Once a month students at École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys have the opportunity to come together for Pray and Play. The special occasion sees a Grade 1, 2 or 3 class join a Kindergarten class to slow down, keep God and Christ in mind and enjoy each other's company.
"We grab a partner and then we play with toys and you're really quiet and you think about God," said Grade 2 student Emersyn Kearney Couke.
Students begin the class by sitting together on the carpet while being told what stations are available by Religious Educators Maria Froese and Ashley Nason. They then find a partner and pick where they would like to play together.
"You could do some arts and crafts, play with some dolls and animals, take some photos on the iPad. You could do clay, you could have the Bread of the Lord by the Christmas tree and stable where you could also play with Baby Jesus and Mother Mary," said fellow Grade 2 student Charlie Perkins.
Froese said Pray and Play comes from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The Catechesis is a religious teaching organization that supports teachers, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, to understand the religious potential of children. It was founded by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi who were inspired by the teachings of renowned educator Maria Montessori.
Pray and Play aims to bring children together to give them a comfortable and fun environment in which they can both explore their relationship with God while still being kids and playing.
Both Kearney Couke and Perkins said they look forward to Pray and Play every month.
"I like that we get to play with the little kids and there are lots of choices for us," said Kearney Couke.