Background: The moral development of young children is crucial in shaping their understanding of ethics and responsibility. This process is significantly influenced by religious education, particularly within faith-based communities, which aim to instil strong moral foundations from an early age. However, there is a risk that such education may become overly rigid and doctrinal, potentially limiting the broader development of moral reasoning.

Aims: The study examined the framework and pedagogical strategies employed to foster moral development among young learners.

Method: This abstract presents findings from an exploratory case study conducted on an international religious education curriculum designed for children aged 4–7, within a global faith-based community spanning 26 countries.

Results: The analysis of curriculum documents, including textbooks, parent and teacher guides, lesson plans, and supplementary resources, revealed a multifaceted approach to moral education. The curriculum integrates diverse perspectives—normative, humanistic, and civilisational—across its objectives, content, teaching methods, and assessment practices. This inclusive approach aims to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of morality that goes beyond mere adherence to rules, encouraging children to develop their moral reasoning through active engagement and constructivist learning strategies. Moreover, the study emphasises the importance of involving parents in the moral education process through guided home-based activities. This collaborative effort seeks to reinforce moral teachings across different facets of a child’s life and acknowledges the significant influence parents have on their children’s moral development.

Conclusions: The research advocates for a holistic approach to religious education in early childhood, one that prepares children to become ethical citizens capable of navigating the complexities of contemporary life. By fostering critical thinking from an early age, such an approach equips children to make informed decisions and uphold ethical values in an increasingly interconnected world.

Implications for children and families: You foster your child’s ethical values and critical thinking through guided home activities.

Implications for practitioners: You must integrate normative, humanistic, and civilisational perspectives to create inclusive and reflective moral education.

Key words: moral education, normative, humanistic, civilisation, constructivist pedagogy, early childhood education

This presentation relates to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 4: Quality Education