Elementary Catholic E Classrooms€¦ · religion teacher to assist students in the development of...
Transcript of Elementary Catholic E Classrooms€¦ · religion teacher to assist students in the development of...
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E
From the first moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he or she ought to have
the impression of entering a new environment, one illumined by the light of faith, and
having its own unique characteristics.1
Purpose of this document
To assess the classroom environment for signs of Faith
To provide support for teachers to incorporate faith into the physical environment of
their classroom
Implementation & Monitoring:
The checklist will be used by teachers and administrators
The frequency of use will be determined by the teacher and/or administrator
Support and illustrated examples of expectations will be provided for each checklist
point
Prayer is an essential element of the religious education of children. Through prayer, children are able to express and deepen their relationship with God. It is the task of the
religion teacher to assist students in the development of their prayer life2
1 WILLIAM Cardinal BAUM; The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School 2 Creating a prayer space intro; Holy Family
Elementary Catholic
Classrooms: The physical environment
pg. 2
Table of Contents
Classroom Walkthrough Checklist Page 3
The Elementary Prayer Space Page 4
The Elementary Prayer Table Page 5
The Elementary Wall Space Page 6
Appendix A: Examples of Required Items Page 7
The Bible Page 7
The Cross Page 8
The Candle Page 9
The Tablecloth Page 10
The Rosary Page 11
Appendix B: Prayer Table Elements Page 12
According to Season
Ordinary Time Page 12
Advent Page 13
Christmas Page 14
Lent Page 15
The Triduum Page 16
Easter Page 17
Appendix C: The Interactive Prayer Table Page 18
General Ideas Page 18
Ideas According to Season Page 19
pg. 3
Elementary Catholic Classroom Walkthrough Checklist3
Upon entering the classroom one will immediately observe external signs, physical and
visual, of the Catholic culture, through such things as: images, symbols, icons, and other
objects of devotion and faith.
Question Yes No
The Classroom
Are there Christian elements immediately evident upon entering the classroom?
Is there a prayer space in the classroom?
Is there a prayer table in the classroom?
Is there a wall space/ bulletin board dedicated to Faith?
The Prayer Table
Is the prayer table visible?
Is the prayer table clear of clutter? Neat?
Is the prayer table accessible to all the students: can they touch it? Is it at their physical level to visit it?
Does the prayer table have a cloth on it?
Is the cloth the appropriate colour for the liturgical season?
Does the prayer table have a cross on it?
Does the prayer table have a Rosary on it?
Does the prayer table have a Bible on it?
Is the Bible elevated?
Does the prayer table have a candle on it?
Is there a symbol or item present that represents the current season of the church?
Are there other notable items on the prayer table (select from following list)
Devotional book Plant/ Flowers Saint Statue
Holy Water Artwork Other (comment below)
Wall Space
Is there a Crucifix on the wall of the classroom?
Is there elements of the wall space that illustrate the Christian Message?
3 Adapted from Edmonton Catholic’s Documents, ‘Catholic Environment Checklist’
pg. 4
The Elementary Prayer Space
Ideally an elementary classroom in a Catholic School would have an area of the classroom
dedicated to prayer. This space should hold a prominent place in the classroom; provide a focus
for prayer; and be a constant reminder of the presence of Jesus. Of course it is understandable
that with the restraints of some classrooms a space, dedicated strictly to prayer, is not a
possibility. The following are suggestions on how to develop and use a prayer space in your
classroom.
A Classroom prayer space should be a focal point in the room and evident upon entering the room.
The prayer area should have the following elements.
o A space, separate from student desks, that provides enough Room so that the entire
class is able to gather together for prayer.
o A rug or some other form of comfortable seating for students.
o A prayer table
o Wall space
Not all classrooms have the physical space to accommodate a prayer space, if this is the case,
a prayer table alone with some wall space is sufficient.
We cannot make children pray,
but we can create an
environment that encourages
prayer. Prayerful images, soft
music, dimed lighting,
comfortable posture, and an
atmosphere of peacefulness and
quiet all assist in helping
children to pray. Young
Children respond to and need
concrete images to assist them
in the development of a prayer
life in the same way that
concrete materials help them to
learn other education concepts
and skills
~WILLIAM Cardinal BAUM
pg. 5
The Elementary Prayer Tables
The prayer table is the focal point of a classroom prayer space. It is a place where the Bible is given
reverence, where children can interact, in a meaningful and positive way, with their faith.
