In Godly Play 101, I explain some of the basic elements and principles of Godly Play. Today, I'd like to talk about the feast. If the Co-Teacher is the most underrated role in the Godly Play classroom, the feast is the most underrated part of the lesson.
The "feast" is a community snack that happens after the story, response time, and prayer. It consists of (mainly) healthy, simple fare: juice, fruit, sliced veggies, an occasional cookie.
After the response time and subsequent clean-up, the children return to the circle where the story was presented. The Co-Teacher may choose to ask a couple of helpers to serve the other children. Everyone waits until all are served before they begin eating.
More than just a "snack", the feast builds community. During the feast, there is lots of chatting. Time to share how the day or week went. Time to laugh or cry with one another. And sometimes, if everyone is tired, there is just a lot of munching to be heard. It's a time to be together.
The feast is also an indirect preparation for Holy Communion, introducing children to the idea of everyone coming to the Good Shepherd's table together.
Adults, including myself, tend to underestimate how important this time is to the children. Many times, when asked what they like best about a Godly Play lesson, they will answer, "The feast!" For most children, it would be unthinkable to leave this part out.
If, perhaps, you only have one hour for your Godly Play session and have to leave something out, don't leave out the feast. Instead, alternate between the story and the response time. Leave the feast in and enjoy coming together.
The "feast" is a community snack that happens after the story, response time, and prayer. It consists of (mainly) healthy, simple fare: juice, fruit, sliced veggies, an occasional cookie.
After the response time and subsequent clean-up, the children return to the circle where the story was presented. The Co-Teacher may choose to ask a couple of helpers to serve the other children. Everyone waits until all are served before they begin eating.
More than just a "snack", the feast builds community. During the feast, there is lots of chatting. Time to share how the day or week went. Time to laugh or cry with one another. And sometimes, if everyone is tired, there is just a lot of munching to be heard. It's a time to be together.
The feast is also an indirect preparation for Holy Communion, introducing children to the idea of everyone coming to the Good Shepherd's table together.
Adults, including myself, tend to underestimate how important this time is to the children. Many times, when asked what they like best about a Godly Play lesson, they will answer, "The feast!" For most children, it would be unthinkable to leave this part out.
Other Godly Play 101 links:
I agree, lots of fellowship occurs during our little meal, and is very important to the children. I love that you call it The Feast and I can see how it would begin to teach about Holy Communion. Many of my students would also say that the snack is one of their favorite parts of class. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, April! Good to hear that eating together is just as important to the kids you teach as well.
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