Using the Godly Play Framework In Bible Lessons for Tweens and Teens

Godly play was developed in Italy during the 1970’s. It was designed to use aspects of the Montessori method and toys to help children have deeper spiritual conversations about their lives. Hospital chaplains use it a lot, but it can work anywhere with one to three or four children.

If you work with older kids and teens, you probably stopped investigating Godly Play when you saw the word “play” or realized it involved using toys. The truth is that elements of godly play can be easily adapted to work with older children and teens who might reject engaging with toys.

In Godly Play, the adult helps the child explore a Bible story or theme using various toys and other objects. You don’t have to use toys to have similar types of conversations. Start telling the Bible story you have chosen to explore. Periodically stop during the telling and ask “I wonder” questions….. “I wonder why he/she did that?” “I wonder what the people’s motivation was?” “I wonder what God would want to happen next?”

You are asking open ended questions, but adding “I wonder” indicates the student is safe to make guesses. The key is not to criticize if there happens to be one right answer for your question (not always the best type of question for this method). You can gently correct if that happens, but don’t make the student feel “stupid” in the process. You want to avoid having the student shut down emotionally. Eventually, your questions should dive into the participants feelings and thoughts about deeper spiritual issues. It is a great way to get to know a student’s heart, but only if the student feels safe with you.

One way to end a Godly Play session for children is to encourage them to create a piece of art reflecting their thoughts on the topic discussed. Older children and teens rarely get the chance to do artwork, so most will enjoy the creative outlet. It also gives you more opportunities for spiritual conversations about their art.

Have fun with it, but don’t dismiss Godly Play because you work with older students. With a little tweaking, it could prove to be the catalyst your ministry needs.

Categories Bible, Elementary, Mentoring, Teens
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