Tapestry of Faith: Windows and Mirrors: A Program about Diversity for Grades 4-5

Alternate Activity 1: Journaling - From My Class Perspective

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Blank paper or index cards
  • Pencils, pens and markers to share
  • Optional: Envelopes for completed papers or cards
  • Chime, bell or other sound maker
  • Soft music to create a reflective mood, and appropriate music player

Description of Activity

Introduce the idea of journaling as a spiritual practice. A spiritual practice is an activity that helps us be more connected to ourselves and to others and to the divine-to God, if one believes. Journaling offers an opportunity to be reflective in a very attentive way that can help us understand life better. Ask if anyone has kept a journal before. If someone raises their hand, ask if they would be willing to share why and how.

Explain that each person is going to consider their class identity silently. Tell participants that when you sound the chime, they may close their eyes if they are comfortable doing so or focus their gaze away from others.

Sound the chime. Say:

Reflect about your life, in relation to what we did here today. How do you see yourself or your family in terms of wealth and power? Do you have a social class identity? Do you choose it, or have others given it to you? What about your class identity makes you feel proud? Are there things that embarrass you about this identity? Write your reflections, or express them by drawing.

After about five minutes, thank the children for their participation. Tell them their reflections are intended to remain private. Ask them to fold their papers and put them their pockets. Optional: Distribute envelopes and invite participants to seal their reflections inside.