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How do Czech preschool children speak about death and dying?

Publication at Hussite Theological Faculty |
2020

Abstract

This article presents contexts in which a preschooler learns terms related to death and dying. Death is a consequence of a certain behavior in the world, a consequence of illness, a part of consuming humans, fantasy and Christian world.

The child learns the individual meanings parallel to the communication mechanisms within the family, cultural aspects and psychological development. A research methodology targeting preschoolers is introduced, including steps and an evaluation.

The research showed that the transition between life and death is perceived by each child uniquely and the child is not aware of its finality (the irreversibility). Theologizing and philosophizing help the child to develop the concept of hope which is for such discussions very important.