pg. 1

E

From the first moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he or she ought to have

the impression of entering a new environment, one illumined by the light of faith, and

having its own unique characteristics.1

Purpose of this document

To assess the classroom environment for signs of Faith

To provide support for teachers to incorporate faith into the physical environment of

their classroom

Implementation & Monitoring:

The checklist will be used by teachers and administrators

The frequency of use will be determined by the teacher and/or administrator

Support and illustrated examples of expectations will be provided for each checklist

point

Prayer is an essential element of the religious education of children. Through prayer, children are able to express and deepen their relationship with God. It is the task of the

religion teacher to assist students in the development of their prayer life2

1 WILLIAM Cardinal BAUM; The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School 2 Creating a prayer space intro; Holy Family

Elementary Catholic

Classrooms: The physical environment

pg. 2

Table of Contents

Classroom Walkthrough Checklist Page 3

The Elementary Prayer Space Page 4

The Elementary Prayer Table Page 5

The Elementary Wall Space Page 6

Appendix A: Examples of Required Items Page 7

The Bible Page 7

The Cross Page 8

The Candle Page 9

The Tablecloth Page 10

The Rosary Page 11

Appendix B: Prayer Table Elements Page 12

According to Season

Ordinary Time Page 12

Advent Page 13

Christmas Page 14

Lent Page 15

The Triduum Page 16

Easter Page 17

Appendix C: The Interactive Prayer Table Page 18

General Ideas Page 18

Ideas According to Season Page 19

pg. 3

Elementary Catholic Classroom Walkthrough Checklist3

Upon entering the classroom one will immediately observe external signs, physical and

visual, of the Catholic culture, through such things as: images, symbols, icons, and other

objects of devotion and faith.

Question Yes No

The Classroom

Are there Christian elements immediately evident upon entering the classroom?

Is there a prayer space in the classroom?

Is there a prayer table in the classroom?

Is there a wall space/ bulletin board dedicated to Faith?

The Prayer Table

Is the prayer table visible?

Is the prayer table clear of clutter? Neat?

Is the prayer table accessible to all the students: can they touch it? Is it at their physical level to visit it?

Does the prayer table have a cloth on it?

Is the cloth the appropriate colour for the liturgical season?

Does the prayer table have a cross on it?

Does the prayer table have a Rosary on it?

Does the prayer table have a Bible on it?

Is the Bible elevated?

Does the prayer table have a candle on it?

Is there a symbol or item present that represents the current season of the church?

Are there other notable items on the prayer table (select from following list)

Devotional book Plant/ Flowers Saint Statue

Holy Water Artwork Other (comment below)

Wall Space

Is there a Crucifix on the wall of the classroom?

Is there elements of the wall space that illustrate the Christian Message?

3 Adapted from Edmonton Catholic’s Documents, ‘Catholic Environment Checklist’

pg. 4

The Elementary Prayer Space

Ideally an elementary classroom in a Catholic School would have an area of the classroom

dedicated to prayer. This space should hold a prominent place in the classroom; provide a focus

for prayer; and be a constant reminder of the presence of Jesus. Of course it is understandable

that with the restraints of some classrooms a space, dedicated strictly to prayer, is not a

possibility. The following are suggestions on how to develop and use a prayer space in your

classroom.

A Classroom prayer space should be a focal point in the room and evident upon entering the room.

The prayer area should have the following elements.

o A space, separate from student desks, that provides enough Room so that the entire

class is able to gather together for prayer.

o A rug or some other form of comfortable seating for students.

o A prayer table

o Wall space

Not all classrooms have the physical space to accommodate a prayer space, if this is the case,

a prayer table alone with some wall space is sufficient.

We cannot make children pray,

but we can create an

environment that encourages

prayer. Prayerful images, soft

music, dimed lighting,

comfortable posture, and an

atmosphere of peacefulness and

quiet all assist in helping

children to pray. Young

Children respond to and need

concrete images to assist them

in the development of a prayer

life in the same way that

concrete materials help them to

learn other education concepts

and skills

~WILLIAM Cardinal BAUM

pg. 5

The Elementary Prayer Tables

The prayer table is the focal point of a classroom prayer space. It is a place where the Bible is given

reverence, where children can interact, in a meaningful and positive way, with their faith.

