You’ve heard me talk about the importance of the first six weeks of school – this distinct time when routines, climate, and expectations are all established. We follow the same structure when preparing our students for division Chapel. In the beginning of the school year, each time we gather for ELC Chapel, we slowly and incrementally add a new section to the Chapel experience. This gives us ample time to discuss each lesson, unpack the meaning of the song or prayer, and provide children with the opportunity to ask questions, voice their feelings, and share their insights.
Often families ask me if Chapel is appropriate for their young children. The answer is a resounding “Yes!” There is a whole lot right and developmentally appropriate about ELC Chapel. For example, when we gathered for our first ELC chapel, we discussed how each of us belong to the Early Learning Center community as well as the larger St. Thomas School community. This sense of belonging, the feeling that they are in a safe space, is essential for children to take risks. Whether it’s swinging on the monkey bars, reading aloud, trying new foods, or sharing at circle time, risks are scary, and when a child feels safe, it is far easier to take those risks. I often share the story of the first time I had to lead all school Chapel. I was so scared! What did I do? I called on my STS community. I asked Dr. Wheeler to be there with me, and when I had to do it a second time, I asked some students to stand next to me. It is easier to do something scary or difficult when you surround yourself with people that care about you. We want our students to know that the people in the STS community – both young and old – care about them.
The school’s leadership curriculum is entwined in the Chapel program. In the ELC, prekindergarten students have the important job of ringing the chimes that call us to Chapel. When we introduced the chimes, we rang many kinds of bells, helping students differentiate between different sounds. We also discussed how the tones of different chimes often mean different things. The children were fascinated! For some pre-K students standing in front of their ELC community and ringing the chimes is easy, while others may may need to wait until later in the year or like me, have a fellow community member stand close by.
Similarly, kindergarten students lead the liturgy with the help of an adult who whispers the words as the student leads the ELC community in a call and response. It is a moment of pride and power when the kindergarten leaders invite the community to stand, sing, or depart with their class at the end of Chapel.
While the lessons we teach are aligned with the weekly themes of all school Chapel, division chapel allows faculty to tailor each lesson to be more developmentally appropriate. Young children are still very egocentric in their development, so artifacts are often items from their class or home. The more we can relate it to their experience, the more likely students will internalize the lesson and apply it.
Perhaps the most lovely part of Chapel is the singing. As we sing, we give children the opportunity to stretch their brain, work on their breathing, unite as a community, concentrate on the sounds and words, differentiate between fast and slow, or loud and soft. All of this increases endorphins, furthers their language development, and is just plain fun! Some of the songs we sing are part of all school Chapel, while others are specific to the ELC. Last week Mrs. Kippen, our music, movement, and drama (MMD) teacher led us in The Sun Comes Up, a song the students sing in music class. You’ve probably heard your child sing this sweet song. If not, be sure to ask them. I’m certain you will love it and understand why we begin each day singing as a community.
The last component of Chapel is the reciting of the liturgy. While we use an abridged version of the Chapel program for our young children, we do recite a prayer and a final blessing. In our preliminary lessons we carefully teach the words and the meaning of each. Recitation is beneficial to children’s development. More specifically, it supports early reading skills, teaches cadence in reading and speaking, and supports a community effect. Ask your child to share the “prayer for the ones we love,” or the final blessing. By now, most children know all the words.
ELC Chapel is specifically designed to support young children’s growth and development. It stretches cognitive development, provides opportunities for leadership, brings joy each day, and helps students feel a sense of belonging and pride in their community. Parents and guardians, you belong here, too! Remember, you are always invited to attend Chapel. I hope you’ll gather with us and experience this beautiful tradition.