Promoting Reflective Thinking in the Primary School
Baseline Survey Data
186 children from Years 3-6. Children in Years 1 and 2 were selected and interviewed.
44% it was important (35% undecided) 49% it shouldn't be removed (23% undecided) 42% enjoyed the time (34% undecided) 62% "joined in" during the time 35% used it to pray 68% used it to think
The most important elements were: 1)Other children being quiet 2)Other children being still 3)The teacher leading it
In short: it's not happening very often in class but this doesn't mean that Class Collective Worship isn't happening.
78% sit quietly & think, 65% in a quiet place 42% pray alone, 34% pray with others 35% meditate alone - 30% meditate with others But: 71% worry, 79% think about their future 61% sing songs, 66 look at pictures, 59% draw & colour Objects are used: -to think by 41% -to pray by 17% -to meditate by 16%
40% think, pray or meditate at night 33% in the morning 45% do this in their bedroom 26% in special places like religious buildings Approximately 30% didn't know how to respond
Survey date: January 2016 via SurveyMonkey.com
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Analysis showed:
-there was an appetite for reflective times and spaces
-the current reflective time needed changing
-the children had clear ideas about what they wanted
-that some children were already spending time thinking, praying or meditating