Spirituality
Spirituality is delighting in all things, being absorbed into the present moment, not too attached to self, and eager to explore boundaries of ‘beyond’ and ‘other’, searching for meaning, discovering purpose, open to more. (Rebecca Nye)
At St Michael’s, we define spirituality as an ongoing, reflective journey. Something that teaches us about questioning, wondering, a sense of curiosity, something that helps us with understanding our relationships, relationships with ourselves, others, the world and beyond!
We explain this to children using a repeated phrase and associated visuals:
“I will grow and learn about:
- myself, who I am (hands overlapping on heart)
- my relationships with Others, and how I treat them (hold hands out to the side to link with imaginary others)
- how I understand and look after this Wonderful World (hands draw circle from top to bottom)
- and think about everything Beyond the everyday (Jump up and draw bigger circle)”
"At St. Michael's we believe that every child can grow and learn spiritually"
There are many ways in which we aim to develop and support children’s spirituality. These include:
Time for quiet and reflection
Having regular opportunities in the day for quiet and reflection. This might be listening to a story, lighting a candle in Collective Worship, going for a walk, relaxing in the classroom calm areas, enjoying the beauty of our forest or sitting still!
Sharing "Big Questions"
Building in time to ponder. This could be through the teaching of religious education, in worship or based on the children’s wonderings at any time!
Spiritual Group
Taking part in a spiritual group and sharing those reflections and prayers in worships then providing an opportunity for other children to share their spiritual thoughts and moments
Child led outside space
Providing a child led outside space for reflection, wonder and contemplation
Prayer Spaces
Allowing children to be a part of developing prayer spaces
Experiencing Silence
Observing the impact this can have on emotions, thoughts and feelings
Acknowledging Ideas
Acknowledging, engaging and valuing children’s ideas, comments and reflections with no pre planned ideas of outcome or product!
Use of Music
Using calming or thought provoking music
Singing often, especially with others, with music playing in the background where possible and the whole school community always joining in!
Take time to wonder
Provide opportunities to express awe and wonder, appreciate beauty in all its forms, and appreciate the connections and unity in the world. Take time to wonder.
How can parents play a part in developing spirituality?
How can parents play a part in developing spirituality?