Godly Play
What is it?
Godly Play teaches children the art of using Christian language - parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action. Godly play helps children become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives.
Where does it come from?
The Godly Play Sunday School curriculum was developed by Dr. Jerome Berryman, Episcopal priest, author, and teacher. Berryman received his theological education at Princeton Theological Seminary and is a nationally recognized lecturer, consultant, and workshop leader in religious education and the pastoral care of children. The Godly Play curriculum has been tested in classrooms since 1972. It is based in Maria Montessori’s educational philosophy and uses hands-on, direct learning and creative, active participation to engage children with their own spirituality and the Episcopal tradition.
What happens during Godly Play?
A morning with Godly Play is divided into three sections, similar to a Lutheran worship service.
- Storytelling: This is the time that children enter the circle to listen and enter into a story of their faith. This story may be told through a sacred story, parable, silence, or liturgical action lesson. These stories are told in a meditative rhythm through use of a variety of simple objects and materials. The story ends with “wondering time” where the children are invited to wonder with the storyteller about what they have seen and heard. Open ended questions are offered to guide them through this time.
- Response Time: During this response time the children are invited to work with the enrichment materials throughout the classroom. They can use any materials from the previously told stories, read books, work on puzzles, paint, draw, or color. It is in this time they continue to process what they have learned or wondered during the story, sometimes connecting the story with other aspects of their lives.
- Feast: After response and work time, the children put their things away and return to the circle. Together they give thanks to God and share a feast. It is here that they are reminded that it is not about the food they eat, but the people they are with that makes this time special. They talk about their lives and sometimes even close in a song or dance. As parents arrive, they are individually dismissed with a personal blessing from the Storyteller and Greeter.
How can parents support Godly Play?
One of our Godly Play stories tells the children about the “Ten Best Ways.” It’s the story of how God loved his people so much that God wanted them to know the best ways to live. We also know these as the Ten Commandments!
Based on this Godly Play version, we offer the Ten Best Ways for Parents. These are not offered as commandments, but as ways we’ve discovered help you best support your child’s spiritual formation through Godly Play.
For Further Information
- What is Godly Play ?
- www.godlyplayfoundation.org
- Contact Nancy Siverson, Godly Play Superintendent or Casey Carlson, at youth@advent-lutheran.org, Youth and Family Minister
For more information concerning Sunday School for children or adults, please contact the Faith Development chairperson at faith@advent-lutheran.org or call the church office at 408-779-3551.