Holistic pedagogy and early childhood education: Good shepherd kindergarten - St. Stanislav's institution in Ljubljana

Abstract

The first part of the article presents the basic characteristics of holistic pedagogy. First, it highlights its principles and fundamental premise, placing the human being as a person in the centre of attention. It thus establishes a theoretical framework for further discussion on teaching practices in early childhood education. Later, the authors focus on the experience of holistic pedagogy in Catholic schools. They point out the key aspects that interconnect the innovations of holistic learning environments and the values of Catholic schools. Special emphasis is put on creativity. In the second part, the principles of holistic pedagogy are illustrated by the example of the Good Shepherd Kindergarten, which operates within St. Stanislav's Institution in Ljubljana. This private Catholic kindergarten confirms and develops holistic approaches to early childhood education in multiple areas.