Back to School Glimmers

Focusing on the little things

by Hannah Taylor

Suitable for Whole School (Pri)

Aims

To consider the great things about going back to school after the summer holidays.

Preparation and materials

• You will need the PowerPoint slides accompanying this assembly (Back to School Glimmers) and the means to display them.

Assembly

1. Show Slide 1.
   Welcome the children back to school after the holiday,
2. Ask the children what they have enjoyed about the summer holiday.
   Listen to a range of responses.
3. Ask the children to close their eyes and think of the favourite thing they did this summer. Ask them to think about why the memory makes them feel happy? Ask them to hold on to that feeling.
   Now ask them to think about school. Ask them what they have missed about school – maybe it is playing with friends, the teachers or learning new skills etc.
4. Show Slide 2.
   Point out that sometimes it can feel difficult when we have changes in our routine. Sometimes when we feel a bit anxious or sad, it can be helpful to think about little things that make us feel happy and safe. We can call these glimmers. These can feel as simple as the sun shining on our skin, that first bite of our lunch or the exciting feeling we get when we start reading a new book.
5. Show Slide 3.
   Ask the children if they can think of any ‘glimmers’ that give them the lovely excited, safe feeling.
   Listen to a range of responses.
6. Encourage the children to look for ‘glimmers in school and in the playground today. Maybe they could take special notice of the sounds, smells and the things they see that make them feel happy and safe.
7. Optional: You could encourage the children to write down or draw some of their favourite glimmers to make a display. Then, if they are ever feeling a bit sad, they could look at the board and remind themselves of things that help lift their spirits.

Time for reflection

Starting a new school year is exciting, but it can also bring feelings of nervousness or uncertainty. Encourage the children to remember that friends and teachers are here to support them. Remind them that there are people they can speak to in school if they are feeling worried.

Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the summer holidays and for bringing us safely back to school.
As we begin this new year, help us to be brave when we feel nervous and excited.
Please remind us that we are never alone.
Help us to be kind friends, supportive classmates and caring members of our school community.
May this year be filled with learning, friendship, happiness, and growth.
Amen.

Song/music

‘A Whole New World’ from Aladin. An example can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ1Rb9hC4JY