An internationally recognized Christian formation program.This 4-volume series presents an imaginative approach for telling scripture stories that invites children to wonder about themselves, God and the world in a way that is playful and meaningful to them. Based on the Montessori teaching method, Godly Play outlines specific storytelling techniques and use of story figures that encourage children to respond through a variety of creative activities. This method is greatly respectful of the innate spirituality of children and encourages them to use their curiosity and imagination to experience the mystery and joy of God.Volume 1 contains all of the material you will need to become familiar with the Godly Play approach, with detailed information on creating a special space for children and techniques for presenting each lesson.

In this series of books, Jerome Berryman doesn't make any universal claims, such as "Everyone should do Godly Play, and this is exactly how they should do it." Godly Play isn't something that everyone can or should do. You will need to practice these lessons, use them with children, reflect on them and do them some more before they will be yours. This is especially important, since all we can really teach the children is how to enter the language to be more fully in God's presence. How can you explain that? You have to show it.In Volume 1 of The Complete Guide to Godly Play, Jerome Berryman provides many opportunities for you to practice and reflect on this art.What's inside Volume 1: How to Lead Godly Play Lessons? You'll find what you need here to enter into the most rewarding play of all: Godly Play.Chapter 1: What is Godly Play?Chapter 2: You Are a StorytellerChapter 3: Play, Pseudoplay and GraceChapter 4: The Nuts and Bolts of Godly PlayChapter 5: Godly Play Spoken HereChapter 6: Entering the TraditionChapter 7: Toward a Theology of ChildhoodEpilogue: A Last StoryAppendix: More Information on Godly Play