Creating and Developing Reflective Spaces in Church Schools Part 1 The Northern Diocesan RE Advisers wish to thank all those schools who have contributed

What is Reflection & Why is it important? We live in an increasingly busy and demanding world. Nearly everywhere we go we are bombarded by noise. When we do encounter the opportunity for quiet we often find it challenging, or uncomfortable. Sometimes we overlook the benefits of quietness. When God met Elijah, he did not speak through the strong wind, the earthquake or the fire, but in the gentle breeze (1 Kings ). Jesus showed us the importance of retreating from the busyness of the world. In Mark 1:35, we read about Jesus getting up early in the morning and going to find a place where he could pray alone. Perhaps helping our children to meet with God in silence may be one of the most enduring gifts we can give them.

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One child’ response

Making Reflection Possible As a church school community we are responsible for providing the setting, the opportunity and the example for everyone to reflect. Reflection involves an inward journey from an outward stimulus. This internal journey may then lead to purposeful change. Reflection and prayer can be interchangeable for each individual as they make their own personal response.

Indoor Reflective Spaces In each school, within the building there are often at least 3 opportunities to create reflective spaces: 1.The main collective worship area is usually the hall. This will generally be a focal point when the whole school community gathers for collective worship. 2.The school entrance hall and corridors are thoroughfares where people can use interactive areas to take a moment to pause and reflect. 3. Classroom spaces can be specific areas for people to engage with to enrich and stimulate reflection.

Collective worship focus in hall

An opportunity in a corridor to take home a prayer

A space that is suitable for reflection can be any sized area, even in smaller schools a box or a small space can create a temporary portable space for reflection Asking questions with Philosophy Owl: What makes a good leader?

Entrance Hall: Prayer Tree

All reflective spaces need to engage the senses and encourage interaction

If you could phone God, what would you say?

Friendship hands to show God’s Love A reflective space in a classroom or corridor

Using play dough to engage with ideas of friendship Making models of things that could change for the better

Say a prayer and add a bead to the prayer plate

A good news tree encourages the school family to look for the good in our lives and in the world. Everyone is encouraged to contribute

The seasons of the churches year give opportunities for ongoing reflection

What is important at Easter?

Remembering