4Real Forums: Visited an Atrium today

Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.

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Nurturing the Years of Wonder ( Forum Locked)
4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder

Topic: Visited an Atrium today

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SeaStar
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Joined: Sept 16 2006
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Posted: Oct 25 2007 at 12:34pm \| IP Logged

I was very surprised and happy to discover that our new parish in NC has a CGS program for ages 3-5. Today I was able to sit in on the program and see it all in action...

Some random thoughts:

The space was so wonderfully set-up- a whole classroom with so many wonderful materials for the kids to use and learn from.

The children picked their own work and went right to it... just like in books, LOL.

Some of the materials were very elaborate- a beautiful wooden city of Jerusalem for one, and some were as humble as lumps of clay and bowls of beans for spooning.

Although it was all beautifully and prayerfully done, kids *are* kids- no matter at home or in an atrium. There was plenty of wiggling, spilling, forgetting to put materials back or putting them back wrong, speaking out of turn- all gently corrected in a very respectful way, which the children responded to.

I could see that all the things that frustrate us about teaching at home and make us feel as if we are not doing a good job are going to be present in any learning situation. I think attitude and patience are the most important things (along with prayer- lots of that!).

The program here is two hours once a week. I am thinking of signing my two up- they were with me today in the class and really enjoyed it. There were other HS'd children in the class as well. I have the CGS materials to continue with at home during the week.

But even if they do not attend, it was still very helpful to see it in action.
And it did make me feel good, too, because my dc were able to fit right in with the work flow. Maybe, maybe we are doing something right!

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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)

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hylabrook1
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Joined: July 09 2006
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Posted: Oct 25 2007 at 1:50pm \| IP Logged

I'm so happy that you found your Atrium visit so encouraging! As you probably recognize, it's hard to describe the experience without *being there*.

Peace,
Nancy

Fuzzy
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Joined: March 07 2007
Location: Virginia
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Posted: Oct 25 2007 at 2:05pm \| IP Logged

How wonderful! My DS who is 4 has had just 2 classes so far. My sisters both have sent their sons, so I knew it would be a good experience for him. I REALLY want to sit in and watch, but wanted him to get more comfortable first.

It's funny how on the first day, he was so excited to tell me ALL, but now I can't get him to talk much about it. Makes me want to be that fly on wall even more!

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Fuzzy
Mom to DS 12, DD 10, DS 7, and DS 4, and DD 1!
Fuzzy Memories

Marcia
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Joined: Aug 20 2007
Location: Illinois
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Posted: Nov 13 2007 at 10:35pm \| IP Logged

so nice! glad you had a good experience! We've been so blessed with our atrium experiences. (mom included)

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