By law children must experience an act of collective worship each day. Prayers in the classroom are often a quick and rushed as teachers feel the pressure to get on with the curriculum.

It is a great privilege to pray with young children and a wonderful opportunity for them to to develop their relationship with their teachers and ultimately their relationship with God. However, we have to be sensitive to the mood of the children, especially if the prayer takes place in the morning since some of the children might have experienced quite difficult times at home. 

  
     

Peace

The sign of peace can be a great help in keeping the class united. It doesn’t always have to be a hand shake.

  • The class can stand in a circle holding hands and by moving their arms up and down they pass the peace around the class.
  • When things have not gone too well in the class during the day ask the children to form a circle. The teacher then goes around each child placing his/her hands on the child's shoulder saying, “Peace be with you.” This can also be done as the children leave the class for the day.
  		 

Treasure Box

Have you ever tried a treasure box in your prayer corner? It can be used to place happy events (writing them on a small sheet of paper), children’s petitions or children’s promises made during lent or at the beginning of the new term. 



  

Changing Places

Do you always have your prayer session with the children in the same place?  Try varying their position perhaps in a circle holding hands, on the mat or standing in a space.   		  

Prayer Mat

Try giving each child their own prayer mat. Carpet shops will give you end samples.  The mats make prayer a more solemn time. The children can sit, kneel or bow down on them like Moses. 		  

Gesture

The use of gestures in prayer helps children understand both the words and often the concepts within the prayer. 

  • Arms raised in praise, or bowing low can give the children a sense of the glory and awe of God. 
  • Many of the children’s hymns have actions to them which helps to emphasise their meaning.
  • Children can bless each other with various gestures, placing their hand on each other's head or shoulders or signing them on the forehead with a cross.
 

Worry Box

Why not try  a worry box? This is a simple box nicely decorated with a lid. The children symbolically put their worries in when they arrive at school. It really does help. 

  
Mexican Wave
Have you ever tried giving the Mexican wave during prayer time?  Choose a phrase to be passed on e.g. ‘God is great’ or ‘God is love'. The children love it and so does God!