Early Years Learning Through Play

Our School Chaplain, Rev Helen, has been in with our Reception Classes to help them with their Religious Studies (RS) curriculum. Using our adaptation of ‘Godly Play’ involves using knitted figures to help tell stories and bring religious festivals to life, while encouraging pupils to notice and wonder.

Using the months of the year, Rev Helen introduced the corresponding saints to the pupils, sharing what they were best known for, from Saint Augustine (August), who showed calmness for God, to Saint Margaret (November), who showed kindness for God and Saint Nicholas (December), who helped people and gave to the needy for God.

The session encouraged our pupils to think about what we might learn from the Saints and how we can take this learning into our daily lives. Pupils finished by colouring in their favourite saint and then giving them a name; be it their own, a friend or relative or the actual Saint’s name, encouraging us to think about the kindness we find and give in the world around us.

There will be more sessions using Godly Play throughout the term, including sessions on the Nativity and Hanukkah.