A Kindness to the Children

Spirituality and Self in Preadolescents: Implications for a connected curriculum

“…To further develop an understanding of the connections between spirituality and scholarship, educators need to re ect upon the moments of meaning in their own learning and teaching. In line with Bakhtin (1986) and Paley (1999), the spiritual event is the act itself, the story, and the response of the listener.…”

“…Whether the spiritual dimension is contained within us, or whether it transcends us is irrelevant. A spiritual dimension includes an awareness of the 'genuine' or the kindness and goodness in ourselves and others (Paley, 1999;Plunkett, 1990). In turn, this awareness enables us to open our hearts and minds to spiritual insight and gives us grounds for hope and ful lment.…”

“…6. ) According to Paley (1999), the spiritual event is the act itself, the story, and the response of the listener. All spiritual events share the common notions of a victory for goodness, for connectedness to others and a new perspective is gained on the struggle to overcome loneliness.…”

Revisiting Fairy Tales

“…The godfather hides under a blanket and, after interpreting the other visions, denies that he has horns: "Now, that's just not true," he says, and the story is over! Vivian Gussin Paley (1990Paley ( , 1999, a distinguished McArthur prize-winning writer on young children's story creation and on their impromptu performances of their 8 REVIEW ESSAY own stories, and Selma Fraiberg (1959), beloved author of The Magic Years, a classic text on child psychology, would, I feel certain, detect-in this tale-the form of narration plotted by children who spring for vivid imagery with no concern for binding logic. A primal mode of narration, not, perhaps, altogether different from free association.…”

Everyday Spirituality: An Aspect of the Holistic Curriculum in Action

“…This implies a secular vision, although they constantly affirm connection, networking and relationships, 'new perspectives, different ways of thinking, alternative possibilities'. Others may see in early childhood settings an opportunity to reconstruct paradise, a return to the garden, a version of heaven on earth (Paley, 1999). Writing from the cultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand, the inclusion of spirituality affirms the Māori concept of mauri: the animating lifeforce in all things (Pere, 1991).…”