Godly Play is an interactive and developmentally appropriate model for teaching children in preschool through Grade 3 the stories of our faith and the sacred language used in worship and faith formation. Combining the works of educators Jerome Berryman and Sophia Cavaletti, Godly Play invites children into the biblical story by way of their own life experiences and the natural “work of children” … PLAY.

The Godly Play program recognizes children as spiritual beings who already have a relationship with God. Adults are guides who offer space, tools, and language which help children deepen their already existing relationship with God.

In Godly Play, we trust that given the opportunity, children will bring their own life experiences to the stories of God and will receive what they need. At the heart of a Godly Play session is the telling of the story, experienced in the contexts of both the deep chronology of scripture and the church calendar. The storyteller uses simple, beautiful materials to illustrate the story and to engage imagination. The structure of Godly Play and the classroom itself offer children a safe space to explore, wonder, and worship. “I wonder…” This is the open-ended response from the storyteller whose role is to encourage children to listen to God, ponder, and to grow closer to God.

If you’d like to learn more about Godly Play, explore the Godly Play Foundation website.