The following are some components to remember when developing/ setting up your prayer table (this list

is by no means exhaustive, please share with your colleagues other ideas you may have):

o It should be a suitable table if possible

o The prayer table visually changes throughout the Liturgical year (For more information on how

the prayer table changes see Appendix B)

o The prayer table Must have the following elements

o Tablecloth (preferably not a piece of paper but an actual cloth), it should be of

appropriate length, covering the entire table (examples in Appendix A)

o An elevated Bible: Given a place of honor on the table (examples in Appendix A)

o Candle: this can be electric or regular, however it should be lit/turned on during prayer

time. (examples in Appendix A)

o Cross: If possible in an upright position (examples in Appendix A)

o Rosary (examples in Appendix A)

o An element to represent the Liturgical season (For ideas of items to

represent the seasons of the church see Appendix B)

o The prayer table may have the following elements:

o A small box and slips of paper so student can write prayers and intentions

that can be read during prayer time.

o Devotional book

o Plant/ Flowers

o Holy Water

o Saint statue or figurine

o The Prayer corner/table should be interactive; students are able to take

ownership (for ideas on how to make a prayer table interactive see Appendix

C)

o Attempt to ensure there are authentic and fitting symbols present; not just “religious stuff”

o Situated at a level appropriate for the students in the classroom.

o The prayer table is free of clutter. No loose papers, water bottles, markers, whiteboard

erasers, etc.

It is important to note, that although there are

many things we can place on a prayer table, we do

not want to overdo it, do not overcrowd or clutter

the prayer table. Remember to remove the

seasonal items, drawing back to the simplicity of

centering prayer

pg. 6

Figure 1 Hands on Bible Teacher

The Elementary Wall Space:

The Wall space or bulletin board in a classroom provides an ideal opportunity to infuse the classroom

with the Christian message. Some ideas are below:

o A Crucifix

o List of daily or weekly prayer intentions,

o Pictures or posters to reflect themes of respect and beauty,

o Positive messages using the language of Catholic faith,

o School mission statement turned into a prayer,

o Student’s work reflecting Religious themes

o Images of Saint’s

o Icons

Religious images can leave an indelible mark on the students’ minds and perhaps touch

their hearts in a way that our words do not.

Each classroom has a

significant role to

play because each

classroom establishes

age appropriate ways

to connect the

children to their faith

and its teachings.

pg. 7

Appendix A: Examples of required items

The Bible

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It should be given a place of prominence on the prayer

table. It is important when choosing a Bible for your classroom that you are aware of the

different versions and what Catholics use. When buying a Bible ensure that you get the Catholic

version (ex: The Catholic NRSV). That being said, you do want to choose a bible that will engage

your students and is at their level. Below are examples of some Bibles that would work in a

Catholic Classroom.

The Bible, if possible, should also be elevated. Here are a few different book stands.

pg. 8

The Cross

Jesus died on the Cross for us; this is a big deal! What once was a symbol of torture is now a

sign of hope and salvation. It should have a central part of our space and our day.

Preferably we want the cross upright, however, it is understandable that may not be possible. It

is also best to have a Crucifix, rather than a cross, as this is a visual reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice

for us. If you do not have a Crucifix on the prayer table, there should be one on the wall

somewhere in the classroom. Below are examples of some Crosses and Crucifixes that would

work on a prayer table (not an exhaustive list, there are many different crosses that can be

used):

Table Top

Wall

Unique

pg. 9

The Candle

Light is pure; it penetrates darkness; it moves with incredible velocity; it nourishes

life; it illumines all that comes under its influence. Therefore it is a fitting symbol of

God, the All Pure, the Source of all grace and enlightenment. It represents also our

Blessed Savior and His mission. He was "the Light of the world,"[John 8:12] to

enlighten "them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.”[Luke 1:79].4

Lighting the prayer table candle, before prayer helps to settle students and create an

atmosphere of sacredness and respect for prayer time. Below are examples of

Candles you may want to have on your prayer table, as well as some suggestions:

o Eclectic candles are appropriate

o Please refrain from having a scented candle, due to allergies or irritations the

smell may cause

o Candles or candle holders can change colour with the Liturgical season

4 http://www.awakentoprayer.org/candles.htm

pg. 10

The Tablecloth

When we have special meals in our home, we often use a tablecloth. During the Liturgy of the

Eucharist an altar cloth adorners the altar. It is custom then to have a tablecloth covering the

prayer table in a classroom. For it is a special place in our classroom, where we offer reverence

for our Lord, the cloth helps to identify it as a special place.

