Religious Play is a special way to delivery Religious stories to children. It has been introduced and developed in our school by the Subject Leader.

It is a practical step by step way to tell a story in a calm, interactive and multisensory manner.

The session will begin with the children sitting in a circle, the lights dimmed and a candle is placed and lit when it is ready to start. The children are then presented with a golden box, they now recognise the box means it is time for a special Religious story.

The contents of each box varies, but it contains small objects and material which will be used to tell the story. Each part of the story is broken down into sections and objects will be placed in front of the story teller to build up the whole story.

This way of story telling incorporates all types of learners and helps to develop awe, wonder and interest. As the story is told in a quiet, calm manner in a quiet, calm environment the children are purely focused on what is happening and what will happen next.

Stimulating and thought-provoking questions are asked during the session with statements such as 'I wonder...'  to keep the children thinking.

This way of telling stories helps the children to stay in the zone and purely interested in the story which is broken down into tiny chunks. Some stories such as the Easter Story is told over the period of two weeks to allow time for talk, questions and wonders. 

This form of story telling is used from Reception to Year 6, with the older children in our school encouraged to create their own boxes towards the end of the year. 

In the photo box below you will find the following Religious Play stories