Spirit Play Introductory Lessons
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A Unitarian Universalist Adaptation of Godly Play (on CD-Rom)
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Basic Spirit Play information and background; 18 Lessons and Stories as Word Doc files,
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most with Photographs as Jpeg files
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Free: Multicultural Figures file
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Tested in classrooms Preschool through Grade 8
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Present core stories of our faith and your particular church and its theology
Help children to make meaning through wondering and art
Create a spiritual community of children
Support multiple learning styles and challenges
Help children make meaning of their lives through the container of Unitarian Universalism.
"This program tends to engage children where they are and helps them live into their own answers to the abiding questions.
The environment, the multisensory approach, the wondering questions, the learning centers, the stories, and the community of
children and teachers (and parents) are absolutely appropriate for UU children and RE Programs."
Rev. Pat Hoertdoerfer, MRE
Key elements from Montessori: teachers guiding children in a prepared environment.
Key elements from Godly Play: circle with story told using concrete materials followed by wondering and art response; the
morning as worship.
Proven educational method whose values support Unitarian Universalism:
Encourages independent thinking through wondering questions
Gives children real choices within the structure of the morning
Creates community of children in classroom of mixed ages
Develops an underlying sense of the spiritual and the mystery of life
Supports congregational polity through choice of lessons
Volunteers were found to value the program as part of their own
spiritual proces
Content List
Philosophy and Administration Files
Introductory Notes
Background Materials
Bibliography
Ideas for a Spirit Play Start-Up and Extensions
Spirit Play Resource List
Organization of Lessons
Guidelines for Selecting Lessons
Art Materials to Accompany Spirit Play
Sample Shelves
The Fit and the Rub: How Spirit Play Will Cohere With and ChallengeU.U.
Churches using Spirit Play
Unitarian Universalist Focus Lessons
Flaming Chalice Lesson
Flaming Chalice Lesson with Extension
Promises Control Card
Promises General Lesson
Sources General Lesson and Symbol
Liturgical Lessons
Water Ceremony
Lesson on Naming Ceremony
Church Corner Introduction and Bread Communion
The Church Corner
Lesson on the Finger Labyrinth (Ways to Pray)
Unitarian Figures and History
Heroes and Heroines: Francis David
Heroes and Heroines: John Murray Coming to America
Heroes and Heroines: Jon Hus and the Flaming Chalice
Norbert Capek/Flower Communion
First Parish in Milton: Story of How the Church Got Its Chalice (example of church history lesson)
Sources Stories
The Great Mystery of Creation
The Buddha and the Mustard Seed Medicine
The Loyal Dog and the Loyal King
Parable: The Torch and the Pitcher
The Wise People and the Elephant
