Rendering theology with 2-year-old children: a Godly Play and grounded theory combination

ABSTRACT

Research conducted with a specialized population such as very young children is fraught with issues not faced by research conducted with older participants. While researchers have conducted interviews with adults regarding their perceptions of young children and researchers have observed young children, this study was designed to allow 2-year-old children to be in a setting that offered the needed backdrop of language and play interaction in order capture theological understanding from the child’s point of view. Using Godly Play with grounded theory allowed the emergence of the concept of rendering theology with 2-year-old children. The sub-themes included: Eager Receptiveness, Pretend to the Read the Bible Play, and Jesus Play. This study highlighted not only a theory regarding very young children’s theological ideas, but also a spiritual qualitative methodology that may be used for future research with 2-year-old children.

KEYWORDS:

• Preschool
• early childhood
• faith-based early learning centre
• Bible

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kathy Frady

Dr. Kathy Frady holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education with a Specialization in Reading from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas; an additional 18 hours in Early Childhood Education from the University of New Orleans; a Master's Degree in Christian Education, a Master of Theology Degree, and a PhD in Christian Education from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She served as an adjunct faculty of the Early Childhood Teacher Education Program at Tulane University and as an Early Learning Teacher Pathway's Trainer before joining SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary where she serves as the Chair of the Department of Undergraduate General Education, as well as teaching master's level research classes. Dr. Frady enjoys volunteering in a variety of early learning ministries at Celebration Church where her husband John is an Executive Pastor.