8 May 2024

A Biblical Approach

By AEE Group

The biblical way of teaching is to teach children to love the Lord with all their heart, soul and might while educating them wholly: physically, mentally and spiritually. Preschool programmes, especially, often focus on cognitive, physical and social development, overlooking the spiritual dimension of children’s development.

Children grow up in a diverse, complex and often challenging world. With this in mind, researchers have begun to, increasingly, promote preschool curricula that embrace a whole-child approach that not only nurtures the mind, but also the heart and spirit.

The components of a whole-child curriculum

Early childhood is a time when children are naturally curious and eager to explore their environment. It is a short period of profound significance where the foundation for a child's physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual development is established.

Identity and purpose, according to God’s plan, should be at the core of a programme that also builds build foundational skills such as language, literacy, numeracy and problem-solving. Carefully selected activities and play-to-learn opportunities, combined with biblical principles and Christian role models, will effectively maximise early learning opportunities.  Neuroscience shows us that the brain is extremely adaptive during this phase. Neural connections form at an extraordinary rate and provide the basis for future learning, behaviour and cognitive abilities. Ongoing studies have consistently shown that experiences during the early years of a child’s life have lasting effects on an individual's physical and mental health, educational attainment, employment prospects and overall well-being.

How is a biblical ECD programme any different?

A standard preschool curriculum focuses on early academic achievements, physical milestones and social behaviours. An authentic Christian programme intentionally ensures that spiritual growth is equally important and recognises that young children think of God in a personal way. They understand that God is perfect and the Creator. They can sense God's greatness when they discover and comprehend the wonderful way that God made and sustains everything.

A Christian programme encourages them to discover the amazing potential that each of them has for a fulfilled productive life if they base their decisions and actions upon a commitment to Jesus Christ and His way of doing things. They are often puzzled, asking big questions that should be brought into the learning environment.  Is God more powerful than the whale in the ocean? Can animals also feel emotions? Who am I? They are also impacted by the wonderful nature of God as they learn about creation and incredible way the world works, which is the basis of a later understanding of science and the intricate detail of creation.

In a Christian environment, children not only associate God with things that are good, true and beautiful, but also learn to trust Him through seeing family, teachers and friends praying, having empathy towards others and living in faith.

Establishing the JOY! of learning

Early Childhood Learning Programmes immersed in the Word of God do exist, are accessible and can be efficiently implemented. One such programme is JOY!

JOY! is a programme that has been designed to provide the 21st-century child with opportunities to learn, explore, form and test ideas, be creative, solve problems and become a confident, unique, purpose-filled young learners with character and integrity. The programme is aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for children birth to four years (NCF) and integrates all six Early Learning and Development Areas (ELDAs). It is a 36-week, themed programme that provides schools with all the necessary materials and teacher instructions. JOY! facilitates a fun environment where practical hands-on opportunities are the main tools of instruction, encouraging young learners to use their senses through play, exploration and discovery.

At the heart of the programme are the character traits of Jesus, helping each child steadily gain insight and understanding of their Creator and the amazing world He has created for them to enjoy and take care of, and how to make age-appropriate choices that will allow them to fulfil His plans and purposes for their lives.

Understanding how the world works as God intended it to, children begin to grasp the idea that they have the responsibility to take care of it all. This fills them with a sense of hope and purpose, knowing how important they are in God’s plans and purposes as they journey into the future.

In a country where education is profoundly challenged and quality ECD programmes are not reaching the majority, we must intentionally work to rescue entire generations at risk of the long-lasting negative implications of a deprived early childhood learning experience. Christian’s need to turn the tide on illiteracy, stunted development, and hopelessness through education as God intended. Churches can be part of the solution by establishing wonderful early learning centres on their properties and provide the incredible gift on Chrisitan education in these critical formative years.

If you would like to find out more about establishing an Early Learning Centre, the JOY! programme or anything about authentic Christian education, please contact Accelerated Education Enterprises on 087 820 4858 or www.aeegroup.co.za