Spirituality as a philosophy of practice for very young children

Abstract

Samoan proverbial statements utilised in everyday experiences support and conceptualise the importance of spirituality in our lives. This paper describes a Samoan approach and conceptualisations to spirituality which may assist in informing curriculum for childhood educational programmes for very young children As this is an important quality in Pasifika early childhood education, spirituality as a philosophy of practice is complex. It is grounded in Samoan spiritual values and beliefs, culture, our own creation tales, our past histories that have been influenced by missionaries, post modern beliefs and practices and our migration into Aotearoa New Zealand.(McDonald, 2004; Tui Atua, 2005, Tamasese et al, 2005; Betham, 2008; Toso, 2008; Airini et al, 2010). The description of Samoan approaches to spirituality is outlined to inform practices in early childhood services and expand the body of knowledge about what underpins the philosophy, content and pedagogical knowledge of Pasifika early childhood education. Spirituality cannot be separated but integrated with all other values of the Samoan culture and constitute pedagogical content knowledge in early childhood education.