Comments from Alan Grant, Consultant Religious Education, Archdiocese of Wellington
Alan Grant shared what he noticed in a visit that he made to St Mary’s Preschool, Blenheim. He saw in the children the wonder of our God, as expressed by the children as they spontaneously commented on the works God creates, and their joy in the celebration of Church feasts.
Alan has connections with other early childhood services also, and he noted how the children, bringing home their faith attitudes from their early childhood learning service, really act in an evangelising role for their parents, awakening or reawakening faith and commitment within their family.
He mentioned children’s comments reported to him by parents: “How wonderful that God was able to make that island (Kāpiti) over there in the sea.” “We are so lucky to see God’s beautiful rainbows.” He is aware also that children bring the karakia mō te kai (grace before meals) home and in some families mealtimes have changed as a result of this. Early childhood teachers make a great difference for everyone associated with their service!
He has also seen an idea worth copying: a mural of Jesus the Good Shepherd, with his arms outstretched, for which children made sheep and other animals to be placed on or at the bottom of the mural.