What is Play? Our Approach to the Work of Children

Introduction

Beloved children’s educators from Maria Montessori to Mr. Rogers are often quoted when talking about the importance of play for children. While it’s difficult to find exact quotes from either of these people, both the Montessori educational philosophy and the television show Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood exemplify the principle that Play is a serious and important part of the work of childhood. Play is the way that children learn. It is how they accomplish goals, collaborate, explore, and express themselves. Through play, children develop skills and solve problems. They improvise and use their imagination. If we take a look at our institutional programs for kids, however, we have often erased play from their lives. Our churches are not exempt from this problem.

What Does Play Mean?

“Play is a deeply spiritual practice enjoyed by all ages and stages of life,” and “an integral part of the abundant life and complete joy promised to us” (Ps 16:11; John 10:10)¹.  Play is not only an important part of child development and learning, it is a way of engaging with the world around us that we ought never to grow out of. Because play is one of the primary ways that children explore, learn, and engage with the world around them, it makes sense that we would see play as an important way for children (and all of us) to engage with faith. Play is also communal, and is a way for children to explore and experiment with relationships. However, we shy away from play, perhaps because it feels irreverent or perhaps because we associate “play” with what happens after serious work is finished. Shifting our ideas about play can help us to see it as the meaningful opportunity for engagement, exploration, and growth that it is.

CFC’s Vision for Play

At the Center for Faith and Children, play is one of the primary lenses we use to view faith formation because play is a primary way that children make meaning of the world around them. While there’s no age limit on play, children more naturally and freely engage in play than most adults. One approach that has worked for us and for some ministry leaders we’ve talked to is to think of play as a “language” and seek to translate faith practices, Bible stories, and theological concepts into the language of play.  What does this mean? Rather than focusing on explaining things with words only, consider how to help children experience the truth of a passage of Scripture. Rather than teaching that prayer is “talking to God,” expand the definition so that it includes being in God’s presence and focuses on what you might talk to God about. Then give children ideas and avenues for “playing” prayer. Overall, we’ve noticed a shift in curriculum towards more playful approaches, but it is important to differentiate playful from true play–true play is shaped by the child and is their own engagement and expression. Play as a method of learning is different from a method of response. There is a time and place for each, and both are important. We need to be clear on our goals, and the activities we select need to reflect the intent. You can ask yourself, Is it a time to teach and learn, or is it a time to recognize and respond to God? The methods, type, and parameters of play that we select will vary depending on the situation.

Why Our Approach to Play Matters

Both play as a learning experience or as an end in and of itself are valuable, but sacred play is something different. This is a play that is conscious of the presence of God. It is play that explores, enjoys, and experiences the presence of God in a variety of ways. Anytime we attempt to put boundaries around play, we must be careful, as we are in danger of turning it into something else entirely. This approach matters, however, not just because it implicitly teaches children that they are acceptable to God as they are and creates opportunities for them to recognize God in their play, but it also helps adults to learn to recognize play as a place where they can meet God as well. Making room for sacred play invites people of all ages to know God in their joy, celebration, wonder, creativity, and connection with others. If you want to learn more about the idea of sacred play, you can check out this podcast episode.

Embracing Play

This month, we’ve been looking at play from several different angles, and you’ll be encouraged to consider how adopting the lens of play as you consider and work in your ministry may help you to engage children and help them meet God in their play.