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CathN
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| Posted: March 01 2010 at 6:48am | IP Logged
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Coming out of lurkdom briefly...
I am seriously confused about which religion program to start for K this year (mid year).
Image of God
Faith and Life
Christ Our Life
Finding God
Moira Farrell’s home atrium
Catholic Mosaic (well, a supplement really)
Any others I’ve missed????
My 4 ½ year old dd will be ready for K mid year and we are planning on continuing with Sonlight (we have both enjoyed most of P4/5 and I love the IG) but I want to start introducing some more “structured” catechesis. So far we’ve just been adding a Saint story to each week and I read the first part of “Leading Little Ones to Mary” but found I wanted to edit it a fair bit.
Dd is energetic, creative, wriggly (though not so much in school…), a concrete random personality, loves activity books, craft, stories. Doesn’t enjoy reading about martyrs or any other violence, loses interest when she senses something is being said simply to make her feel guilty (eg Children, obey your parents) where nothing is first mentioned about the needs of each party behind such statements. Is not motivated by either reward or punishment (we avoid these anyway as a family). Willingness, choice and play/fun are all very important to her.
One of the major reasons I wanted to homeschool was to pass on our family values and Catholic faith in an authentic, meaningful and cohesive way, so in a religion program particularly, I want to take her temperament into account – the last thing I want is for her to dread the RE part of our schooling and love the rest! She has a growing faith and really does want to be like Jesus and Mary (even if she did jump around like a frog and kick her heels up in the air like a pony during Mass on Sunday and then started blowing raspberries when I asked her to sit still…grrr…she is absolutely brilliant when I take her to Wed night Mass with me, sigh)
Anyway…part of the reason I chose Sonlight was that I liked its values of fostering respect and understanding for all people and cultures. I would like the RE program we choose to do the same and be absolutely solid, not wishy washy but also not be insular and defensive (ie (said in a very pompous voice) We the Catholic Church are right and no one else has anything to teach us. If you memorize this, this and this, go to Mass, say the Rosary etc you will go to heaven, blah, blah, blah). So just learning the Baltimore catechism for example doesn’t really appeal. I don’t actually want our kids to be apologists as such and know how to form a good argument – I want them to learn the skill of listening and meeting people where they are whilst still holding on to their values. Might sound like we are not conservative Catholics but in doctrine we absolutely ARE! It’s just the method of passing on that doctrine that makes or breaks for us.
I’ve not had experience with any of these programs and so can only rely on the opinions of other and the blurbs on the websites (sometimes not a very thorough). All these programs seem to say they are about deepening a child’s experience of God but are they? Do they really foster a personal relationship, a heart relationship, or is it mostly engaging the intellect? Are they more about following the rules or looking for the spirit? Are they filled with ‘shoulds’, ‘musts’ and ‘have tos’ or do they go into WHY God and the Church asks us to do certain things? Is there a big emphasis on love and what that means (not just the appearance of love but “Little Way” love, 1 Cor love)? Or is it more about what every good Catholic needs to know about defending your faith to protestants?
I guess I want a program that celebrates what it means to be Catholic, just because it’s Catholic (and of God), not because it’s in opposition to any other religion. That acknowledges both sides of the story and promotes understanding and love. That says things like “If you walk in this path your life will be enriched” rather than “You shall, you must, you ought to…”. I’m just trying to find the best fit for our family, and I’m running out of time. Sorry if any of the above sounds a bit irreverent. We are seriously very conservative, but have found our relationship with Jesus so life-giving that we don’t want to do anything to kill that life in our children before it has a chance to flower. Any thoughts on any of my questions from those who have used these programs on which one might suit our family more than others? Or chop and change at certain grade levels?
Thanks
Cath
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CatholicMommy
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We've only used 3 of the items on your list. Well, two really. My son enjoyed Image of God because he loves the crafty stuff to go along with the story (he is just generally into art and creating stuff anyway). Overall, it was a good match for him.
We then moved on to Our Lady of Victory School religion lesson plans (which include Leading Little Ones to Mary and also Chats with God's Little Ones, in addition to a couple of other items - we're in 1st grade with it now so can't remember what was there!).
But we've had atrium all the way through as well - I have the training and did it at our local parish as well as at home; then we moved and I assisted in an atrium he attended; then we moved again specifically to work as DRE and open new atriums at two parishes. Now we have it home again. So it is a BIG part of our lives. I have not yet seen Moira's albums in detail, but I have corresponded with her and she has shared some things. It is a really sound lay-out she has - the only concern is the material making, but if you later use it with other children, it makes it all worth it. (well, I think it's" and "poverty" in the materials (these words come from Sofia Cavalletti herself).