The following are some components to remember when developing/ setting up your prayer table (this list
is by no means exhaustive, please share with your colleagues other ideas you may have):
o It should be a suitable table if possible
o The prayer table visually changes throughout the Liturgical year (For more information on how
the prayer table changes see Appendix B)
o The prayer table Must have the following elements
o Tablecloth (preferably not a piece of paper but an actual cloth), it should be of
appropriate length, covering the entire table (examples in Appendix A)
o An elevated Bible: Given a place of honor on the table (examples in Appendix A)
o Candle: this can be electric or regular, however it should be lit/turned on during prayer
time. (examples in Appendix A)
o Cross: If possible in an upright position (examples in Appendix A)
o Rosary (examples in Appendix A)
o An element to represent the Liturgical season (For ideas of items to
represent the seasons of the church see Appendix B)
o The prayer table may have the following elements:
o A small box and slips of paper so student can write prayers and intentions
that can be read during prayer time.
o Devotional book
o Plant/ Flowers
o Holy Water
o Saint statue or figurine
o The Prayer corner/table should be interactive; students are able to take
ownership (for ideas on how to make a prayer table interactive see Appendix
C)
o Attempt to ensure there are authentic and fitting symbols present; not just “religious stuff”
o Situated at a level appropriate for the students in the classroom.
o The prayer table is free of clutter. No loose papers, water bottles, markers, whiteboard
erasers, etc.
It is important to note, that although there are
many things we can place on a prayer table, we do
not want to overdo it, do not overcrowd or clutter
the prayer table. Remember to remove the
seasonal items, drawing back to the simplicity of
centering prayer
pg. 6
Figure 1 Hands on Bible Teacher
The Elementary Wall Space:
The Wall space or bulletin board in a classroom provides an ideal opportunity to infuse the classroom
with the Christian message. Some ideas are below:
o A Crucifix
o List of daily or weekly prayer intentions,
o Pictures or posters to reflect themes of respect and beauty,
o Positive messages using the language of Catholic faith,
o School mission statement turned into a prayer,
o Student’s work reflecting Religious themes
o Images of Saint’s
o Icons
Religious images can leave an indelible mark on the students’ minds and perhaps touch
their hearts in a way that our words do not.
Each classroom has a
significant role to
play because each
classroom establishes
age appropriate ways
to connect the
children to their faith
and its teachings.
pg. 7
Appendix A: Examples of required items
The Bible
The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It should be given a place of prominence on the prayer
table. It is important when choosing a Bible for your classroom that you are aware of the
different versions and what Catholics use. When buying a Bible ensure that you get the Catholic
version (ex: The Catholic NRSV). That being said, you do want to choose a bible that will engage
your students and is at their level. Below are examples of some Bibles that would work in a
Catholic Classroom.
The Bible, if possible, should also be elevated. Here are a few different book stands.
pg. 8
The Cross
Jesus died on the Cross for us; this is a big deal! What once was a symbol of torture is now a
sign of hope and salvation. It should have a central part of our space and our day.
Preferably we want the cross upright, however, it is understandable that may not be possible. It
is also best to have a Crucifix, rather than a cross, as this is a visual reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice
for us. If you do not have a Crucifix on the prayer table, there should be one on the wall
somewhere in the classroom. Below are examples of some Crosses and Crucifixes that would
work on a prayer table (not an exhaustive list, there are many different crosses that can be
used):
Table Top
Wall
Unique
pg. 9
The Candle
Light is pure; it penetrates darkness; it moves with incredible velocity; it nourishes
life; it illumines all that comes under its influence. Therefore it is a fitting symbol of
God, the All Pure, the Source of all grace and enlightenment. It represents also our
Blessed Savior and His mission. He was "the Light of the world,"[John 8:12] to
enlighten "them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.”[Luke 1:79].4
Lighting the prayer table candle, before prayer helps to settle students and create an
atmosphere of sacredness and respect for prayer time. Below are examples of
Candles you may want to have on your prayer table, as well as some suggestions:
o Eclectic candles are appropriate
o Please refrain from having a scented candle, due to allergies or irritations the
smell may cause
o Candles or candle holders can change colour with the Liturgical season
4 http://www.awakentoprayer.org/candles.htm
pg. 10
The Tablecloth
When we have special meals in our home, we often use a tablecloth. During the Liturgy of the
Eucharist an altar cloth adorners the altar. It is custom then to have a tablecloth covering the
prayer table in a classroom. For it is a special place in our classroom, where we offer reverence
for our Lord, the cloth helps to identify it as a special place.
