Interrogating the Spiritual as Constructed in Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia

Abstract

AUSTRALIA'S FIRST DOCUMENT TO articulate a national approach to learning for young children in care, Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (DEEWR, 2009) makes several references to the spiritual aspects of children's learning and their lives. It also assigns early childhood educators particular roles associated with that spiritual aspect. These are significant inclusions that deserve closer attention. What is the nature of the spiritual aspects of children's lives and learning, and further, what is the nature of educators' roles in responding to these spiritual aspects? This paper reports on research that interrogates how the Early Years Learning Framework refers to children's spirituality.