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Teacher Training

Training is essential to get maximum benefit from either Faith & Play or Godly Play®.  Storytellers and those who work with them in the classroom need to have a firm grasp of the methodology and of the theology of childhood that form the underpinning for the pedagogy and the whole culture of the Godly Play®/Faith & Play classroom. 

Even experienced storytellers need the training because the style of storytelling used in these approaches is significantly different from traditional storytelling and is sometimes counter-intuitive.  The training sessions are nurturing and deeply grounded; they ultimately benefit both the ones being trained and the children they work with. 

Training Availability

Training is available periodically through Friends General Conference (FGC) and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and regularly through The Center for the Theology of Childhood. 

Godly Play® core training, the initial step in a two-year teacher certification process, takes three full days (approximately 18 hours of instruction and practice).  Such training is through the Center for the Theology of Childhood.

Faith & Play teachers’ workshops, which do not lead to Godly Play certification, but which cover the bare basics to enable teachers to begin using Godly Play (minus the liturgical lessons) and Faith & Play in Quaker contexts, currently involve about 15 hours of instruction, modeling and practice time.  These trainings are offered through FGC and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.  Contact Michael Gibson, FGC Religious Education Coordinator, for more information.  Address: michaelg@fgcquaker.org.

Visit the Godly Play website for a listing of Godly Play teacher certification weekends offered through the Godly Play® organization (the Center for the Theology of Childhood).