Suggestions and examples of Prayer Tablecloths

o The material should be cloth, NOT a piece of construction paper or something similar.

o Colours of cloth change throughout the year

o Ordinary Time = Green

o Advent = Purple

o Christmas = White

o Lent = Purple

o The Triduum = Red

Because this season is only three days and often children are not in

school, it is not necessary to have a red cloth on hand.

o Easter = White

o The cloth should hang over the sides of the table.

pg. 11

The Rosary

No Prayer Table, or Catholic Classroom, is complete without a Rosary. It is a form of prayer that involves

our participation physically, verbally, and mentally. Its power is so great that we do not need to even say

it to benefit from it, for “in times of darkness, holding the Rosary Beads is like holding your Blessed

Mother’s hand”5. Having a Rosary, and a ‘how to pray the rosary’ card, on your prayer table, and giving

students the opportunity to hold it and pray it, is a wonderful thing.

5 https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/6a/09/af/6a09af9aecbf736b3f7820b9e53c3b32.jpg

pg. 12

Appendix B: Prayer Table Elements According to Season

The seasons of the church change throughout the year. Our year begins with the Season of

Advent, moves into Christmas, then Ordinary time, then Lent, next comes the Triduum and

after that it is Easter, upon the end of Easter we move back into Ordinary time and there we

stay until the next Advent. The Prayer Table should reflect these changes in season; both in

colour and symbols. Below are some suggestions of items/pictures you may want to include on

your prayer table through the seasons of the church.

Ordinary Time

General Info: The longest liturgical season in the year. Happens twice in a year. A time when the

people of the Church meditate upon the whole mystery of Christ- his life, miracles and

teachings – in the light of his Resurrection6

Colour: Green (the colour of growth and hope)

Some Symbols:

The Chi-Rho is consists of the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ. The fusion of

these two letters into an abbreviation became a symbol for Christ.

Picture of footsteps, this is to symbolize how the season of Ordinary time is an open invitation

to walk with the Lord.

Green is a symbol of hope and life. Having a living green plant symbolizes this. It reminds us

that God's love, like the life flowing through this plant, is faithful.

A picture or map marking the ministry of Jesus. Ordinary

time is a time where we follow Jesus through his ministry.

Throughout this season we listen as the Gospels unfold

for us the

life and

preaching

of Jesus.

Pictures of the miracles of Jesus, such as the Wedding

Feast at Cana, that are explored during the season of

Ordinary time would also be great additions to the prayer

table.

6 Catholic Curlutre.org

pg. 13

Advent

General Info: The focus of Advent is on the coming of our Lord. However this is three-fold. We reflect

back and celebrate the Lord’s first coming into this world, we celebrate his coming among us today, and

we look forward to the second coming of Christ, when our Lord will come again to judge the living and

the dead. Advent is a period of quiet and meditation; a time inspired by anticipation rather than

penance; a season that acknowledges our incompleteness7

Colour: Purple (a sign of penance, sacrifice and preparation)

Some symbols

The Jesse Tree

The Jesse Tree is used in many classrooms as a way to teach the events leading us to

Jesus’s birth. We adorn the tree with illustrated ornaments that represent the

people, prophesies, and events leading up to the birth of Christ. The ornaments of

the Jesse Tree tell the story of God in the Old Testament, connecting the Advent

season with the faithfulness of God across four thousand years of history8

Advent Wreath:

This wreath is rich in symbols and traditions, and calls to mind the coming of the

Messiah. It is most often in the shape of a circle to symbolize eternal life. It holds four

candles, three purple and one pink, which throughout the four Sundays of Advent are

lit. These candles sometimes hold individual meaning which is explained below. The

wreath and the candles reflect the passage of the Advent season.

