Toronto Children's Ministry Conference

Lev Semenovich Vygotsky (1896-1934) was a Russian (Jewish) psychologist who developed the branch of psychology known as “cultural-historical psychology.” This theory, introduced into the Western world between 1930s and 1970s, was relatively unknown due to little interaction between the Soviet Union and the West. Today, this theory is gaining much scholarly attention because of the many important aspects of his work to children’s development. Vygotsky authored more than 100 books and articles in the areas of language and thought, psychology of art, learning and development and special needs education. He proposed that it is in a social environment that children develop higher cognitive functions and learn about their culture, life and world. This workshop examines and evaluates Vygotsky’s fascinating theory in the light of how the Bible view children and faith development, with applications for children’s ministry at home and church.