Children as Teachers
Working closely with three children from St Paul's Primary School, Reading and with Mike Sarson, the director of Reading-based East-West Detox (a charity offering holistic alternatives to addiction and stress), together we explored how children could become teachers of meditation.
As part of my research into shifts of power in conversation, we questioned together whether children are listened to by adults when the children are the teachers.
There have been four events so far in this ongoing project:
In May 2013 the children taught their own teachers to meditate.
In June 2013 the children taught meditation to Reading University academics and members of the public. A celebratory picnic followed, during which the children presented "meditation bracelets" (woven specially by them) for each participant.
In July 2013 the children taught meditation to elderly residents of Lakeside Care Home which overlooks Reading University's lake. Their relationship began as a result of them all enjoying the floating bench on the lake (see Bench project).
In December 2013 the children and their fellow classmates taught their parents meditation. Afterwards, they served them afternoon tea which they had prepared earlier for them.
Click here to watch the East/West Detox's YouTube clip.
As part of my research into shifts of power in conversation, we questioned together whether children are listened to by adults when the children are the teachers.
There have been four events so far in this ongoing project:
Children teaching teachers, St Paul's Primary School, Reading
In May 2013 the children taught their own teachers to meditate.
Children as teachers, Reading University
In June 2013 the children taught meditation to Reading University academics and members of the public. A celebratory picnic followed, during which the children presented "meditation bracelets" (woven specially by them) for each participant.
Children teaching the elderly, Lakeside Care Home, Reading
In July 2013 the children taught meditation to elderly residents of Lakeside Care Home which overlooks Reading University's lake. Their relationship began as a result of them all enjoying the floating bench on the lake (see Bench project).
Children teaching parents, St Paul's Primary School, Reading
In December 2013 the children and their fellow classmates taught their parents meditation. Afterwards, they served them afternoon tea which they had prepared earlier for them.
Click here to watch the East/West Detox's YouTube clip.
