Godly Play Teachers Needed
The Church of the Ascension, Denver, is seeking two people to serve as Godly Play teachers from now - May 25, 2025. We will provide the necessary training and materials. The hours are on Sundays, 8 am – 12 pm with flexibility for planning for the lessons. The salary is $25 per hour. Please contact Sarah Dougherty at sarah@ascensiondenver.org if you are interested in the position. You will need to submit a resume and references and if employed, a background check will be conducted and you will need to complete Safe Church Training.
A Godly Play Teacher is responsible for facilitating a nurturing and imaginative learning environment for children through the Godly Play curriculum, using storytelling, tactile materials, and guided play to explore Christian faith stories and concepts, fostering a sense of wonder and spiritual development within a designated age group, while maintaining a safe and respectful classroom space. Key Responsibilities:
Storytelling: Skillfully present Godly Play stories with appropriate voice inflection, gestures, and visual aids, adhering to the scripted narrative while engaging children's imaginations.
Classroom Preparation: Set up the Godly Play classroom with designated materials, including story boxes, figures, and other props, ensuring a visually appealing and inviting learning environment.
Guided Play: Facilitate open-ended play activities related to the story theme, allowing children to explore concepts through creative expression and personal interpretation.
Child Development: Understand child development stages and tailor the Godly Play experience to the specific needs and abilities of the age group.
Community Building: Foster a sense of belonging and respect within the classroom by actively listening to children, addressing concerns, and encouraging positive interactions.
Curriculum Knowledge: Thoroughly understand the Godly Play curriculum, including the sequence of stories, themes, and related materials.
Reflection and Assessment: Observe children's engagement and responses to the lessons, reflecting on teaching practices and making adjustments as needed. Required Skills and Qualifications:
Strong Storytelling Ability: Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to captivate children through storytelling techniques.
Theological Understanding: Familiarity with basic Christian teachings and biblical stories.
Child Development Knowledge: Understanding of child development stages and appropriate learning methods for young children.
Creativity and Imagination: Ability to create a playful and engaging learning environment through creative activities and prompts.
Patience and Empathy: Ability to connect with children on their level, fostering a positive and supportive classroom atmosphere.
Commitment to Godly Play Philosophy: Alignment with the Godly Play approach to religious education, including its emphasis on wonder, discovery, and personal reflection.
Typical Work Environment:
• Dedicated classroom space for Godly Play activities
• Interactions with small groups of children within a designated age range