One of the biggest challenges in offering the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in a parish or school has to do with providing enough time in the Atrium. At The Way of the Shepherd the elementary children have two hours a week in the Atrium but even that much time is rarely enough. Twice this […]
Observation is a particularly important part of the learning process. Children (and adults!) of all ages benefit from taking time to observe. Nature, social interactions, and the work being done around them all provide opportunities for observation. In the Atrium, time to observe is most important for the youngest child because, according to Dr. Montessori,
Children busy at work… Researching St. Joan of Arc in order to add to a set of short reports on a variety of saints of personal interest. Drawing and labeling the items of the altar. Researching and recording personal and world events of the past century to ponder in light of God’s Plan. Creating a
E2 / Level III Atrium Read More »
This past week the Level II (E1) and 3rd/4th grade children had their first opportunities to plan the communal prayer time held at the conclusion of our Atrium session. The oldest children in the Atrium were asked to plan prayer around the Gospel passage John 15:5. They chose opening and closing songs and wrote petitions
Planning Communal Prayer: The True Vine Read More »
At the beginning of each year we take time in the Atrium to lift up and honor the great gift of The Holy Bible. In Children’s House (Level I), the children carry the Word of God in a procession. Then we listen to John 8:12: “Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light
The Enthronement of the Bible Read More »
The elementary (Levels II and III) children also began their time in the Atrium last week! We began with a review of how the Atrium is different from other learning environments and also how it is different from the Church. Then we spent time talking about how to “live well” in this space together. Finally,
Elementary Atrium Begins Read More »
Last Thursday our final two Level I (Children’s House) groups of children were introduced to the Atrium. After looking at all of the items on the Prayer Table, the “gift” underneath was identified and the bell was unwrapped and enjoyed! The children then had time for a “silent journey” around
Introduction to the Atrium Read More »
It has been so good to welcome the children into the Atrium once again this week! The Atrium spaces have been so quiet all summer and this week they were quiet in a different way as the children began their new year of listening for the voice of the Good Shepherd. First, we spoke about
The Atrium Year has Begun! Read More »
The hallways and environments of The Way of the Shepherd are once again filled with children! Beginning September 10th, after giving some time for phasing into their classroom environments, the children will once again begin enjoying time in the Atrium each week. As we prepare there is much to be done! This year there will
Atrium Begins Next Week! Read More »
The creativity of the children in their follow-up work is a beautiful gift to witness and experience. Enjoy the following “gifts” they have shared this year! The Shepherd (A song recently composed by a 5th year) God I know you’re with me every day, But
