Welcome! Our goal is to help our children become true disciples of Jesus Christ by: building relationships with them, being examples for them and teaching them God’s Word.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them. — Matthew 19:14-15
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Children’s Sunday School- Introducing Godly Play
We are excited to be able to offer two excellent curriculums to our children. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in the Level 1 classroom, and Godly Play curriculum for our Level 2-3 Children's Formation. Both curriculums are deeply rooted in the Montessori Method, and our classrooms are set up in a way that facilitates individual learning and discovery. "In Godly Play, the invitation is given not for play in general but for play with the language of God and God's people through sacred stories, parables, and liturgical actions. Through this powerful language, through our wondering, through the community gathered together, we hear the deepest invitation of all: an invitation to come play with God. The goal of Godly Play is for children to move through the spiral curriculum during early, middle and late childhood in such a way that they will enter adolescence with an inner working model of the Christian tradition and allow them to be open to the future." ~ Jerome Berryman
Sunday School 10:15-11:05 in the Bentley Education Building (BEC)
Toddlers (ages 2-3) BEC Room 301 Our youngest members have a wonderful age appropriate curriculum called Beginner’s Bible: Timeless Children’s Stories by Zondervan. Our goal is to gently help our toddlers learn to follow a lesson structure as they learn and grow. A typical Sunday would include: having the lesson on the carpet, watch the accompanying DVD, play a game or make a craft, pray before snack time, and sing songs during clean up. Please be sure to sign your child in and out at the door and be on time for dismissal at 11:05.
Level I Students (4-1st grade) - BEC Room 306. Our Level 1 students are just learning to listen, attend and internalize our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd lessons. This curriculum provides a firm foundation for our beginning learners ages 4-1st grade in the life affirming love of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. Our children will also practice fine motor skills with manipulatives at their own ability and interest level. Children will be signed in by a parent and sit quietly on the bench outside the door.
Getting Ready 10:15: A Door Person will assist with having the children enter individually. When each child is ready, they are invited to enter the room. The atrium is set up with an altar area and separate stations of liturgical learning. This model optimizes individual self discovery using the Montessori Method. The teachers will introduce lessons individually or in small groups meeting the child at his/her ability level. Dismissal 11:05: Children will be dismissed one at a time. Please be sure to sign your child out, and be on time for dismissal.
Level 2 Students (2nd-3rd grades) BEC Room 308. Our Level II students ages 2nd-3rd grades are becoming more adept at listening, attending and internalizing the Godly Play stories. Children will be signed in by a parent and sit quietly on the bench outside the door. A Door Person will assist with having the children enter the workroom individually. Godly Play lesson format:
1. Getting Ready 10:15: Greeting at the door. When the child is ready, they are invited to enter the room and sit at the carpet circle. 2. The Lesson: The Storyteller brings the story to the circle and the lesson is presented. 3. Work Time: Children choose works that are connected to the story, or work with liturgical materials in the room. 4. The Feast: Children are invited back to the carpet circle where they assist in passing out items for the feast. This is symbolic of the Eucharistic communion. 5. Dismissal and Blessing 11:05: Children will be dismissed one at a time. Please be sure to sign your child out, and be on time for dismissal.
Level 3 Students (4th-5th grade) BEC Room 310. Our Level 3 students enjoy a hybrid curriculum mixed with Godly Play. "Dr. Jones and the Secret of the Lost Key" is a 4th and 5th grade favorite which focuses on the Life of Moses from birth to death. These lessons are filled with fun hands-on activities chronicling the life of Moses with an "Indiana Jones" flair! Godly Play lessons and parables will be introduced as they coincide with the church year. During the second year, the focus will be on Godly Play Enrichment lessons on The Saints of God and Heroes of The Old Testament. These varied and exciting curriculums will help to prepare our oldest children for moving up to middle school. Please be sure to sign your child in and out, and be on time for dismissal at 11:05.
Please register your children on the form below
family registration form 2024-2025
Other Children's Programs
Nursery (newborns - 5yrs old)
Our Nursery is OPEN!! The nursery is available for children 0-5 years of age. Our nursery workers are trained professionals who take excellent care of all our St. Dunstan's children. Parents are asked not to linger after drop off to make the drop off process go smoother. Thank you!
Children's Chapel
At St. Dunstan’s, we strive to help our children to understand our lessons and prayers, as well as to learn the meaning woven into all aspects of our church service. Children’s Chapel is an age-appropriate simplified version of our service: Gospel lesson, sermon, prayers, offering, and peace. We offer Children’s Chapel every Sunday at both the 9am and 11:15am services for children ages 3 through 3rd grade.
God Rejoices for Amazing Children with Exceptional needs (GRACE)
The mission of GRACE ministry is to share God’s love with children who have exceptional needs, and to enable them to become an active part of God’s family. Please contact the office if you have a child with special needs so we can have volunteers scheduled to assist.
Safety
All volunteers that work with children are required to submit to a thorough background check and have completed Safeguarding God's Children trainings and updates. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Sandy Jones or Angela Stengl.
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