Silence as a Starting Point
Each week, our community gathers for Meeting for Worship. Students, teachers, and staff sit together in quiet reflection. There’s no sermon and no agenda. Instead, we settle into silence, allowing thoughts to rise and listening inwardly for what Quakers call the “Inner Light.” If someone feels moved to speak, they rise and share, while others listen with care.
This practice cultivates patience, presence, and a calm center that students carry with them into their day. But Meeting for Worship is just one expression of a much larger practice.
Listening to Each Other
In classrooms, listening is reflected in the way we speak and the way we wait. Teachers and students alike practice speaking one at a time without interruption, pausing between comments to reflect before responding, and affirming others’ ideas by paraphrasing or building thoughtfully.
Whether it is during morning meeting or a collaborative project , students are taught that real listening means more than waiting for your turn to talk. It means staying open to new perspectives.
Reflection and Queries
Another key element of Quaker practice is the use of open-ended questions that invite contemplation rather than quick answers. Teachers may ask questions such as:
- What does it mean to belong?
- How do we know when it’s time to speak?
- What kind of classroom do we want to create together?
Students learn to explore their thoughts, express themselves with care, and listen for shared understanding. These questions often guide classroom discussions, journal writing, and even the way students resolve conflicts.
Uplifting Every Voice
At Friends School Haverford, every voice matters. Deep listening also means making space for quieter children, emerging language learners, and those who process thoughts more slowly. That is why we create multiple avenues for student voice, including one-on-one check-ins with teachers, small group sharing and partner dialogues, and non-verbal expression through art, writing, music, or movement.
Older students often mentor younger ones, helping them find the courage to speak up in Meeting for Worship or classroom discussions. It is not about being the loudest. It is about being heard in your own time and way.
Listening to the World Around Us
Deep listening also means paying attention to what is happening beyond ourselves. At Friends School Haverford, students learn to listen to nature through outdoor learning and environmental stewardship. They listen for justice through service learning and conversations about equity. They listen inwardly to understand their own values, emotions, and impact on others.
In these moments, students practice empathy, self-awareness, and responsibility. These are essential ingredients for meaningful learning and lifelong growth.
A Culture of Presence
When you walk through the halls of Friends School Haverford, you notice something different. There is a sense of calm, an attentiveness to one another, and a community where children feel truly seen and known.
That is the gift of Quaker listening. It teaches students how to tune into themselves, into others, and into the world around them with curiosity and care. They carry that mindset wherever they go.