Özet:

Maria Montessori carried out both theoretical and practical studies on child education. When Montessori's studies are examined, it is seen that she made original contributions both in education of children and - although not very well known - in religious education. The purpose of this study is to examine the different aspects of Montessori’s practices on religious education and to examine the Godly Play approach developed by Berryman in terms of theoretical foundations and application processes. Qualitative research method was used for this purpose. Data was collected through document review. At the end of the study, it is concluded that Montessori gave special importance to applied religious education in the school she founded in Barcelona where she stayed for 20 years. She practically demonstrated that it is possible to study religion and spirituality based on experience and work in a suitable school environment that arranged according to the level of development of children, not a systematic and theoretical religious education. Berryman has developed her educational approach and made it more systematic. Although he has markedly diverged from the Montessori tradition, he has developed a Protestant interpretation of early childhood religious education. In this approach; it is claimed that the Bible stories can be included with appropriate materials in the classroom environment and they can be introduced to the world of children. In order to this goal, the classes should be organized as Montessori's style, where children would be left alone with the word of God, and they would get meaning from the material themselves. As a result, it can be argued that this approach can be used for other religions with appropriate method and content arrangements.

Anahtar Kelimeler:

Özet:

Maria Montessori carried out both theoretical and practical studies on child education. When Montessori's studies are examined, it is seen that she made original contributions both in education of children and - although not very well known – in religious education. The purpose of this study is to examine the different aspects of Montessori's practices on religious education and to examine the Godly Play approach developed by Berryman in terms of theoretical foundations and application processes. Qualitative research method was used for this purpose. Data was collected through document review. At the end of the study, it is concluded that Montessori gave special importance to applied religious education in the school she founded in Barcelona where she stayed for 20 years. She practically demonstrated that it is possible to study religion and spirituality based on experience and work in a suitable school environment which arranged according to the level of development of children, not a systematic and theoretical religious education. Berryman has developed her educational approach and made it more systematic. Although he has diverged markedly from the Montessori tradition, he has developed a Protestant interpretation of early childhood religious education. In this approach; it is claimed that the Bible stories can be included with appropriate materials in the classroom environment and they can be introduced to the world of children. In order to achieve this goal, the classes should be organized as Montessori’s style, where children would be left alone with the word of God, and they would get meaning from the material themselves. As a result, it can be argued that this approach can be used for other religions with appropriate method and content arrangements.