Reflection Day 1: Ecology and Spirituality
Schedule: (Times are arbitrary. Please feel free to change
as needed)
9:00 A.M. Opening comments-teacher(s)
9:10 Opening prayer (chosen by students)
9:20 Activities (see "Opening Activities" above)
9:50 Quiet reflection 1
Students will spend 20 minutes in quiet reflection
outdoors. They should be instructed to walk in silence
and observe nature. They will take a pen and paper and
list all that they see, hear, feel and smell.
If outdoor reflection is not possible, students will
choose a nature image(s) and find a quiet place indoors
to sit and reflect upon the image.
10:20 Nutrition break
10:35 Students sit in large group and share what they have
experienced outside or what they have seen in the nature
image.
What difference would it make if the things they saw
disappeared?
How can they gain more appreciation for nature?
End with a prayer of Thanksgiving to God for the gift of
nature. (student chosen)
11:00 Students could present their skits or mimes.
Class discussion about the issues presented and their
importance to the ecology of the Earth should complete
this time.
End with prayer/psalm expressing the wonder of creation.
(student chosen)
12:00 Lunch
After lunch, spend time outdoors walking, playing games,
talking, etc.
1:00 P.M. Watch the video: "The Lorax"
Class discussion, related to the magazine theme of Renewing
the Sacred Balance
2:15 Nutrition break
2:30 Quiet reflection 2
Extend this quiet time to 40 minutes. Students are
instructed to find a place outdoors and complete the
reflection paper the teacher has prepared.
Class discussion on the merits of silence as necessary for
reflection:
* Was it difficult to keep silent for the length of time? Why?
* What did students learn from their attempt to keep quiet?
* Would they attempt to take some time each day for quiet
reflection? Why/why not?
* How has this unit and this day helped them to prepare for the
task of becoming an adult in the Church?
3:15 Closing prayers (chosen and prepared by students)
