Teachers' Notes

In the course of this half term's scheme of work, it would be very useful to practise 'stilling' with the children in your class on a daily basis. Being still is part of the prayer traditions of all major world religions and is one of the ways in which pupils can explore their own spirituality. It also increases self-control and research has shown, improves academic performance across the curriculum.

In lesson 6, you will be responsible for leading a meditation on a Biblical passage. In order for your pupils to benefit most from the exercise, regular daily practice of stilling is essential. There follows a list of basic stilling exercises which can be used on their own or in any combination. The conditions for the exercises are all the same - pupils sat upright in their chairs in a circle (if possible) facing either inwards or outwards, eyes closed or cast down. To begin, stilling time should last no longer than two minutes. The only sound in the class should be that of your voice.

Awareness

Exercise 1 - Breathing

Children breath in and out slowly, counting their outbreathes in cycles of four. If concentration wanders, children to resume counting at one.

Exercise 2 - Isolating Sounds

Children to become aware of all the noises they can hear in the following order.

1. outside the school building
2. in other classrooms.
3. in their own classroom.
4. within themselves.

Exercise 3 - Touch

Children to become aware of the contact which their bodies are making with their chairs and ground. Feel any pains and aches. Touch of clothes etc.

Exercise 4 - Sight

Children concentrate on a fixed point ahead, noticing every detail no matter how minute.

Stilling the Mind

Exercise 1 - The Empty Playground

In their minds, children picture an empty playground. It is their job to keep all their thought out of there. If thoughts do enter the playground, the children are gently to usher them out.

Exercise 2 - The Lift

Children are to imagine their thoughts being put into a lift and sent down towards the ground. If thoughts begin to re-assemble, the lift can be used again.

Relaxation

Children slowly tense and relax isolated areas of their bodies, working up from the toes.

After each practice, it is important to have a short debriefing session to address problems or achievements which may arise. In my experience, once, twice or even thrice daily practice of stilling not only enhances pupil's learning in R.E., but also makes the task of teaching more manageable. But, be warned, stilling requires a lot of hard work on the behalf of you and your pupils.

If you wish to know more about stilling and guided fantasy, the most useful books on the subject are:

Beesley, Michael

'Stilling: A pathway for Spiritual Learning in the National Curriculum' published by the Diocese of Salisbury Board of Education.

Stone, Mary, K.

'Don't Just Do Something, Sit There'. Published by R.M.E.P. ISBN 1 85175 105 X