A Grownup's Guide to Godly Play

The congregation of Christ Episcopal Church has been given a wonderful gift in Godly Play.  We offer this unique ministry of Christian formation every Sunday morning during the 8:45 service to children ages 3 and up.  Since it is important for all adults in the church to understand what happens in a Godly Play classroom, here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Godly Play.   All parents are welcome to arrange a visit to observe a full Sunday morning Godly Play session with the children!

What is Godly Play?

Godly Play is a method of Christian education and spiritual direction for children ages 2-12.  The goal of Godly Play is to teach children the art of using religious language – parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action – to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence and direction in their lives.

Godly Play has been developed and classroom tested since 1972 by Jerome Berryman, an Episcopal priest, author, and teacher.  The Godly Play method is currently being used in churches of many denominations throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.

What happens on a typical Sunday morning in a Godly Play classroom?

Parents and children are greeted at the door by a teacher called a “doorperson.”  When the doorperson determines the child is ready, the child enters the sacred space of the classroom and joins a circle of children sitting on the floor.  Another teacher, the storyteller, will present a lesson to the children in the circle.  The lessons presented are either “sacred stories” (often Old Testament stories), lessons about liturgy, or parables.  After every presentation, the storytellers and the children take time to wonder about the materials they have used together.  Then, the children are asked to respond to the presentation by creating an art response, or using lesson materials in the classroom.  If there is time, the children re-convene in the circle for a feast and prayers before leaving the classroom.  When it is almost time for the Offoratory, the children prepare to leave.  Each child goes to the storyteller to receive a personal word of blessing before leaving the classroom.  We then return the children to their parents in either the church or All Saints Hall.

Why are children asked to “get ready” before entering a Godly Play classroom?

The Godly Play classroom is sacred space for children.  It is a place where children are encouraged to engage in “deep play” with scriptural materials.  It is a place of silence, mystery and wonder.  Children are always helped to “get ready” before entering.  Usually this means they calm themselves, talk softly, walk slowly, and enter the classroom with intention.  This helps them participate fully with the community of children in the classroom.

Why do parents leave their children at the door?

Parents do not enter the classroom so the community of children inside the classroom will not be disturbed.  It is easy to overwhelm the children (and the teachers!) with the presence of too many adults in the classroom.  Please speak to the door person if you need to see your child after he or she enters the classroom.

What happens if the children are not ready to enter the classroom?

The “doorperson” is trained to assist children and parents at the door – even when there are tears shed at the entrance to the classroom.

Why are there two teachers in each classroom?

Each of the two co-teachers has a different role, and both are vital to the smooth functioning of the classroom.  The doorperson acts as a host or hostess for the classroom, ensures children are ready to enter and supports them in their work.  The storyteller presents the lesson, supports the circle of children in their wondering and choosing their work, and blesses each child before he or she leaves.

Why does the classroom look different from many other church school classrooms?

The classroom surrounds and immerses the children in religious language.  When a child enters a Godly Play classroom, they are surrounded by physical representations of the stories of the People of God.  Everything in the classroom is beautiful and inviting, and designed for the children to use.

Why don’t children bring home pictures or craft items from Godly Play?

Godly Play is not product-oriented: we do not ask children to produce something for display.  The art responses that the children create are treated as very personal spiritual records.

How can I help my child participate fully in his or her Godly Play classroom?

In an idea world, we would all start the process of “getting ready” at home by serving a nutritious breakfast, and maintaining a calm, relaxed atmosphere on the way to church.  (This just isn’t always possible, but do the best you can.)  Please bring your child ten minutes early to class – it takes a while for all of the children to get settled, and we have a very short time period in which to work.  Take advantage of opportunities for your child to tell you about their experiences.  Don’t worry if it seems that your child isn’t processing information – the goal of Godly Play is to help children develop a relationship with the Living God, and that takes time and patience.

Have more questions?  Call us at 704-714-6971.