Through Bible-based sessions for ages three through adult, Gather ’Round offers learners the opportunity to know and love God. Learners respond to Bible stories with drama, music, arts and crafts, games, reflection, and worship. All ages study the same Bible story each week.
I love role-playing as a way to engage the children. However, some members of my group feel funny dressing up or down. How do I make it work for everyone?
Signed: Acting Up
Dear Acting Up:
Role-playing is a great way to help children understand the concept of the story and connect it to their lives. I highly recommend it as a teaching tool. What kind of dress-up clothing do you have available? Try adding some offbeat items to the standard bathrobe and shepherd's crook: sunglasses, a backpack, caps, a bandana, scarves. Have some interesting props on hand as well, and vary them from time to time according to the day's Bible story. Be creative!
For those who really don't want to dress up, just write their character's name or description on a nametag for them to wear. The goal of role-playing is to put oneself in the character of another or to work out a solution to a problem. It can be just as effective without dress-up clothes.