Sister Barbara Whelan, OSF, a Sister of St. Francis and a long time educator for young children, is the author of A Child Speaks of Love, A Child’s Stations of the Cross. Sister Barbara co-authored the curriculum for the World University Games held in Buffalo during the summer of 1991 and the Pre-Kindergarten curriculum for the elementary school system of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo in 1984.
Having received a Master of Science degree in early childhood education through Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, Sister Barbara has been recognized as the recipient of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for Community Service (1990), the International Who’s Who of Professional and Business Women (1993), the Religious Educator of the Year (1983 and 1994), the Lancaster Teacher of the Year (1998), and the Principal’s Award from St. Mary’s Elementary School (2004). She believes no recognition is as precious as the opening of a child’s mind and heart.
Sister Barbara’s hope in designing this book, Always Be Children For Jesus, is that it will be a tool for parents to discuss the faith dimension of these activities with their children. Through engaging activities the children will develop an increased awareness of their Catholic faith while at the same time improving their fine motor skills.