And we LOVE Catholic Mosaic, and while it addresses faith topics, I wouldn't count it as religion persay. It's fun, it's literature, it's conversation, it's sharing.... It's wonderful 
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hmbress
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Cath, I would encourage you to see if there is a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium near you. It is everything you are looking for: attuned to the development of a child, sensorial, focuses on forming loving relationship with Christ and cementing that (for 3-6) before bringing up the contrast between good and evil, morality, sin, etc. (saved for 6 and up).
I am also a trained catechist, and while Moira's albums (I've only actually seen the 3-6yo album) are wonderful for those who have no access to an atrium, they do not strictly follow Sofia Cavalletti's (co-founder of CGS) thoughts on age-appropriateness in every respect. I say this with hesitation, as I do not mean to imply that they aren't beautifully done and worthwhile, but after receiving the formal training I have become sensitive to some of the nuances of the CGS approach. Doing this catechesis at home also causes the child to miss out on some of the advantages of the Atrium. These would of course include having the full range of materials and trained catechists, but just as important is the enrichment to the child's meditation that is achieved when multiple children each express how the Holy Spirit is speaking to them through each presentation.
For what it's worth, I think you have a lot of wise insights into her particular spiritual needs. Clearly you have been doing a fantastic job of observing your daughter and your desire to provide her with what will truly meet those needs is admirable!
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LeeAnn
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Based on your criteria, I would say Moria Farrell's program would be the best fit for you, for now. The mass kit Our Father's House sells is very nice and would probably be a hit with your experience-oriented student.
You didn't mention the Baltimore Catechism, although at 4.5 your child is a little too young for it. I would add that to your Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program maybe around age 6 (either Balt. Cat. #4 or the New St. Joseph Balt. Cat. First Communion catechism) for a little more doctrinal meat. Another option would be to alternate years of Image of God and Faith & Life. Both are excellent school-type RE programs but having taught them, I feel they are a little too repetitive if you do just the one series year after year.
I've previewed Christ Our Life (by RCL Benziger) and Finding God (from Loyola)--I'm a parish DRE--and both are OK but could be better. Of the programs published by the mainstream curriculum publishers I prefer Blest Are We, English edition (the bilingual edition is adapted for "particular community needs" and not as complete as the English only)--Blest Are We is the only mainstream RE program I know of that includes Latin prayers and pretty good saints' lives and so on.
That being said, our parish has a bilingual focus and we use Liturgy Training Publication's "Celebrating the Lectionary" which might be another option for you. The Ages 3-5 program is called "God With Us" and includes lessons for every Sunday and holy day of the year. It's meant for a classroom experience but I think is easily adapted for the home. It also does not focus on doctrine so much as the lectionary (duh) which would be activities and games based on each week's bible stories heard at Mass.
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my four children are 17, 15, 11 & 8 - all now attend public school - we read many 4Real recommended books at home
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Erin
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Cath
I'm hearing in your sharing that your child is a 'heart girl', is that correct?
I have one of those, Bible Stories don't interest her. Virtue stories are the key to catching her heart for God. Some great 'heart' titles are listed in this thread
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stacykay
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Cath,
There are so many wonderful resources for teaching our beautiful faith. I have only one suggestion...make inquiry of your parish/diocese as to what the requirements are for homeschooling and receiving the sacraments, specifically what are the approved curriculums. For instance, our parish uses Faith and Life, which is great, because that is one of the many books I use in our homeschool. But I have heard of other dioceses that don't allow it. Now is a good time to look into that, before you get too set with one program that might not be approved for where you are.
Are you in a Catholic homeschool group? Maybe you could take a survey of what they use and get together to check out different materials more in depth.
That said, for our current kindergartner, I am using Faith and Life, plus saint stories (the little St. Joseph saint story books don't dwell on what made certain saints martyrs,) a beginner Children's Bible, and lots of fun crafts and videos for Feast Day observances. Kindergarten is fun and low-key. Oh, and since my 5yo is a boy, a big part of our year has been concentrating on sitting still (no bathroom runs, either,) during Mass. He has come so far! 
Oh, I just picked up two sticker books (one OT and one NT) at the Catholic bookstore, today, for his Easter basket.
God Bless,
Stacy in MI
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JennGM
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I'm glad you remembered that thread, Erin. Thanks. Those books that Jen posted are what we use.
In our house, Kindergarten is stirring love for God and our Faith. I didn't use much structure; even in first grade I don't use much structure. Religion to me isn't just a subject, but a lifestyle, and it should permeate everything we do. So I try in ways to live the liturgical year, make Mass and the readings central (whether or not we are attending), read lots of books. I use catechisms to read, but do not reinforce with the Q&A yet. I am using more of that the closer he is to making his First Communion.
