The first years are critical, a pivotal time when children have powerful curiosity, exuberance for learning, and make strong connections through their experiences. This is also when a child's attitudes, values and perceptions are formed: "Do I belong here?", "Am I good enough?" Our grasp of how children learn has developed sharply in recent years. Schools constantly review their approach, but churches frequently employ antiquated practices. Many alienate children because our methods don't meet their needs, and because we don't realise that some of the strongest messages are hidden. Without knowing it, we are inoculating our children against church. The intention is to challenge churches about their children's work; to inform children's workers about the latest research; and to provide practical ideas. The authors suggest ways of developing music and movement, creativity and touch, so that children's experience of church is positive, enriching and intriguing.