Advent Candles and Advent Sundays

Each Advent Sunday takes on a particular character as suggested by the Gospel reading and each Candle

holds a special meaning (the meanings attributed to the candles are cultural, not liturgical)

1st Sunday 2nd Sunday 3rd Sunday 4th Sunday

Hope Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ who is coming into our world

Peace

We light the candle of

peace to remind us that

Jesus is the Prince of

Peace and that in him

lasting peace is found.

Joy Reminds us that when Jesus is born again in us we have joy and that through him there will be everlasting joy on earth.

Love Love is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the love we find in Jesus Christ whose coming is

near.

Gospel & Weekday Readings The Lord’s coming in glory at the

end of time The readings of the first part of

Advent center on readings of the

prophet Isaiah, with gospel passages that reflect a sense of

fulfilment of the reading.

Gospel & Weekday Readings John the Baptist and his message of reparation and repentance

During the second & third weeks, the gospel readings introduce us

to John the Baptist as the one who prepares us for the coming of the Lord (at Christmas and at the end of time) through his message

of repentance

Gospel & Weekday

Readings Events that immediately

prepared for the Lord’s birth

The gospel readings from Matthew and Luke recount the

events that prepared for the

Lord’s birth.

7 Celebrating the Season of Advent Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops 8 Loyola Press

pg. 14

Christmas

General Info: Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. For Catholics, it is not just a

single day (Dec. 25), but an extended liturgical season of joy and celebration. Christmas season,

during which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, includes the Feast of the Holy Family, the

Feast of the Mother of God and Epiphany.

Colour: White (the colour of purity and new life)

Some Symbols:

The Nativity

Nativity is the name we give to the occasion of someone’s birth. Since one aspect of the

season of Advent is recalling the events leading to the birth of Christ, it makes sense to

have something depicting the actual occasion. A statue or figurines depicting the

Nativity of our Lord is an excellent element to add to the prayer table during the season

of Advent. A picture showing the event is also welcome.

The Magi Frankincense Gold Myrrh

A picture or figurine depicting the Magi is another item you may want to include on the prayer table. As

well, samples of Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh, available to purchase at many stores, would be great

additions and would definitely engage students.

The Star of Bethlehem

Having a star on the prayer table is an opportunity to discuss with students the role of the

star in the Nativity story, and also to talk about what the stars teach us about God.

The Shepherds

The Shepherds in the Nativity story are of great interest to students, having a picture or

figurine to represent them is a great addition to the prayer table. It also opens the door to a

discussion about how Jesus is the Greatest Shepard of all!

The Angels

Angels are messengers, throughout the course of history they have been commissioned by

God for certain duties on earth. Angels play an important role in the events leading to and the

day of, the birth of Christ.

pg. 15

Lent

General Info: Lent is a time of prayer and penance, when Christ wants to lead us back to our

baptismal promises of dying to sin and of living for God. We prepare ourselves to enter once

again into Jesus’ Paschal mystery and to renew it in our lives.

Colour: Purple (Symbolizes repentance and penance)

Some Symbols:

The symbols of Lent are many, and change throughout the season. The following is a list of

symbols (not complete), one may have on their prayer table during the season of Lent. They are

listed in the order they would appear if following the liturgical Calendar.

1. Ashes (Ashes from the Ash Wednesday celebration)

2. Picture of Jesus in the desert

3. A large bowl of sand with rocks and twigs (symbolic of the desert)

4. Pictures depicting the three temptations of Christ

5. Palm Branches (to mark the triumphant entrance of Our Lord into Jerusalem)

6. Questions that are from an examination of Conscience

7. Picture/Figurine showing Last Supper

8. Bread (Symbol of the Last Supper)

9. Chalice (In remembrance of the last supper)

10. Crown of Thorns (reminds us of the upcoming season of Triduum and Christ’s passion

and death).

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9 10

pg. 16

The Triduum

General Info: The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum— this three-day

observance begins on the evening of Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and

ends on Saturday evening with the Easter Vigil. Though chronologically three days, they are

liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ's Paschal Mystery.

