education in preschool through family camping
Spirituality in science education
Nature-Based Recreation and Spirituality
The Impact of Families Camping Together
Education as Mediation Between Child and World
Readdressing Spiritual Growth
Awe, the small self, and prosocial behavior
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |