Book Description

A multifaceted approach seemed appropriate for this study, the purpose of which was to investigate the teaching of Catholic Religious Education in Early Years. The methodology used was eclectic and designed to accommodate the exploratory nature of the investigation. The elements of the study consisted of activities with the children participating in the study, interviews with the diocesan Re co-ordinator, principals, teachers and parents, in conjunction with questionnaires for teachers and second class pupils. Other elements of the study involved surveys of classrooms and schools, and data obtained from available documents and religious textbooks. The results of the childrenʼs activities demonstrated that the majority of the Irish Catholic children studied have a positive attitude toward religious education. The comparison of the current Irish Catholic RE programme with other programmes showed that the programme is child-centred and attempts to foster childrenʼs faith. Interviews with the principals, teachers and parents also suggested a positive attitude toward RE on the part of the significant adults in these childrenʼs lives. The childrenʼs attitudes were interpreted as potential interest, waiting to be developed. The study concluded that a partnership approach to Catholic religious education is now needed. This partnership should include children, parents, teachers, clergy and the local parish community and is needed to support parents in their role as primary educators of their children, especially with respect to religious education. Finally, some recommendations are made with regard to the development of a more home and parish-based religious education for young children.