All Saints' Episcopal Church

Godly Play is an imaginative approach to working with children that honors their capacity for experiencing the presence of God. Godly Play at All Saints' is for children in preschool through 2nd grade and meets in Room A during the 9am hour. It seeks to offer them the language, permission, and understanding to express and enjoy that presence. It is more akin to spiritual direction than to education that aims to write religious knowledge on the “empty slate” of a child’s mind. Godly Play was developed by Jerome Berryman, an Episcopal Priest and student of Maria Montessori’s approach to Christian education. Our teaching team shares biblical stories with creative energy, drama and illustrations. The hospitable and fun classroom helps the children learn and creates a lasting and joyful memory and mean to learn and grow in faith. One of he leaders roll is simply to welcome children to the room, help them participate and assist the children with their creative “projects.”

Godly Play Core Training Retreat October 14-16, 2010 at All Saints' Episcopal Church, Carmel

You will experience Godly Play stories as both teacher and learner and have a chance to analyze them with your peers in a collegial, non-judgmental setting. You will learn how to build the Godly Play classroom and strengthen your classroom management skills. You will deepen your understanding of children’s spirituality. Each activity takes place in a prayerful atmosphere of give and take with talented, creative Godly Play Teacher Trainers. You will improve your teaching skills, achieve greater clarity about the foundations of Godly Play, and leave spiritually refreshed. Prior experience with Godly Play is helpful but not absolutely necessary for accreditation. Each participant will be required to present a story or lesson without notes in the presence of a trainer. Participants are asked to read Teaching Godly Play, How to Mentor the Spiritual Development of Children by Jerome W. Berryman prior to attending the core training.

Training will take place on:

Thursday, October 14 (4:30 pm - 9:00 pm), Friday, October 15 (8:30 am – 5:00 pm), and Saturday, October 16 (8:30 am - 4:00 pm). We will be providing meals while you are with us. Participants are required to be present for the entire training experience.
Participants completing the Core training will be awarded the Godly Play Teacher Certificate by the Godly Play Foundation.