Suggestions and examples of Prayer Tablecloths
o The material should be cloth, NOT a piece of construction paper or something similar.
o Colours of cloth change throughout the year
o Ordinary Time = Green
o Advent = Purple
o Christmas = White
o Lent = Purple
o The Triduum = Red
Because this season is only three days and often children are not in
school, it is not necessary to have a red cloth on hand.
o Easter = White
o The cloth should hang over the sides of the table.
pg. 11
The Rosary
No Prayer Table, or Catholic Classroom, is complete without a Rosary. It is a form of prayer that involves
our participation physically, verbally, and mentally. Its power is so great that we do not need to even say
it to benefit from it, for “in times of darkness, holding the Rosary Beads is like holding your Blessed
Mother’s hand”5. Having a Rosary, and a ‘how to pray the rosary’ card, on your prayer table, and giving
students the opportunity to hold it and pray it, is a wonderful thing.
5 https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/6a/09/af/6a09af9aecbf736b3f7820b9e53c3b32.jpg
pg. 12
Appendix B: Prayer Table Elements According to Season
The seasons of the church change throughout the year. Our year begins with the Season of
Advent, moves into Christmas, then Ordinary time, then Lent, next comes the Triduum and
after that it is Easter, upon the end of Easter we move back into Ordinary time and there we
stay until the next Advent. The Prayer Table should reflect these changes in season; both in
colour and symbols. Below are some suggestions of items/pictures you may want to include on
your prayer table through the seasons of the church.
Ordinary Time
General Info: The longest liturgical season in the year. Happens twice in a year. A time when the
people of the Church meditate upon the whole mystery of Christ- his life, miracles and
teachings – in the light of his Resurrection6
Colour: Green (the colour of growth and hope)
Some Symbols:
The Chi-Rho is consists of the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ. The fusion of
these two letters into an abbreviation became a symbol for Christ.
Picture of footsteps, this is to symbolize how the season of Ordinary time is an open invitation
to walk with the Lord.
Green is a symbol of hope and life. Having a living green plant symbolizes this. It reminds us
that God's love, like the life flowing through this plant, is faithful.
A picture or map marking the ministry of Jesus. Ordinary
time is a time where we follow Jesus through his ministry.
Throughout this season we listen as the Gospels unfold
for us the
life and
preaching
of Jesus.
Pictures of the miracles of Jesus, such as the Wedding
Feast at Cana, that are explored during the season of
Ordinary time would also be great additions to the prayer
table.
6 Catholic Curlutre.org
pg. 13
Advent
General Info: The focus of Advent is on the coming of our Lord. However this is three-fold. We reflect
back and celebrate the Lord’s first coming into this world, we celebrate his coming among us today, and
we look forward to the second coming of Christ, when our Lord will come again to judge the living and
the dead. Advent is a period of quiet and meditation; a time inspired by anticipation rather than
penance; a season that acknowledges our incompleteness7
Colour: Purple (a sign of penance, sacrifice and preparation)
Some symbols
The Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is used in many classrooms as a way to teach the events leading us to
Jesus’s birth. We adorn the tree with illustrated ornaments that represent the
people, prophesies, and events leading up to the birth of Christ. The ornaments of
the Jesse Tree tell the story of God in the Old Testament, connecting the Advent
season with the faithfulness of God across four thousand years of history8
Advent Wreath:
This wreath is rich in symbols and traditions, and calls to mind the coming of the
Messiah. It is most often in the shape of a circle to symbolize eternal life. It holds four
candles, three purple and one pink, which throughout the four Sundays of Advent are
lit. These candles sometimes hold individual meaning which is explained below. The
wreath and the candles reflect the passage of the Advent season.
