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As part of its all-age education hour, St. Matthew's offers Sunday school for children ages three through the sixth grade, and educational programs for youth grades 7 through 12 (See the youth section for more details). The education hour is from 9:15 to 10:15 am Sunday morning, between our two services.
For its Sunday school, St. Matthew's was an early adopter of the innovative Godly Play program, which applies Montessori teaching methods to Christian education. The program is holistic, experiential, and worship-based, actively involving students in the learning process. Older and younger children are in different sessions, using age-appropriate materials. We have been using the program since 1995 and have had very good experiences with it. It is used again for pre-kindergarten to third grade students.
Fourth, fifth & sixth graders are invited to experience Faithweavers, which uses a curriculum called "Seasons of the Spirit." This slightly different approach brings older children together to share their ideas and faith journeys. Students and teachers explore beginning scripture skills (using youth bibles), followed by various response activities such as art, music and service projects.
Outline of Godly Play. Godly Play sessions incorporate five elements, corresponding to the main elements of the Episcopal church service:
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Approach to God. Singing, prayer, giving our offerings. (Corresponds to the processional hymn and opening prayer)
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Hearing God's word. A story or lesson, told with hands-on materials (Corresponds to scripture readings and psalm)
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Responding to scripture. "Wondering" together, individual or small-group work with the story materials or art media (Corresponds to the sermon)
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Sharing a ritual feast. A hearty, healthy snack, eaten together, sometimes tying thematically with the lesson. (Corresponds to the Eucharist)
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"Good Word" good-bye. (Corresponds to the benediction and dismissal)
In a sample month, the stories for the preschool/kindergarten group included Creation, Noah, Abram and Sarai, and the "Ten Best Ways to Live". The stories for grades 2-3 included the Altar, and stories of the Saints, including St. George, Joan of Arc, St. Francis of Assisi, and Mother Teresa. The stories for the grade 4-6 group were taken from Proverbs, with titles such as "The Wise and the Foolish" and "The Humble and the Proud."
To enroll your child in Godly Play or Faithweavers, please contact Lis Christenson by e-mail or phone 651-646-2969. We would love to have you join!
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