Godly Play: Grades K-3

The Godly Play curriculum is a creative method of presenting scripture stories to children, so they become engaged with the characters and morals found in the Bible. We enter into sacred stories, parables, silent moments of prayer questions, and art creations to discover our own relationship with God, one another, and the world around us.

Godly Play is a Montessori-based curriculum developed by Jerome W. Berryman, an Episcopal priest and author. This widely used program allows children to meet God on their own level with their own questions, rather than teaching them what adults think children should know. This method of experiential teaching is much more effective than the traditional religious education class involving passively listening to a story about God and doing a craft activity.

Stories are told with everyone on the floor in a circle, using tactile three-dimensional materials that children are later encouraged to use when expanding the story on their own during the creative expression time.

Although Godly Play follows the liturgical cycle of the year with colors and stories just like in “big church,” story sets are on display in the Sunday School classrooms year-round. Children are encouraged to play with them whenever possible.

Godly Play strives to create a safe space for children where their ideas, opinions, questions and gifts are deeply respected.

Parents are welcome at anytime to sit in on a class or come down to the classrooms to see the Godly play materials on display.

Students in 2nd and 3rd grades are also invited to an afternoon Communion Prep Class every year to learn more about Communion.