Educational Challenges and InnovationsEducation, Innovation and Language StudiesValues and Moral Education

Jitka Patakiová, Jitka Musilová, I. Jirásek

2026.2.28INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHILDRENS SPIRITUALITY

DOI: 10.1080/1364436x.2026.2638208

Abstract

The study presents the results of qualitative research into the concept of spiritual literacy as understood by forest preschool educators and its integration into educational processes. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The main thematic motifs highlight the personal journey towards spirituality, the perception of spirituality, the specifics of children’s spirituality, a love for nature, and the development of spiritual literacy in preschool education. The findings indicate that some educators regard spiritual literacy as an important element of children’s personal development, while others focus more on practical activities related to nature and creative learning. The integration of spiritual literacy into the educational process is understood as a means to support the overall development of the child and to enhance their personal and social skills.

Citation format

PATAKIOVÁ, Jitka; MUSILOVÁ, Jitka; JIRÁSEK, I. Development of spiritual literacy of children by educators in forest preschool education. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHILDRENS SPIRITUALITY, 2026: 1–18.