A Time of Student Reflection in the Schools

Abstract

In 1995 Bill Clinton made a speech in Vienna, Virginia, just outside Washington D.C., in which he criticized public schools for not allowing moments of silence used for reflection in a way that is consistent with the child’s personal belief system. Such exercises can help a student conquer stress, handle their emotions better, and give them a sense of peace. Educators such as Horace Mann, William James, H. H. Horne, and others warned for many years about the consequences of failing the educate the whole person. The reality is that schools should welcome a time of reflection and not only that, welcome pupils who reflect. This chapter also addresses the tendency for teachers to want to avoid talking about spiritual matters; and that in reality this is not being neutral, but rather comes across as dismissive of the spiritual realm. A moment of silence can be used in whatever way a student desires, i.e., to pray, reflect, and so forth. Such an exercise can help students who could potentially be shooters regain their composure and embrace a proper perspective on life.