Many Sunday school teachers find that Godly Play is more than a teaching method. It is a way of "being with children."  We have learned through years of observation that children come to us already having an experience of God. So Godly Play becomes spiritual direction that works both ways-- children learn the stories of faith from adults, and adults learn how to come closer to God by being truly present to children. When we "grownups" listen closely to what the children say, we receive amazing spiritual insights from wondering about the lessons with them. This intergenerational interaction is genuine, and we find ourselves determined to enrich our spiritual lives by including children in all aspects of congregational life.  I have found the following books important in helping me find ways to fully integrate children and families into the churches I work with.

Resources for Godly Play Families in Church

Godly Play, Volume 5, _{^{Living the Good News, 2003. Although this manual contains no lesson scripts, it is chock full of ideas for promoting Godly Play, Supporting parents, working with older children, and integrating the program into congregational life. It was written by Godly Play trainers with years of real-life experiences in the church trenches.}}

Children at Worship, Congregations in Bloom by The Rev. Caroline Fairless. 2000

^{This book has examples of tried and true worship that engages families in a congregational setting. For more ideas, see the website. Offered there is a “bloom box,” an inventive game that helps with ideas for making changes in congregational worship patterns. www.childrenatworship.org}

Children in the Worshiping Community , by David Ng and Virginia Thomas, John Knox Press

ISBN 0-8042-1688-6, _{^{A book “inviting congregations to include children in the total life of the church. It features child development as well as strategies and practical suggestions for transforming the whole worshiping community.}}

Developing a Child’s Spiritual Growth Through Sight, Sound, Taste, Touch, & Smell

by Judy Gattis Smith. Abingdon Press 1983. ISBN 0-687-10499-8   _{^{This book  has several useful guided meditations and reflections that match Godly Play  lessons and appeal to students with various learning styles. Could be used in church or in classrooms.}}

Faith at Home website  www.faithathome.com  _{^{Designed and compiled by a Episcopalian At home mother, Barbara Laufersweiler, this site has a Godly Play page, as well as seasonal ideas for practicing faith in your household. Also includes a good list of suggested books for parents and kids.}}

When Children Gather , GIA Publications, Chicago, ISBN 1-57999-014-2 (for complete score) _{^{A series of liturgy books, sheet music, and a CD recording of simple, but not childish, music and prayers suitable for congregational worship.}}