Share new perspectives on how to nurture the emergence of moral values in the young child
You are invited to join an ISSA Peer Learning Activity (PLA) that will take place in Bucharest, Romania, February 10-11, 2020, led by the Neohumanist Education Association (Romania) and Zonnelicht Kindergarten (Netherlands). This is an exchange of experience specifically designed for ISSA members, who can apply for funding that will cover their participation. There are also a limited number of places available to people from outside of the ISSA network, or from the local Romanian educational community, but they will have to cover their own expenses.
Exploring the emergence of morality:
- If we see the child as a competent learner, how does this shift our understanding and practice of moral education?
- Is moral education a necessity in the modern world?
- Is morality a socially imposed construct, or inherent to human nature? If inherent, what are the educational implications?
- How can educators help children to develop and listen to their moral compass?
In this Peer Learning Experience, early childhood education experts and leaders will meet to discuss and reflect on best practices in supporting young children to develop their own inner compass of moral values.
Nurturing Intrinsic Morality vs. Imposed Morality
In the past, especially in authoritarian forms of education, moral education tended to rely on fear-based approaches to impose moral values from the outside. Traditional religions were also a source of moral education, however, their influence has faded as educational systems become increasingly secular.
Fresh approach
Fresh approaches are needed that aid young children in developing a reliable inner compass to navigate an increasingly sophisticated and complex world. How can we support children in finding their sense of self-hood and their ability to make wise, empathic, pro-social choices?
Yolande Koning, the director of the Zonnelicht kindergarten a Neohumanist kindergarten has more than 30 years of experience in developing innovative approaches to moral education with young children. Together with Didi Devapriya from the Neohumanist Education Association in Romania, they have compiled practical approaches that early childhood educators can use to support the emergence of the self and intrinsic moral values.
How to sign up?
During this peer learning experience, they will share the results of their collaboration and invite debate and discussion on the topic with educators from Romania and at least five other ISSA member countries.
To find out more information and sign up for the PLA, please contact Didi: didi (at) amurtel.ro
Participants will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis.
Registration Deadline
The deadline for registration is January 31.
Costs included for ISSA members:
Travel costs up to 250 euros, and accommodation for 3 nights in Bucharest and meals during the meeting will be covered for members of the ISSA Network.
To find out more information and sign up for the PLA, please contact Didi: didi (at) amurtel.ro