Faith and Life is a great solid program, and so we use that loosely as our guideline as to what to cover. That and the St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism.
We had a local atrium which we used for 2 years. We loved it. But they stopped just atrium alone. I would caution you to look very carefully before signing up for any Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium. Not all are the same, and not all are fully Catholic.
Moira Farrell's albums are wonderful to give that hands on approach. I didn't do too much because we had an atrium, but the Mass kit has been worth its weight in gold.
"Kindgarten for Catholics" by Janice Smyth of Our Lady of the Rosary School was a bit what I followed. I'm not sure that's readily available. But it was a little bit like some of the books Jen posted. The instill a wonder and love for God. We start learning about Jesus and his life.
There is also "My Jesus and I" by Bishop Morrow which is so beautiful, but gives deep messages for each picture and page.
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JennGM
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and I'm going to repost Jen's list here:
MackFarm wrote:
Books we use that are Catholic in tone and theology:
For the Preschool to First Communion crowd:
** Their Hearts are His Garden (Sister Mary Marguerite - Neumann Press)
** Manners in God's House (Sister M. Juliana of the Maryknoll Sisters - Neumann Press)
** Illustrated Catechism for Little Children (Neumann Press)
** Jesus and Mary - The Lives of Jesus and Mary and the Story of Fatima (Father Gales - Neumann Press)
** Angel Food for Boys and Girls (Father Gerald Brennan - Neumann Press)
** The Catholic Children's Treasure Box Books (edited by the Maryknoll Sisters - TAN)
** My Jesus and I (The Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Bishop Morrow
** Leading the Little Ones to Mary (Sister Mary Lelia - Montfort Publications)
** God's Love Story (Sister Mary Jane Frances)
** Small Acts of Kindness (James Vollbracht)
** Miniature Stories of the Saints (Rev. Daniel Lord)
** Saints biographies found at Neumann Press
** Saints and Friendly Beasts Series at Neumann Press
** Catholic Mosaic (Cay Gibson - Hillside)
For the First Communion and older crowd:
** Devotional Stories for Little Folks (Nancy Nicholson - CHC)
** Devotional Stories for Little Folks too(Nancy Nicholson - CHC)
** Rare Catholic Stories and Poems (CHC)
** More Rare Catholic Stories and Poems (CHC)
** Angel Food for Boys and Girls (Father Brennan - Neumann Press)
** Stories to Learn By (Msgr. John Koenig)
** Parables to Learn By (Bob Hartman)
** King of the Golden City (Mother Mary Loyola - CHC)
** Catholic Tales for Boys and Girls (Caryll Houselander - Sophia Institute Press)
** More Catholic Tales for Boys and Girls (Caryll Houselander - Sophia Institute Press)
** Stories of the Child Jesus from Many Lands (A. Fowler Lutz - Sophia Institute Press)
** St. Patrick's Summer (Marigold Hunt - Sophia Institute Press)
** The First Christians (Marigold Hunt - Sophia Institute Press)
** A Life of Our Lord for Children (Marigold Hunt - Sophia Institute Press)
Hope this helps! I'm leaving out all the Mary Fabyan Windeatt saints books, the Vision book series, the Daughters of St. Paul series, as well as so many other wonderfully written stories of the saints because I generally use these more in our history studies, but needless to say...there are many, many more books that could go on these lists! |
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Reading books along themes of the liturgical year, like Catholic Mosaic suggestion, or MODG has a suggested booklist, is a wonderful rhythm we've established. We started when my son was young, but it has now become very natural.
Right now, during Lent we're reading about the Life of Christ and use books by Inos Biffi to follow along the Liturgical Year.
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SuzanneG
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JennGM wrote:
| In our house, Kindergarten is stirring love for God and our Faith. I didn't use much structure; even in first grade I don't use much structure. Religion to me isn't just a subject, but a lifestyle, and it should permeate everything we do. So I try in ways to live the liturgical year, make Mass and the readings central (whether or not we are attending), read lots of books. I use catechisms to read, but do not reinforce with the Q&A yet. I am using more of that the closer he is to making his First Communion. |
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So far this is us too. I tend to think of it in these categories:
::Picture books (Catholic Mosaic) & Bible Stories
::Read Aloud books, like in Jen's list above
::Celebrating the Liturgical Year (I would put the Moira Farrell albums in this category)
::Catechism (minimal until prep for FHC)
::Games - Mary Memory, The Priest Game, Activity books, etc.
::Music - Children's CDs and liturgical music
::Mass/Adoration
::Learning About the Saints
::Family Prayer & memorizing basic prayers
::Focusing on Virtues - cheerfulness, obedience, order
::Concept of Sacrificing
A little bit of these things done as part of your family-culture goes such a long way!