Advent Candles and Advent Sundays
Each Advent Sunday takes on a particular character as suggested by the Gospel reading and each Candle
holds a special meaning (the meanings attributed to the candles are cultural, not liturgical)
1st Sunday 2nd Sunday 3rd Sunday 4th Sunday
Hope Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ who is coming into our world
Peace
We light the candle of
peace to remind us that
Jesus is the Prince of
Peace and that in him
lasting peace is found.
Joy Reminds us that when Jesus is born again in us we have joy and that through him there will be everlasting joy on earth.
Love Love is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the love we find in Jesus Christ whose coming is
near.
Gospel & Weekday Readings The Lord’s coming in glory at the
end of time The readings of the first part of
Advent center on readings of the
prophet Isaiah, with gospel passages that reflect a sense of
fulfilment of the reading.
Gospel & Weekday Readings John the Baptist and his message of reparation and repentance
During the second & third weeks, the gospel readings introduce us
to John the Baptist as the one who prepares us for the coming of the Lord (at Christmas and at the end of time) through his message
of repentance
Gospel & Weekday
Readings Events that immediately
prepared for the Lord’s birth
The gospel readings from Matthew and Luke recount the
events that prepared for the
Lord’s birth.
7 Celebrating the Season of Advent Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops 8 Loyola Press
pg. 14
Christmas
General Info: Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. For Catholics, it is not just a
single day (Dec. 25), but an extended liturgical season of joy and celebration. Christmas season,
during which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, includes the Feast of the Holy Family, the
Feast of the Mother of God and Epiphany.
Colour: White (the colour of purity and new life)
Some Symbols:
The Nativity
Nativity is the name we give to the occasion of someone’s birth. Since one aspect of the
season of Advent is recalling the events leading to the birth of Christ, it makes sense to
have something depicting the actual occasion. A statue or figurines depicting the
Nativity of our Lord is an excellent element to add to the prayer table during the season
of Advent. A picture showing the event is also welcome.
The Magi Frankincense Gold Myrrh
A picture or figurine depicting the Magi is another item you may want to include on the prayer table. As
well, samples of Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh, available to purchase at many stores, would be great
additions and would definitely engage students.
The Star of Bethlehem
Having a star on the prayer table is an opportunity to discuss with students the role of the
star in the Nativity story, and also to talk about what the stars teach us about God.
The Shepherds
The Shepherds in the Nativity story are of great interest to students, having a picture or
figurine to represent them is a great addition to the prayer table. It also opens the door to a
discussion about how Jesus is the Greatest Shepard of all!
The Angels
Angels are messengers, throughout the course of history they have been commissioned by
God for certain duties on earth. Angels play an important role in the events leading to and the
day of, the birth of Christ.
pg. 15
Lent
General Info: Lent is a time of prayer and penance, when Christ wants to lead us back to our
baptismal promises of dying to sin and of living for God. We prepare ourselves to enter once
again into Jesus’ Paschal mystery and to renew it in our lives.
Colour: Purple (Symbolizes repentance and penance)
Some Symbols:
The symbols of Lent are many, and change throughout the season. The following is a list of
symbols (not complete), one may have on their prayer table during the season of Lent. They are
listed in the order they would appear if following the liturgical Calendar.
1. Ashes (Ashes from the Ash Wednesday celebration)
2. Picture of Jesus in the desert
3. A large bowl of sand with rocks and twigs (symbolic of the desert)
4. Pictures depicting the three temptations of Christ
5. Palm Branches (to mark the triumphant entrance of Our Lord into Jerusalem)
6. Questions that are from an examination of Conscience
7. Picture/Figurine showing Last Supper
8. Bread (Symbol of the Last Supper)
9. Chalice (In remembrance of the last supper)
10. Crown of Thorns (reminds us of the upcoming season of Triduum and Christ’s passion
and death).
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9 10
pg. 16
The Triduum
General Info: The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum— this three-day
observance begins on the evening of Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and
ends on Saturday evening with the Easter Vigil. Though chronologically three days, they are
liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ's Paschal Mystery.
