The Godly Play Classroom

HOW DOES THE ORGANISATION OF THE SPACE TEACH?

The environment is part of the unspoken lesson.

We need to be aware of what the environment is saying.

The room should have an obvious threshold.

• Teaches the children that they are entering a special place
• Teaches the children that this place is different from the place they have just left

The room should have a focal shelf that is in a prominent place.

• The three shelves hold the most important materials.
• Teaches that there is a special purpose to this place.
• Teaches what is important in this room.

The religious language- the stories- should surround the children.

• Teaches that religious language is spoken here.

The materials should be easily accessible.

• Teaches that people are capable and valued.

The room should be uncluttered, clean, organised and stable.

• Teaches that this place is valued.
• Suggests that people will be valued too.
• Teaches that there is a special place for everything
• Teaches that learning can be focused without distractions

THINKING OF BUILDING A CLASSROOM

Some Guiding Questions

• What makes a place safe and welcoming?
• What makes a place ‘sacred'?
• What makes the church ‘sacred'?
• What makes a Godly Play Classroom ‘sacred'?
• What does a Godly play classroom say about God?
• What does a Godly Play classroom say about the church's view of children?
• How does this space support children?
• Why is it important to have well organised story and art shelves?

Desgning and building a Godly Play Classroom