| Author | |
Rebecca
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 30 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1898
|
| Posted: Sept 07 2006 at 3:31pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Our diocese is offering to pay the fee (which can be quite high) for anyone who will take the 6-9 or 9-12 training.
I have just learned that we have several churches in our area that have atriums. I am going with a friend, who is a directress, to view/tour one tomorrow.
For those of you who have gone through CGS training, are you glad you did it? How has it benefitted your family and your homeschooling?
I am thinking about it although it does seem like quite a time committment.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Jen L.
Forum All-Star
Joined: Oct 18 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2148
|
| Posted: Sept 07 2006 at 6:00pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I would really like to take the training -- I have 2 friends who would tell you that, for them, it was life-changing. At least one of them had already done some Montessori/Gobbi reading, so it wasn't just the information but the way that it was presented. (They took 3-6)
I think that you might have to take the the 3-6 training as a prequesite to 6-9.
FREE sounds great!
__________________
Jen
dh Klete,ds (8/95),dd (12/97), dd (11/00), and ^2^ in heaven
"...the best state in which to glorify God is our actual state; the best grace is that of the moment..." St. Peter Eymard
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
hylabrook1
Forum Moderator
Joined: July 09 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5980
|
| Posted: Sept 07 2006 at 6:12pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I have been trained as a 3-6 catechist as well as 6-9; this year I will begin the two-year (once a month) training for 9-12. So, I guess you might say I think it's wonderful, meaningful, and deeply affecting.
Rebecca - you mention that your parish is willing to send people to 6-9 and 9-12 training. Have the people going for training already trained for 3-6, which I believe is a pre-requisite for the other levels?
One of my favorite things about Atrium is that it is developmentally appropriate, which is in keeping with its Montessori roots. Children in 3-6 are given all sorts of "nomenclature" of, for example, the Articles of the Mass. This enables them to discuss the Mass, because they have been given the vocabulary with which to do so. They are taught about liturgical seasons, and their attention is directed to the four major colors used as part of the seasons of the liturgical calendar ("Purple and green and red and white are the colors of the year; Purple and green and red and white remind us of the light ...." these are some of the words to one of the songs taught to the youngest children). So much more is shared with the children. That spirit of sharing is so evocative of what Atrium is all about - not a classroom with teachers, but a sacred space where we come together to pray and to learn the love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who loves us, provides for all our needs (especially for our spritual needs, for our knowing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and for finding God in the gifts of the Church, through the Mass, the Sacraments, the Scriptures).
The "dominant image" in the 6-9 level is of the True Vine, to which we all belong. Jesus is the True Vine and we are its branches, intimately interconnected. Thus, the love of Christ can and does flow to all parts of that Vine. Likewise, the weaknesses and mistakes of every part of the Vine weaken and hurt the rest. But, our Good Shepherd, Who calls us each by name to His table, wants to heal us when we encounter blocks to the flowing of His life to each of us. Sin is not a basis for (what is unfortunately for some, paralyzing) guilt, but for constructively seeking healing so that the Life of Christ can flow more freely to us, as well as to the other parts of the Vine. And, the loving Vinedresser cares especially lovingly for the wounded parts of the Vine, seeking to heal those parts which are in need of His love. This is such a beautiful invitation to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, who could not long to receive this Sacrament?
I have mentioned a very small portion (like a fraction of a percent) of what is presented in the Atrium. Taking the training is like being on a retreat. Your perspective on Who God is, His love for us, and our appropriate response to His love is forever changed by receiving the training. I have found it very exciting and very important.
Once I began to apply this perspective to my relationshiop with the Lord, I know my interactions with my children were affected in a positive way.
WOW, that is all by way of a long-winded explanation of why CGS training is an opportunity I would recommend.
Peace,
Nancy
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Celeste
Forum Pro
Joined: April 03 2006
Location: Nebraska
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 263
|
| Posted: Sept 07 2006 at 10:28pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I finished 3-6 training this summer (fulfillment of a five-year dream), and I would second everything Nancy wrote. Here are some other considerations, not in any particular order:
CGS presents the faith the same way Mother Church does: through Scripture and liturgy.
Covenant is the central theme of CGS. (Scott Hahn is a big fan, btw.  )
The parable method employed by CGS, in imitation of Jesus, enables the catechist to present the deepest mysteries of the faith (to very young children) in a way that children can enter into an understanding of the mystery. Yet they appreciate the mystery and wonder at it. CGS properly presented should never make a child think, "Well, I've got that Scripture or sacrament down pat, nothing else to learn here!"
I could go on and on, but usually at this point people's eyes glaze over and they smile politely.
HTH.
Celeste
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Rebecca
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 30 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1898
|
| Posted: Sept 07 2006 at 10:41pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
hylabrook1 wrote:
| Rebecca - you mention that your parish is willing to send people to 6-9 and 9-12 training. |
|
|
My diocese is paying for the training for 6-9 and 9-12. My parish does not have anything like this. (I wish it did since we live 1/2 mile from the church!)
hylabrook1 wrote:
| Have the people going for training already trained for 3-6, which I believe is a pre-requisite for the other levels? |
|
|
From what I understand, they do not seem to be offering 3-6 training right now. I was under the impression that it can be taken out of order but I am not certain. I will find out tomorrow.
I am mulling this over and so appreciate these opinions you all have shared.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Rebecca
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 30 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1898
|
| Posted: Sept 08 2006 at 9:28pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
You all are correct about the 3-6 being a prerequisite for the rest of the training (6-9)(9-12). I spoke with someone from our diocese today regarding that topic.
I also had the opportunity to tour an atrium today in a Montessori school where my friend's husband is the Principal. It was wonderful to see how my children took to the materials and to the presentations that my friend gave them on the Altar and Good Shepherd. I have only seen the CGS materials in print or photograph, so it was a wonderful experience to see them "in person".
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder
Topic: CGS Training
