Godly Play uses Montessori principles to teach children the stories of the Bible and the Church – and how one goes about telling Godly Play Stories. Many have asked, “but how does one learn a Godly Play story in the first place”? The first recommendation would be to attend our school Chapel to see a Godly Play lesson . There are six total volumes of lessons recommending starting with just volume 1 and 2. Volume 1 is an overview of the Godly Play lessons and how they should be shared, and Volume 2  contains the first stories presented each year, starting with creation and moving through the Old Testament. Each Godly Play lesson has a “script” and movement of wooden materials to go with it – how you are supposed to move the materials as you tell the story. It is best to try to become familiar with the story and practice many times before sharing a lesson. How the story unfolds is up to the reader – every teacher does it differently. The Godly Play Foundation has videos on the lessons on YouTube, which is a great resource too. As a visual learner, it much easier to watch a lesson first. It is helpful to read the story and practice presenting with the beautiful wooden materials, little by little, until it’s time to present the lesson at Chapel.

Is it necessary to learn the script verbatim? Yes and no. The written words of each story captivate children and convey only the most essential concepts, not every single detail. Jerome Berryman “tested” the lessons for years, presenting his lessons to children to perfect the words. That said, t is nearly impossible to say it correctly, and we can always trust that God is working through us as teachers to help us say what needs to be said, not worrying about what we have left out or forgotten.

Interested in learning or trying a Godly Play Lesson? One of the most straightforward stories to learn (also, two of the most accessible materials to recreate at home) is either the lesson of “Creation” or “The Mystery of Easter.” School families may join their child for all school Chapel and Godly Play Lesson on Friday mornings at 9:15 am. See the video from The Godly Play Foundation for a visual of the upcoming Godly Play Lesson presenting the Lenten Puzzle material below: