The first routine of the day entails the teacher greeting the children warmly, marking the attendance roll and outlining the programme for the day. The children are then seated in a circle and are led through the following steps:

 Step 1   

Students sit quietly in a circle. One student kneels and lights the candle saying:

As I light this candle I light the flames of Love, Peace, Truth, Right Conduct and Non-Violence within us all.

Step 2

Let’s say our Sacred Words together:

We start the day with Love

We fill the day with Love

We end the day with Love

This is the way we live.

Step 3

Hit the chime 3 times … loud, softer, softer again.

Step 4

 Let’s say the School Creed together.

 

Let us give thanks for the gift of life

And for all the other benefits of this world

May we always behave fairly

And assist those less fortunate than ourselves.

 Step 5

Quiet time

Quiet time is a chill out time so children can enjoy the experience of letting go of thoughts and just relaxing.

Depending on the ages of the children, the teacher may lead a guided meditation, or ask them to sit quietly while gentle music plays. This may last for 2-3 minutes or more again according to the group. It may take time to develop this discipline. Great sportsmen quieten the mind like this before competition. It’s called the way of the warrior.

Step 6

Teacher gently hits the chime in reverse order; soft, slightly louder, louder again.

Step 7

Students recite the Prayer for Forbearance.  (See Daily Prayers)

Candle extinguished.

Students stretch and wait for the teacher to introduce the first learning activity of the day. This daily routine gives students an opportunity to start each day grounded and connected to themselves at a very deep level. Younger children may only work through Steps 1, 2 and 5 at the beginning of the year.

Students tidy the classroom/playroom and then are seated in a circle. Students are asked to share one thing from the day that they are grateful for. Alternatively, students can cite an example of a kindness displayed by a classmate towards themselves e.g. ‘Bill, thank you for helping me with that Maths problem’ and Bill may then express gratitude to another student. This would continue around the circle. The teacher also can express gratitude to a student or the class for good behaviour – being punctual, staying on task etc.

For younger children this session could be based on discussion of a story which demonstrates acts of kindness and gratitude or talking about family members who have been kind and how that made the student feel. 

Choosing to express gratitude enhances students’ confidence and optimism. When they express gratitude, students establish and maintain healthy relationships with others. Choosing to respond with gratitude, when experiencing kindness from others, requires students to be gracious and kind.

The session then ends with the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi and The Prayer of Light or the Universal Prayer. (See Daily Prayers)

When students return to class after recess and the lunch break there will be 3 minutes of silence and a student-led guided meditation. This technique aims to teach students to become a master of their body and mind. The focus on being mindful develops self-awareness and self-control and is especially helpful for students that are challenged to sit still.