BASIC FLOW OF SESSIONS
- Children enter a prepared room that is simple in style and décor; it is orderly, peaceful, and quiet. They are greeted respectfully and are asked to remove their shoes, as this is a place of peace, a place where we expect to meet the Holy.
- Children join a leader on the rug and engage in dialogue about what is happening in their lives, listening for the holy moments and the presence of God. A community candle is lighted to be a reminder of the presence of God; and the leader shifts the dialogue to the focus of the session, which can be a short portion of scripture, a description of a spiritual practice, or a short story.
- After the opening conversations, children are invited to go to reflection stations to engage in reflective activity. These stations include gazing, reflecting on happenings in the world, contemplation at a sand table, art, journaling, and reading. Children are encouraged to work in silence, focusing on prayer, listening to God, and listening to themselves.
- The leader sounds a chime or tone indicating the time to re-gather in the circle. During this time children have an opportunity to share their thoughts or work from reflection stations and be led in a meditative activity, a closing blessing, and a song.
- The chime or tone is again sounded, indicating that children will help straighten the room and prepare to leave in the calm, peaceful manner in which they entered the room.