I know  , not exactly what you were looking for , you were asking specifically about RE "programs", but thought I'd illustrate that a self-designed-non-text could be a "program" too 
Also, this thread: Catechism Questions talks about the Catechism...hashing out the different versions and levels of the Catechism.
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hmbress
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JennGM wrote:
| We had a local atrium which we used for 2 years. We loved it. But they stopped just atrium alone. I would caution you to look very carefully before signing up for any Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium. Not all are the same, and not all are fully Catholic. |
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Jenn, are you referring to the many Episcopal communities that utilize a modified version of CGS, or something else?
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Heather Rose (ds13, ds10)
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JennGM
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hmbress wrote:
JennGM wrote:
| We had a local atrium which we used for 2 years. We loved it. But they stopped just atrium alone. I would caution you to look very carefully before signing up for any Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium. Not all are the same, and not all are fully Catholic. |
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Jenn, are you referring to the many Episcopal communities that utilize a modified version of CGS, or something else? |
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Yes, the Episopal in general, but also some Catholic ones. I took training for Level I, and I was uncomfortable with some of the official materials. Some errors aren't always apparent, but examples would be consubstantation rather than transubstantiation.
I have read some writings of some of the CGS board members, and not completely comfortable with the interpretation of the Faith.
So, I'm just issuing a caution that not all atriums nor the catechist trained the same or going to implement the same.
Also, IMHO, it's better when an atrium really has some of the Montessori method applied in activities and how things are done, as this was the original intention of Sofia Cavelleti.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Family in Feast and Feria
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hmbress
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JennGM wrote:
I took training for Level I, and I was uncomfortable with some of the official materials. Some errors aren't always apparent, but examples would be consubstantation rather than transubstantiation.
I have read some writings of some of the CGS board members, and not completely comfortable with the interpretation of the Faith. |
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It sounds like your training may have been from the Episcopal rather than the Catholic tradition, given the consubstantiation vs. transubstantiation. I'm partway through my Level II training and haven't seen anything in my official materials that has been opposed to the authentic teaching of the Church (and I am a stickler for this). But I guess I'm not surprised that this could happen ... the Evil One tries to throw a wrench in any good work.
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Heather Rose (ds13, ds10)
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JennGM
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hmbress wrote:
JennGM wrote:
I took training for Level I, and I was uncomfortable with some of the official materials. Some errors aren't always apparent, but examples would be consubstantation rather than transubstantiation.
I have read some writings of some of the CGS board members, and not completely comfortable with the interpretation of the Faith. |
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It sounds like your training may have been from the Episcopal rather than the Catholic tradition, given the consubstantiation vs. transubstantiation. |
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Oh no, very solidly Catholic, one of the best trainings. They were the ones to point these things out. Some of the materials were from other trainings, what different people wrote for their presentations. Those errors were definitely there. I don't want to badmouth it all, I'm just saying keep your eyes open and examine carefully.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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CatholicMommy
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Regarding CGS: Yes, errors CAN and DO creep in. It is NOT coming from the training itself, which is solidly Catholic. It is coming from those persons who, within the training, write album pages for the group, and are from non-Catholic denominations. I actually know of several protestants who were converted to the Catholic faith after seeing such presentations such as the Eucharistic Presence. Unfortunately, errors can also creep in with some of the trainers, but this is few and far between. For my level 3 training, I had two Episcopalians, but they are *required* to present from the "Roman Catholic Tradition". I feel they did a spectacular job. The materials presented in training must all be the Roman Catholic materials, and if a large presence of another denomination is present, then those materials will be put out for their use as well; but the CGS is solidly Catholic as are the materials. (hence they have committees for adaptation to other denominations, not vice versa ).
I would still second the pointers about looking for an atrium - assure that it is either Catholic or taught with RC materials. (I know a LOVELY Episcopal woman who teaches in a Episcopal church, but has RC children - she does FANTASTIC. I think she's a Catholic at heart though. ;)
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hmbress
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Thanks for elaborating on your experiences, Jenn and CatholicMommy. I guess it's like any form of religious ed, it can only be as good (and orthodox) as the teachers.
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Heather Rose (ds13, ds10)
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CathN
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Thanks everyone
Reminded me that there is a CGS atrium in the location we'll be moving to mid year! How's that for providence. I had completely forgotten.
But also, I think I was mainly stressed out about other things and when I am stressed I have this overwhelming urge to order my environment (gotta be in control of SOMETHING!)
Anyway, I'm more grounded now and I mainly got reminded to trust myself, trust God and trust this homeschooling adventure.
Ok, going back into lurkdom now 
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pmeilaen
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Here are two more programs:
Questions for God Series that comes with a beautiful DVD and Chats with God's Little Ones.
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Eva
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: choosing an RE program
