By Allison Blalock
Director of Children’s Ministries
Many of you may not know that my background is in elementary education and early childhood development. I have spent much of my professional career emphasizing the importance of play-based education for children, especially in the early years. Upon accepting the position as Director of Children’s Ministries three years ago, I was thrilled that Godly Play was being used to teach the Fig’s children to learn and grow in their faith and understanding of the Bible.
Godly Play is a Montessori-based program that follows the pattern of Christian worship and our church seasonal calendar. It teaches children religious language through sacred stories, parables, and liturgical action, as well as enhances children’s spiritual experience through wonder and responsive play. We offer Godly Play for children ages four to grade five.
Transfiguration is fortunate to have four active Godly Play classrooms, and we have a goal to open a fifth classroom in the fall of 2025. If you come and visit one of these rooms, you will notice that they are set up identically with the focal point being the story of the Holy Family. This is the case for every Godly Play room everywhere, not only here at Transfiguration. The consistency of the room, flow of activities, and even the way the children enter the room needing to answer a simple question, “Are you ready,” all contribute to the learning environment of Godly Play.
Children are invited to join the circle where they watch and listen to the story lead by the storyteller. Children are then invited to wonder together about the story with questions like, “I wonder what part of the story you liked the best? I wonder what part of the story is the most important? I wonder where you are in the story or what part of the story is about you?” Children are then invited to choose what work they will do in response to the story they have heard using arts and crafts, or even choosing to retell and play “in” the story. Each class ends by reforming of the circle. Children are dismissed individually and given a blessing by the storyteller.
The youngest classrooms have the fewest stories and are the foundation for all Godly Play. As children grow in age, the original stories are expanded, growing their knowledge and connection to the story. The language of Godly Play, while beautiful and repetitive, is also very specific. If you were to ask a child about the desert, you may receive a straightforward answer: “It is a very dangerous place.” However, Godly Play has no right or wrong answers; it is an opportunity to wonder and explore God’s amazing love for us. There is always room in the circle for everyone to play.
This week, Transfiguration is hosting a Godly Play Core training for new teachers as well as those that want to be refreshed in their storytelling practices. This is the second year that we have hosted a core training with Players from all over the country. We were fortunate enough this past spring to be paid a visit from Godly Plays Executive Director, Dr. Heather Ingersoll. Several of our teachers were able to sit down and join in a question-and-answer session as well as show our beautiful classrooms. The Fig has been named a premier Godly Play program with several churches in the area visiting to see exactly what we do each Sunday.
I invite you to learn more about Godly Play, observe a class, or even set up a time to come explore and play. There is always room in the circle for you.
Sadly, last week we learned of the passing of Godly Plays founder Jerome Berryman. In the words of the Godly Play Foundation,
“Jerome was a scholar, a practitioner, a teacher, a fierce advocate for children, and most importantly, a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was also a dear friend and mentor to Godly Play storytellers, staff, trainers, and scholars worldwide. His infectious laughter, light, and his unwavering commitment to centering children will be missed by all. Jerome gave us the gift of a way of being with children, with one another, and with God, that is honest, brave, and deeply faithful.”
In closing, I leave you with the following reminding you that there is always room in the circle for you.
A Godly Play Blessing (author unknown)
As you make your journey,
may God come so close to you
and you come so close to God
that you know God in every place-
in all Creation.
Carry with you the gifts given to you before you
were born, by the man who said such amazing
things and did such wonderful things that people
still know him. In every season, in every mystery,
in the bread and the wine.
Remember that you are always part of this sacred
Circle where the Spirit moves among us like a dove
bringing comfort and strength.
You are the storytellers and peacemakers,
light bearers and people of God,
creating the part that hasn’t been written yet.