Help teach and mentor our children with Godly Play on Sunday mornings when their parents are in church.

Godly Play is a Montessori‑inspired approach to Christian formation that invites children to wonder, explore, and experience the stories of Scripture in a hands‑on, imaginative way. Instead of teaching about God, it helps children learn to encounter God through storytelling, silence, and open‑ended wondering.

✨ Core Elements of Godly Play

1. The Sacred Storytelling Method

A trained storyteller presents biblical stories using:

• Simple wooden figures
• Felt underlays
• Carefully crafted materials
• Slow, deliberate movements and silence

The tone is reverent and invitational — almost like children’s liturgy.

2. Wondering Questions

After the story, the storyteller invites open‑ended reflection:

• “I wonder what part you liked best.”
• “I wonder where you are in this story.”
• “I wonder what part is most important.”

There are no right answers — only exploration.

3. The Prepared Environment (The Godly Play Room)

The room itself is part of the curriculum:

• Shelves arranged by liturgical season
• Stories placed in order
• A circle on the floor for gathering
• A quiet, prayerful atmosphere

Children learn through the environment as much as through the storyteller.

4. The Circle of Welcome

Children enter quietly and are greeted one‑by‑one.
This ritual teaches:

• Respect
• Belonging
• Readiness to enter sacred space

It mirrors the hospitality of worship.

5. The Story

Each session centers on one of the four story types:

• Sacred Stories (Creation, Exodus, Parables, etc.)
• Parables (told with gold boxes)
• Liturgical Lessons (Advent, Baptism, Eucharist)
• Silence & Contemplation (prayer practices)

6. Response Time (Work Time)

Children choose how to respond:

• Art materials
• Working with story materials
• Journaling
• Quiet reflection

This honors each child’s spiritual process and learning style.

7. The Feast

A simple snack shared together:

• Builds community
• Mirrors the Eucharistic pattern
• Provides closure and gratitude

8. The Blessing & Dismissal

Children are dismissed individually with a blessing, reinforcing:

• Their value
• Their belonging
• The sacredness of the time together