Church School at St. Theodore's Episcopal Church
We have four church school classes each Sunday for our children and youth at St. Theodore's. The first two levels use Godly Play curriculum, a Montessori Christian Education Program developed by Jerome Berryman, an Episcopal priest, author, and teacher.
The Godly Play I Class is for four and five year olds. Lessons are from Young Children and Worship , a text written by Sonja M. Stewart and Jerome W. Berryman. A storyteller and children sit on the floor in a circle.
The story is told using beautifully hand-crafted manipulatives that depict the story. Following the story, the children are asked, “I wonder…” questions in which the children are encouraged to ponder what it was like to be “in” the story. The children then have an opportunity to do some type of work related to the story. They may retell the story, color, paint, or work with clay. Worship and a feast end the lesson in which the children may express themselves to God in prayer and then share in a small snack.
Two trained Godly Play teachers lead this class.
The Godly Play II Class includes 1 st through 3 rd graders. Lessons are from the Complete Guide to Godly Play, Volumes 2 – 4 , written by Jerome Berryman. The same structure as described above is utilized in this classroom though the lessons are a bit more complex and follow more closely the seasons of the church year.
Three Godly Play teachers lead this class.
The Class for 4th through 6th Grades uses the curriculum, Quick Studies—Ready to Use Bible Studies (Philippians through Hebrews ). Young people are encouraged through interaction and discussion.
Two dedicated teachers teach this class.
The Class for 7th through 12th Grades uses a curriculum that follows the lectionary, Seasons of the Spirit . Students and teachers are enjoying this curriculum. Two experienced teachers lead this class.
A Christian Education Committee was formed in September, 2005. Members of this committee include our rector, Father Ken Parks, along with eight parishioners.
Our vision follows:
Members of the Christian Education Committee are the governing body for Christian Education. We work as a team with no one person having the full load. What we are about – the nurturing of the spiritual life of our children and youth – is an awesome responsibility.
