<Articles>Reconsideration of Moral Education and Ecological Imagination in Early Childhood : Focusing on Awareness of Relational Self in Daily Life (The 6th International Symposium between the Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University (Japan), and the Institute of Education, University of London (UK))

Abstract

In his chapter, "Ecological Imagination and Aims of Moral Education Through the Kyoto School and American Pragmatism, " in Education and the Kyoto School of Philosophy (2012), Steven Fesmire argues that "ecological imagination" can be a contact point between the Kyoto school of philosophy and pragmatism. The purpose of this paper is to reconsider moral education in early childhood from the perspective of "ecological imagination." In order to achieve this purpose, I shall re-examine a concrete practice of early childhood education, focusing on the Japanese expression, 'itadakimasu' (a phrase to be used as a moral custom before a meal). I shall discuss that ecological imagination deepens awareness of relational self and it changes the perspective of a routine activity. Based upon my reflection on practice, I shall try to clarify how educational opportunities for cultivating moral behaviours of children are already and always embedded in their daily practice: and that "ecological imagination" is indispensable for teachers to be aware of and make best use of those opportunities. Teachers should respect other lives which are not noticed but connected to our daily life to exercise ecological imagination and moral deliberation. Taking responsibility for relational life, promotes moral education and education for sustainable development.