Faith in Children : Stories from Faith-Based Children's Centers

by Owens, Roberta R.

• ISBN13: 9781577363859
• ISBN10: 157736385X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-04-26
• Publisher: Providence House Pub

Summary

"Faith in Children" provides a beautiful and inspiring collection of stories and wisdom from families, teachers, and directors in faith-based preschools and child care centers. With chapters written by more than twenty educators and parents, the collection honors those who provide children with nurturing and enriching learning environments, and encourages others to do the same. Divided into sections on different themes such as peace, service, and celebration, each chapter includes stories and is followed by challenging ideas for discussion and action. Filled with insight from experienced leaders and teachers, "Faith in Children" demonstrates how to actively incorporate the principles of faith in preschool settings.

Author Biography

ROBERTA R. OWENS earned a bachelor's degree from Westmar College in Iowa and a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University in Illinois. Owens has worked with children and for the improvement of child care programs for more than thirty-five years. Among other awards, Owen's received the A. Heath Onthank Award, the highest honor presented to county and school system employees for outstanding contributions to the advancement and improvement of public services in Fairfax County, Virginia. Owens is the founder of Legacy of Caring, a nonprofit organization that advances quality education and care for young children and their families, as well as providing resources and support for teachers and administrators of educational programs. She resides in Valdosta, Georgia.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. xi
Acknowledgments	p. xv
Stories of Service
Introduction	p. 3
Meet A. J.: A Parents' Letter Introducing Their Son to Other Parents	p. 8
The Blessings of Children with Special Needs	p. 13
Caring for Children During Disasters	p. 21
The Ministry of a Children's Center	p. 28
Stories of Peace
Introduction	p. 43
Harmony with Children	p. 48
Peaceful Work and Play	p. 56
The Legacy of Teaching	p. 60
Children's Notes of Comfort to a Grieving Preschool Volunteer	p. 69
Stories of Celebration and Blessing
Introduction	p. 77
Music for the Youngest of Children	p. 81
Celebrating Children's Good Choices	p. 86
Get Together Times, Special Celebrations, and Reasons to Celebrate	p. 92
Healing Waters to Bless the Children of the Tsunamis	p. 105
Blessings for the Children's Souls	p. 109
Stories of Stewardship
Introduction	p. 117
Building a Caring Community Through Family Involvement	p. 120
Friendships Through the Ages	p. 126
Intergenerational Volunteers: A Legacy of Love	p. 129
Sharing Church Space: A Preschool Teacher's Letters to the Sunday School Teachers and Class	p. 141
Sense and Dollars: Creating a Culture of Service	p. 143
The Different Qualities of Treats and Gifts	p. 147
Philanthropy Through the Eyes of a Child	p. 150
Stories of Faith
Introduction	p. 161
A Preschool of Grace	p. 164
Learning Our Faith Throughout the Curriculum	p. 169
God Is In the Sandbox	p. 173
Applying Our Faith in Loving and Caring Actions	p. 178
Faith in the Face of Disappointment and Loss	p. 182
Stories True to Our Beliefs
Introduction	p. 199
A Place for Children to Learn and Celebrate Faith Traditions	p. 203
Discipling Diversity	p. 208
Talk the Walk	p. 217
Walk the Talk	p. 224
Simplifying Life at Preschool	p. 235
A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words: An Annotated Bibliography of Picture Books	p. 240
Works Cited	p. 246
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