Guided visioning
The aim is to get pupils to use their imaginations in as free a way as
possible and envision ideal scenarios (some educators fear that due to
the amount of time many children spend in front of the television or computer
games, their imaginations are already 'colonised'). Research has shown
that imagery is powerful in changing internal feelings about self, and
improving mental health.
Pupils will need to be relaxed in order to do this properly, so you may
like to start with a 'stilling' (meditation or relaxation) exercise.
In addition, it helps to put on relaxing background music to enable concentration
- you also need to ensure that you will not be interrupted during this
process if at all possible.
"Imagine you are getting into a time machine, close your eyes. You
have come back to your school 5 years in the future when they have built
your ideal school grounds. You get out. What do you see? What can you
smell? etc. It's break time - What are you doing? What are others doing?
It's your favourite lesson. The teacher says you are going to work outside.
What are you doing? etc.
When they 'come back' get them to discuss their visions and then write
them down / draw them. They could then share them with other classes.
( see the activity 'Designing
a sustainable school environment' for the fully scripted vision)
Related Links
Guide
to conducting the process and follow up action plan
Explanation
of visioning and how to do workshops in different contexts
Downloadable Acrobat
pdf booklet from Enact Visioning as part of process of sustainable
community development (based on Oregon model: Where are we now? Where
are we going? Where do we want to be? How do we get there?)
Books:
Picture This: Guided imagery for Circle Time.
CD and activity booklet, featuring stories and exercises which develop
imagination, improve concentration and memory, teach relaxation, encourage
a sense of well-being and increase self-confidence and self-respect. Provides
both facilitator and young people with an opportunity to participate together
in positive experiences
Scripted Fantasy in the Classroom.
Step-by-step practical guide for teachers interested in introducing imagery
and fantasy work into schools with a range of ages and abilities.
Values and Visions
Aims to foster spiritual development through a two-way journey - inward
to find out more about oneself and outward to learn to value the environment
and one’s community, locally and globally. Relates to curriculum
and whole school activities
|
