Holy Trinity Sunday School: Godly Play

We are excited about the new Sunday School Program here at Holy Trinity. After considerable discussion, research and planning with Father Daryl, we embarked on the training and teacher certification for a highly acclaimed program called Godly Play. We cleaned, designed, decorated and prepared for our first fall session starting in September 2006.

The Children: To date we have 20 children registered for Sunday School, all between the ages of 4 and 10 years old. (Including one especially well behaved 3 year old girl). We were prepared to meet with youth, 12 and older in a separate session, yet no one older than 10 years old registered.

Class Time: We meet every Sunday in the Godly Play room, during the 10:00 Service. On the third Sunday of the Month we take the Children to Mass (just after the sign of peace) to join their families for Communion and closing hymns. Designated no school days will be posted in the bulletin three week prior to the date.

The Program: The Godly Play Program is unique in the way it captures the children’s attention and helps them experience the lesson in a way they can enjoy and remember. Each class is divided into important sections that, as a whole, create a successful and positive learning experience for the children. We start with Greeting; where each child is welcomed to the class and takes a spot given to them around the Story Telling circle. Some calm discussion takes place between the Storyteller and each Child until the class is set to begin. Preparation time occurs just prior to the Storytelling, where the children “get ready” - “take a deep breath, sit up straight like this and get ready to hear today’s story”…okay if everyone is ready, I’ll get the special materials we need for today’s story…” 

Storytelling: The use of rich story materials and story telling techniques makes this part of the Program very effective for the children. Wondering takes place after the story concludes where children share ideas about the story. Creative Response: During this time children get to pick what they want to work with from various art supplies or story materials to express themselves. Whatever they create is fine whether it reflects the lesson or not.

Feast: Feast follows the Creative Response time and is considered a very valuable part of the Program. We get back together in the circle and children are chosen to help pass out the “feast”. Each person gets a napkin, choice of juice or water, two snack items: such as - teddy grams, animal crackers, small muffins etc. Children can elect not to have a snack. “Grace” is said around the circle - children are encouraged to at least think of something they are thankful for and then verbally say Amen. Other children are chosen to help pick up after feast concludes. The class ends with a final prayer, and casual discussion as the children await their parents to arrive.

The Teaching Team: I feel very fortunate to have Carolyn Duby and my wife Sandra on our three person teaching team. We work together well, sharing duties and responsibility, along with the appreciation for the great deal of effort and passion it takes to make this Program effective.

Needs: We do hope to build our Team to 5 or 6 people. Each class must have two teachers; one Storyteller and one Greeter/Organizer. We find that 3 teachers per class is actually ideal. When we average 12-16 children, there is plenty to do to keep the class flowing. We are lucky to have Robin Neville, (A Godly Play Mom) who often assists during class. Please let us know if you would like to get involved with this ministry in anyway.

A look ahead: As this first year unfolds, our hearts and minds will be open to this Sunday School Program, and the Youth Ministries in general to continue to develop, grow, and yes - expand. Please contact Carolyn, Sandra or me with any feedback, questions and ideas. 

Let’s Enrich Our Children’s Lives,

Children listening to Godly Play Story

Children in Child Care during 10:00 Service