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Sunday mornings, 9:45 am, Gather in Room 112
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For children in PreK - 2nd grade
This class is based on the child-centered Godly Play curriculum, developed by Jerome Berryman to explore the foundational stories of the Bible. Each class period begins with a “feast”, a small snack that we share together. When we are all gathered, we share a story, illustrated with kid-friendly materials. The story is followed by work time, during which students can reflect through art or play the stories they’ve heard. Children enter the church at the Offertory, so that all are together during the Eucharist.
Each class period includes a story, illustrated with kid-friendly materials. The story is followed by work time, during which students can reflect on the story they just heard or one they’ve heard before through art or play with the story materials. We end each class with a “feast”, a small snack that we share together, before the children leave with their parents.
What is Godly Play?
Godly Play teaches children the art of using Christian language - parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action - helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives.
When Christian language is learned by the Godly Play approach, it is learned as a means to know God and to make meaning of our lives. This approach is quite different from the traditional model in which the teacher tells the children what they need to know. Godly Play is not about things that are that simple. It is not just about learning lessons or keeping children entertained. It is about locating each lesson in the whole system of Christian language and involving the creative process to discover the depths of meaning in them. It’s about understanding how each of the stories of God’s people connects with the child’s own experience and relationship with God. Godly Play respects the innate spirituality of children and encourages curiosity and imagination in experiencing the mystery and joy of God.
The goal of Godly Play is to show how to be open to the Holy Spirit, The Creator, and the Redeemer all at once and all the time in every place. To achieve this goal is to help children become deeply rooted as Christians and yet at the same time use this powerful language and community to be open and creative.
© 2011 Godly Play Foundation — All Rights Reserved
