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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Molly Smith
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Posted: June 16 2009 at 12:59pm | IP Logged Quote Molly Smith
I would like to try the Home Catechesis Manual for ages 3-5 this year. It will be my first attempt at anything close to Montessori, and I think it will be wonderful for my kiddos who will soon be 3 and 5. I think my 7yodd will love it, although she'll also be doing our parish's Faith & Life FHC prep.

So my eyes are getting big looking at the HCM for ages 6-9, as I also have kids in that range. But practically speaking, is it too much to jump in with both feet in both manuals when I have no Montessori-ish experience? Will I be spending a ton of time and money preparing the presentations for two manuals? That group isn't doing sacramental prep this year, and they find Faith & Life to be so repetitive. I like F&L, but I get my boys' point. They already know so much of what is presented there that I'd like to take a year away from it and try to touch them in a different way.

I have 9-12s also, but wouldn't even consider doing three manuals . However, my 7 yo would love the learning and teaching/helping with the littles and she's also sharp as a tack and could doubtless keep up with the 9-12s.

Still thinking out loud...is the HCM 3-5 enough for a first-timer? If two are doable, do we skip up to the 9-12s and include the 7yo, or do the 6-9s and include the 11yo?

I hope this makes sense! Thanks so much for any thoughts or recommendations.

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CatholicMommy
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Posted: June 16 2009 at 5:41pm | IP Logged Quote CatholicMommy
I have not seen any of the manuals in their entirety, but I do have CGS training (which is related in the earlier levels and separates in the third level). I am hoping to purchase all three manuals sometime in the next 2 months, for my own reference.

I suggest doing the first level with all of your children this first year. Your older ones will be able to do things more quickly of course, and they can help to make materials for the younger children - this will help them get their hands on the work in a way that is most meaningful for them without them feeling like they're doing "baby-work" if that is a concern for them.

Next year, continue the first level book with the younger ones and get the second level for your older ones, again including them in the material making. (I wouldn't skip)

It sounds intensive, but it will keep them going ahead while getting your feet wet. AND you can use all those extra hands to make materials.

And remember about the materials: the simpler the better! Don't worry about going overboard.

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Erin
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Posted: June 17 2009 at 11:18pm | IP Logged Quote Erin
Molly

I have the first two manuals, I don't have any training (I wish I did, sigh)but I find them very doable. Living in Australia I make the items myself. I just do a bit at a time the week before I present the lesson. I have heard they are not pure Atrium, but they do get the message across. I have children in both age groups and the second book is more in depth than the first. But you could start with one and buy the other later quite easily.

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SuzanneG
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Posted: June 18 2009 at 11:08pm | IP Logged Quote SuzanneG
I have the first 2 manuals. I'd start with 3-5 the first year, see how it goes and then get the 6-9 the following year. Your older children will learn from the 3-5....it's not just for the littles.   

They have been such a blessing in our home! Enjoy!

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