The single celebration of the Triduum marks the end of the Lenten season, and leads to the
Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.
The liturgical services that take place during the Triduum are
o Mass of the Lord's Supper
o Good Friday of the Lord's Passion
o Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord
Colour: Red (Symbolizes both blood and fire)
In our hour of deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first
Easter morning – HE IS NOT HERE, FOR HE IS RISEN.
The Triduum falls on a time when
most students are not in school. For
this reason many of the symbols
related to the Triduum are included
in the symbols for Lent.
pg. 17
Easter
General Info: Fifty days of Easter joy will bring us to the feast of Pentecost. God’s gift of life is
complete in the sending of the Holy Spirit.
Colour: White (symbolizes purity, holiness, virtue, as well as respect and reverence)
Some Symbols:
Easter Lilies: the White blossoms symbolize the purity of Jesus. Lilies, emerging
from the earth in the spring.9
A stuffed lamb: Represents Jesus as, ‘The Lamb of God’.
Dove: A symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at
Pentecost, which marks the end of the Easter season.
The Butterfly: It symbolizes the life of Jesus Christ. The first stage, is the
caterpillar, which stands for His life on Earth. Second phase begins from the
cocoon stage, portraying the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. The third and final
stage is the butterfly, representing His raising from the dead in a glorified body
and peace.
The Easter season is an invitation to live out the meaning of our baptism. Holy Water
reminds us of our baptism.
A picture showing the empty tomb would be a great addition to a prayer
table. It reminds us of the resurrection of Christ; Jesus’ triumphant reign
over death!
9 Immaculate Conception Parish
pg. 18
Appendix C: The Interactive Prayer Table
This portion of the document provides a small sampling of ideas for making the
classroom prayer area/table more interactive. It is split into two parts: General
Ideas and Ideas by Season,
General Ideas
Prayer Ribbon Wall10: Invite students to tie a ribbon as a symbol of their
prayer. Tell them to add their prayers amongst the many prayers and as
they tie the ribbon, to ask God to hear the prayers of those already tied
on the prayer wall.
Green Ribbon= prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving
Blue Ribbon= prayers of confession and forgiveness
Pink Ribbon= prayers of adoration and praise
Red= prayers for others, friends and family.
White= prayers for the world
Prayer Tree11: this Prayer tree is a great way to make your prayer table
interactive. Have students write prayers on the leaves. During intentions,
or at different times during the day, take off one of the leaves and read it
aloud. After you read a leaf, you can put it in a "prayer box."
Pray and Praise Bowl12: A way to be aware that God
answers prayers. Have an empty bowl, an assortment of
small colored rocks, and white and green beads. For every
answered prayer, drop in a stone, for every praise drop in
a green bead, for every blessing drop in a white bead.
Also have large beads for those ‘big’ things that blow us
away, the big blessings (like the birth of a child).
10 Taken from theresaecho.com 11 Danielle Carter: Pinterest 12 http://ravingrebecca.blogspot.ca/2011/01/prayer-praise-bowl.html
pg. 19
Ideas according to Season Ordinary Time
Ordinary time is a great time to look at the lives of Saints. As you
explore the different Saints, have a map in the prayer corner of
your room that shows the areas of the world that the saints are
from.
Throughout Ordinary time we look at the events of Jesus’ ministry.
As you explore the bible stories have students identify on the map
where the bible story took place.
Advent & Christmas
Each morning have a different student open the door and read
the Advent bible verse. Keep doors closed with a paper clip or
pushpin13
Preparing the Manger: Have an empty manger in the classroom (either real or a
picture of one). The gift students will give back is the gift of service. Every time
they do a good deed, or help someone, or do something kind, they may add a
piece of straw to the manger (an optional idea would be for them to write the
deed on the straw). The more kindness the class shows others the softer the
manger will be on Christmas Eve.
Lent:
The Act of Love jar has different things they can do each day such as
share a toy with a classmate or be extra nice to someone at school.
The Prayer Jar has a special intention for each day. The teacher leads
prayer and then students chose an act and prayer intention for the
next day. The morning of the following day the teacher reminds the
kids what our act of love and prayer intention is for that day.
13 Suz Wieland Pinterest