Becca Dommett, Children and Families Missioner at All Saints' Huntingdon, has recently started a new toddler group, based on sensory, experience led play as a way to inhabit a bible story. Using tuff trays, sensory experiences and a bit of the EYFS curriculum, it is a safe and welcoming space to let the children explore and create relationships with the adult.
In September, the existing toddler group, Footsteps, had to reduce its offering to fortnightly. To fill this gap, and explore doing a toddler group differently, I created Footsteps: First steps, with a hope to create an immersive experience where different elements of the bible story or aspects of God could be accessed. I wanted to use a lot of tuff trays and sensory experiences, whilst also being aware of the EYFS curriculum. The sessions are very free flow, with lots of ‘creative invitations’.
For example, we’ve recently done the story of Joseph: as well as colouring, I included lots of colour matching tasks (with tweezers to promote fine motor skills), a sensory farm tray (as Joseph was a farmer), bible stories and puppets, a shiny sensory tray (as Joseph dreamed of the shiny moon and stars), as well as some sticking and colour crafts. The group has appealed to younger children, although some older children have really enjoyed the sessions. In the relaxed setting, the children are free to engage how they want, and it is a real opportunity to come alongside the parents and build relationships. The relaxed setting has also allowed me to experiment with using religious songs and prayer when I do story and song time.
Instead of just filling a hole in the schedule, First Steps has become a fantastic place for relationships and ministry, as well as being an inclusive and accessible creative space. One mum describes it as ‘her favourite thing to do of the week’.
Becca Dommett, All Saints' Huntingdon