Getting Ready for Meeting for Worship

Being prepared for Meeting for Worship is an underlying precept in Quakerism.  It allows one to be ready for the peaceful silence and open to receiving important messages. The Meeting experience is richer when students are prepared.  In first grade, we are using our time on Wednesday mornings to engage in quiet activities that will allow the transition into the Meeting House to be smooth and deliberate.

We listen to soft and varied types of music as we read quietly or color in nature themed mandalas.  We have used this time to create beautiful butterflies that complement our Monarch study.  Some students have asked to write letters to friends and families and others have chosen to use the time drawing.

This week our activity had a dual purpose.  We read the book, I AM PEACE - A Book of Mindfulness and had a thoughtful discussion afterward.  The students reflected that the child in the book used nature to help become calm and peaceful. Noticing the clouds and trees, and feeling the breeze helped the child let go of unsettled feelings inside.

Since it is not always feasible to go outside when you are feeling unsettled, we made miniature peace gardens that can be used in the classroom as a focal point when a student is feeling tired or out of sorts. They can bring their peace garden to a quiet place and using calming breathing they can let go of their unsettled feelings.

 

Students worked thoughtfully on their gardens using rocks, seashells, mosses, pine cones, acorns, and twigs and some added miniature butterflies.  One student created a "nature person" in their garden and another added a "fairy house."  The students were quietly engaged and creative, a wonderful combination to be fully present for Meeting for Worship.