On The First Night Of Advent....
Last night was our first Advent get together. We are having two other families over for the next 4 weeks as we anticipate Christmas. We are using this time to 'enter the mystery of Christmas'. Last night I used two lessons from Godly Play. The Holy Family and the lighting of the Advent candle. This was my first time presenting a Godly Play story. It went well and both adults and children were part of the circle. Although adults, being adults, might have a harder time entering the story. This was followed by and art response which was followed by the feast. Just as in a traditional Godly Play classroom.
As part of the Holy Family story at the end there are wondering questions. One is, "have you ever sen any of the Holy Family in our church?" I'll admit I was a little unsure about this question as it seemed confusing. A 5 year old cleared it up for me when she answered "Yes, in me and in you, in Papa and all the families at church." wow.
I made most of the materials. I used foam paper for the Advent cards, and purchased felt to make the underlay. I found the Holy Family on ebay ($8) and a wooden Bethlehem ($2.50).
Note: I realize on the Advent cards I put the wreath on the right it belongs on the left! I was looking at it from the presenters view and got confused. It is important it be on the left. Materials usually go left to right just like reading.
For more on Godly Play check this out http://livingmontessorinow.com/2010/11/30/how-to-use-godly-play-at-home-during-advent/Next week another family will bring dinner and activity. I will continue with the candle lighting. I am looking forward to it!
And remember the King who was coming then, is still coming now. We are all on our way to Bethlehem. It was not just back then, but also now.
This is the mystery of Christmas.
I LOVE how you're sharing the beauty and mystery of Advent through Godly Play with your children and two other families! I've linked to your post now and will look forward to following your Godly Play activities! And thanks for the idea of buying Godly Play materials on eBay! Deb @ LivingMontessoriNow.com
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to see what you are doing with advent. I love the art work that came out of your evening - seeing the work is always my favorite part of a godly play session.
ReplyDeleteGodly play is such a beautiful curriculum. Thank you for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this program before, but plan to look into it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are blogging about this. I love both of your blogs, combined or otherwise.
ReplyDeleteWe searched hard for a church that offered Godly Play and when we finally found one we sadly discovered the church itself was a poor match for my husband and myself. So, now I have to implement it myself. They volunteers doing the Godly Play presentations really didn't "get" the method behind it so the lessons were a little limp anyway. I am excited that someone is blogging about it so I feel less "alone."
I should blog about it myself, but haven't been blogging much lately with the move. You did a beautiful job.