The single celebration of the Triduum marks the end of the Lenten season, and leads to the

Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.

The liturgical services that take place during the Triduum are

o Mass of the Lord's Supper

o Good Friday of the Lord's Passion

o Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord

Colour: Red (Symbolizes both blood and fire)

In our hour of deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first

Easter morning – HE IS NOT HERE, FOR HE IS RISEN.

The Triduum falls on a time when

most students are not in school. For

this reason many of the symbols

related to the Triduum are included

in the symbols for Lent.

pg. 17

Easter

General Info: Fifty days of Easter joy will bring us to the feast of Pentecost. God’s gift of life is

complete in the sending of the Holy Spirit.

Colour: White (symbolizes purity, holiness, virtue, as well as respect and reverence)

Some Symbols:

Easter Lilies: the White blossoms symbolize the purity of Jesus. Lilies, emerging

from the earth in the spring.9

A stuffed lamb: Represents Jesus as, ‘The Lamb of God’.

Dove: A symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at

Pentecost, which marks the end of the Easter season.

The Butterfly: It symbolizes the life of Jesus Christ. The first stage, is the

caterpillar, which stands for His life on Earth. Second phase begins from the

cocoon stage, portraying the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. The third and final

stage is the butterfly, representing His raising from the dead in a glorified body

and peace.

The Easter season is an invitation to live out the meaning of our baptism. Holy Water

reminds us of our baptism.

A picture showing the empty tomb would be a great addition to a prayer

table. It reminds us of the resurrection of Christ; Jesus’ triumphant reign

over death!

9 Immaculate Conception Parish

pg. 18

Appendix C: The Interactive Prayer Table

This portion of the document provides a small sampling of ideas for making the

classroom prayer area/table more interactive. It is split into two parts: General

Ideas and Ideas by Season,

General Ideas

Prayer Ribbon Wall10: Invite students to tie a ribbon as a symbol of their

prayer. Tell them to add their prayers amongst the many prayers and as

they tie the ribbon, to ask God to hear the prayers of those already tied

on the prayer wall.

Green Ribbon= prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving

Blue Ribbon= prayers of confession and forgiveness

Pink Ribbon= prayers of adoration and praise

Red= prayers for others, friends and family.

White= prayers for the world

Prayer Tree11: this Prayer tree is a great way to make your prayer table

interactive. Have students write prayers on the leaves. During intentions,

or at different times during the day, take off one of the leaves and read it

aloud. After you read a leaf, you can put it in a "prayer box."

Pray and Praise Bowl12: A way to be aware that God

answers prayers. Have an empty bowl, an assortment of

small colored rocks, and white and green beads. For every

answered prayer, drop in a stone, for every praise drop in

a green bead, for every blessing drop in a white bead.

Also have large beads for those ‘big’ things that blow us

away, the big blessings (like the birth of a child).

10 Taken from theresaecho.com 11 Danielle Carter: Pinterest 12 http://ravingrebecca.blogspot.ca/2011/01/prayer-praise-bowl.html

pg. 19

Ideas according to Season Ordinary Time

Ordinary time is a great time to look at the lives of Saints. As you

explore the different Saints, have a map in the prayer corner of

your room that shows the areas of the world that the saints are

from.

Throughout Ordinary time we look at the events of Jesus’ ministry.

As you explore the bible stories have students identify on the map

where the bible story took place.

Advent & Christmas

Each morning have a different student open the door and read

the Advent bible verse. Keep doors closed with a paper clip or

pushpin13

Preparing the Manger: Have an empty manger in the classroom (either real or a

picture of one). The gift students will give back is the gift of service. Every time

they do a good deed, or help someone, or do something kind, they may add a

piece of straw to the manger (an optional idea would be for them to write the

deed on the straw). The more kindness the class shows others the softer the

manger will be on Christmas Eve.

Lent:

The Act of Love jar has different things they can do each day such as

share a toy with a classmate or be extra nice to someone at school.

The Prayer Jar has a special intention for each day. The teacher leads

prayer and then students chose an act and prayer intention for the

next day. The morning of the following day the teacher reminds the

kids what our act of love and prayer intention is for that day.

13 Suz Wieland Pinterest