Components to Training:
1. Distance learning: monthly readings, papers. Must have access and be comfortable with
computer and internet. Use of Skype (free download) is recommended for monthly phone calls.
Required reading lists and recommended reading lists
• Important topics: Montessori basis and Berryman, developmental aspects, special needs, multiple
learning styles, spirituality, art responses (multiple styles of response such as use of art, drama, music),
Unitarian Universalism.
• Visit to Catechesis and/or Godly Play rooms with write-up (may include photos)
• Observation in Spirit Play room with write-up (may include photos)
• There will be a lot of writing in this learning component. However, if writing is not your strongest
talent, you may choose to substitute other media such as audio tapes, video tapes, or artwork as a
portion of the writing assignment.
2. Discussion group on Yahoo for posting papers, discussing monthly questions, and sharing ongoing
learnings.
3. Practicum in classroom with video monitoring or visit from trainer (when possible)
4. Assist with one training as intern (no more than 2 interns per training)
5. Must translate at least one story to Spirit Play format with materials AND develop an original lesson
on Unitarian Universalism with materials.
6. Must make own materials for trainings, at least 10 stories including 3 base lessons and those
used for practice.
7. Onsite training connected to conference plus present workshop at next Spirit Play conference as
part of training.
All training will be led by Dr. Nita Penfold, adjunct faculty at Andover Newton Theological
School and co-developer of Spirit Play.
Time commitment for training: part-time for about 18 to 24 months. Able to commit time to completing
program. Able to get time off to intern at one training during that time and to complete the other
components. Must be able to attend the Spirit Play conference, TBA.
Commitment following training: available as a trainer for a period of at least two years, expectation
that participant will do any trainings needed in their area and/or other areas as needed with full payment
for your services. You will receive $1000 for each training that you do, so that you financial investment
will be returned to you after you give about 2 trainings.
Costs of training:
• $1800 training fee paid in three tuition installments once accepted. This does not include costs of
books, travel to sites, internship, or other personal expenses. Credit cards not accepted. No part of the
training fee will be reimbursed if you fail to satisfactorily complete the program. Check with your district
about financial aid in exchange for training in district. If you leave the program no tuition will be refunded.
You will have up to 2 years to complete the program from the time it begins. After that, you may be
charged an additional $300 fee.
• Your fees will include one copy of Spirit Play Manual, PowerPoint presentation used in the trainings,
Spirit Play: A Typical Sunday Video and DVD, Holidays and Holydays for Spirit Play, Neo-Pagan Sabbats,
Promise Stories for Older Children along with CD of current stories and lessons. As a trainer you will
receive one free copy of all new materials developed. When you begin doing trainings, $200 will be paid
as a deposit to Spirit Play from churches for Spirit Play for materials used in trainings: brochures,
certificates and training CDs and you will be given materials for sale such as videos, PowerPoint
presentations, etc. Any materials that you develop may also be sold through the trainers once approved
by Spirit Play.
• There will be one partial scholarship of $500 available to qualified person once accepted. There
may be an additional work exchange scholarship for administrative help. There will be a separate
application for scholarships at acceptance. If you will need a scholarship to participate, please indicate in
your cover letter.
Currently, there is no academic credit available for this program, only certification as a Spirit
Play trainer. You will have to contact the credentialing office at the UUA to see if this fits into
their program. If it is offered eventually with academic credit, there would be additional fees
for college credits that would be optional. Keep checking this page for updates.