Labyrinths in Schools
A major emphasis of the Labyrinth Resource Group since its inception has been to bring the labyrinth experience to children in Santa Fe. In the 10 elementary schools in which we have organized the building of permanent labyrinths on school grounds, we have worked with the school staff and with the classes to introduce them to the labyrinth and show them how it can be used with children. Children love the labyrinth immediately as they race to the center and out again. Some labyrinth facilitators have used the labyrinth for games or for art, but our emphasis has been on enriching and improving the lives of children. Some kids have used the labyrinth to deal with grief at the loss of a loved one or pet; others have used it for problem solving or conflict resolution; many use it to calm down when they are angry or upset - but all children say they enjoy walking the paths of the labyrinth.
Labyrinth Books Relating to Children
By Hancock, Gael D.
108 Ways to Use Labyrinths in Schools
Labyrinthos 2004
Linda Lantieri (Editor)
Schools With Spirit, Nurturing the Inner Lives of Children and Teachers
Beacon Press, Boston 2001
A beautiful collection of articles that encourages schools to be "soulfull places of learning where the spiritual dimension is welcomed." The separation of church and state is discussed.
Rosetta, Lani
Let's Have a Labyrinth Party
Leihuna Enterprises, 2002
Lots of photographs, drawings, local labyrinths, art, poems.
Rosetta, Lani
Labyrinths for Kids
Leihuna Enterprises, 2001, 2002
Exploring the Construction and Use of Labyrinths as a Tool for Increasing Fine Motor, Visual Perceptual and Gross Motor Skills in the Classroom
|
"Kids On The Path"
School Labyrinth Guide
"Kids On The Path" is all you need to know to bring a labyrinth program to a school. The School Labyrinth Guide includes a:
- The School Labyrinth Guide includes: Part 1 - Manual consisting of detailed steps for creating a labyrinth program, Part 2 - 32 pages of Lesson Plans and Classroom Ideas, and Part 3 - Construction Workbook - Great "How To" information.
- The DVD with includes a photo history of labyrinths, an introduction to school labyrinths and a brief description of the steps to create a school labyrinth program.
Childrens' Comments On The Labyrinth Experience:
"My dog died two weeks ago and I have been very upset. After I walked the labyrinth, I realized my dog would live in my heart forever."
"When I walked the Labyrinth I felt relaxed and comfortable. I felt small - kind of in not out. It was very peaceful and quiet."
"I thought about my grandma’s death. I decided to think about the good parts of her llife, rather than her suffering. The labyrinth helped me find a way to forget about her suffering."
"I figured out a way to talk to people to get their attention. It is better to talk than to grab someone’s neck when they are bugging you."
"I thought about the lies I have told. I am really sorry about the lies I have told my friends."
"I thought about my grandpa looking down on me from heaven. I thought about things we used to do and how fun he was. I want to feel happy about myself because I know he is watching me."
"I feel bad about getting an F in math. I thought of a plan to work harder. It made me feel better."
"I decided to go home tonight and say sorry to my sister.
"It makes you feel happy when you walk around it."
"Sometimes, when you get to the middle, you can pray."
"It helps you feel better when you are mad."
"When you walk the labyrinth, you can sometimes feel that God is with you."
|
|
