Godly Play: Christian Formation (Sunday School)

Our curriculum, Godly Play, is a unique approach to guiding children in their spiritual quest. It was developed by Jerome W. Berryman, an Episcopal priest, author, and Montessori educator and is used in many Episcopal churches around the U.S. and the world.

Godly Play closely follows the pattern of the Christian liturgical tradition. The class includes worship, prayer, singing, scripture story time, “working with” the stories, and a simple snack. Its goal is to teach children how to use religious language (parable, sacred story, silence, and liturgical action).  We follow the liturgical cycle of the church year in Godly Play just as it is done in “big church” through color and stories.

The classroom space is “holy space” where the adult storyteller, the adult doorkeeper, and the children sit together in a circle on the floor.  Every story is presented with visual, tactile materials which the children can “work with” as many Sundays as they wish. 

We do not tell children what to think but lead them into responding to a story by wondering about it.  A time for wondering or discussing the story always follows its vivid presentation by the storyteller. The wondering” time is a time for the children to listen to God.  The questions we ask are usually prefaced with “I wonder…” so we allow the children to enter into a conversation about the story and we encourage them to find God in it.

The wondering is followed by time for the children to give expression to their experience with the story.  Sometimes they use the three-dimensional storytelling materials to retell or embellish a Bible story.  Other times they interpret their experience using clay, watercolors, or other art mediums.  The children respond at their own level of experience and understanding. 

We believe that God can speak to all children in a very profound and wonderful way. During the years that children attend Godly Play they will be introduced to all the major Bible stories and will be given a life-long foundation of liturgy and worship.

Visit www.godlyplay.com to learn more about Godly Play from Jerome Berryman’s own website.