Which of the Bible stories do you best remember? The significance of selected Bible stories for early childhood education students

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted dealing with biblical narratives recalled by Israeli students of early childhood education (ECE), explanations they give for their choice and the reflection of these explanations on aspects of their personal and cultural identity. This qualitative research employs case study. It includes an activity which was conducted throughout several years in Bible teaching courses for ECE students. Ninety ECE students in two colleges were requested to recall a biblical narrative, draw it and explain their choice. Findings indicate a stable pattern: the vast majority drew pictures from Genesis and the first chapters of Exodus. Students justified their choice by referring mainly to the meaning of narratives told to them in their early childhood and the narratives’ relevance to their lives and values. Findings reflect aspects of personal components of students’ identity, as well as broader national community components. The importance of this research is in illustrating biblical narratives from Genesis and the first chapters of Exodus in the memory of students of ECE. The students’ explanations of the Bible stories they remember from their childhood indicate the significance they ascribe to their experiences during this period and the significant role kindergarten teachers play in teaching biblical narratives.

KEYWORDS:

• Bible stories
• Early childhood education students
• Personal identity
• Bible teaching in kindergartens

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Since the study focused on students in state colleges, the review refers to teaching Bible in kindergartens in the state education system. The Israeli education system also has a state-religious stream as well as additional, non-state education systems.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sigal Achituv

Sigal Achituv is Senior Lecturer and Director of the Early Childhood Education Graduate Program, Oranim Academic College of Education, Israel. She is a graduate of the first post-doctoral program at MOFET Institute. Dr. Achituv is a research fellow at The Center for Jewish and Democratic Education, University of Haifa, Israel. She studies Israeli ECE educators’ identity in the everchanging field of ECE. Since 2018 Dr. Achituv has been editing a book together with two colleagues, titled: Early Childhood Jewish Education: Multicultural, Gender, and Constructivist Perspectives. The book seeks to explore the fundamental questions concerning the meaning of early childhood Jewish education within the context of some of today’s burning societal and moral issues.

Ruth Danino Lichtenstein

Ruth Danino Lichtenstein is a lecturer in Oranim Academic College of Education