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AmandaV
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I've been looking for CGS for years - years I tell you. In the past all the atriums here were part of schools or Episcopal churches. Then last year I heard about a parish about 35 minutes away that had a level one atrium, where my friend was taking her son. He was her oldest home though as she had put the 2nd and up in school after several years homeschooling. With 5 at home including a brand new baby last year, I didn't think a drive every week that far was wise. But this year I looked into it again and decided to sign up my twins. Now, there is a homeschool class for Level II which my 1st and 3rd grader could do - if I wanted-- at the same time as the level 1... but it would mean we would be definitely out of the house two mornings in a row a week for ballet and then this. I've already figured in the ballet and how we will school before and after. Currently the class is F, so we'd have activities M and F. Not my ideal, but I really want CGS for my little guys. I've already registered. I need your input on CGS level II. This would mean M and T out of the house instead. Worth it? Worth having "busy days" and afternoon schooling the first two days of the week? I feel like a busy M and T out of the house would really set up the week wrong. Any input on CGS, or the scheduling? Thanks!
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Amanda
wife since 6/03, Mom to son 7/04, daughter 2/06, twin sons 6/08 and son 7/11, son 1/2014
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JennGM
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Amanda,
I know what you are feeling. I completely panic if my schedule has me out of the home too much. This is a big dilemma, for sure.
I LOVE CGS. I'm now trained in Levels I and II. My oldest has gone through both Level I and II, but there isn't a Level I for homeschoolers around here, so my youngest hasn't had the opportunity. (And I don't have my act together to do much here.)
ANYWAY. For sacramental preparation I think Level II is topnotch if they are really following the original directives.
Have you visited the Level II? I think my decision would depend on the atrium and your children. If it closely matches a Montessori environment, this is a good thing. First of all, it's a different atmosphere, so there would be adjustment for your children. One big area is self-direction, which is harder for a child who has not been in this environment before. There is also care for the environment which doesn't always come naturally (my son still fails in that area.) The catechist should be aware and help guide your children, though.
Is the atrium quiet and evokes contemplation? Is it a place of prayer or does it seem more like a classroom? Are the works beautiful? They don't have to be expensive, but can you tell they have been lovingly made and well-cared? Is the room clean and inviting? Even if it is a makeshift room, there are ways to create that atmosphere.
Is the catechist loving and nurturing? Is she calm? Does she speak little and observe more?
The atrium environment should be a little different than Level I, where the stage for the children at the lower level is individual work, but at the higher level there is more social interaction. That doesn't mean loud, but it does mean sometimes group projects.
Also at this level Big Works should be encouraged. My son wanted to make his own cardboard copies of the Holy Bible work (miniature books of the Bible) and worked on that over two years (he brought it back after the summer). He's traced big maps and wanted to trace Jesus' steps. Another boy recreated the City of Jerusalem.
Is there encouragement for handwritten works?
What do the prayer cards look like? Beautiful calligraphy or handwriting, or from the computer?
What do the Scripture booklets look like? Are they handwritten or typed?
Do they teach and nurture work in calligraphy?
Are the children making their own missal?
Is reading and working with the Holy Bible nurtured? I find my son loves reading his Bible, and works with it on his own, copies text, reads and observes. Part of the Sacramental Preparation was the presentation of the Bibles, which each child received their own before FHC. This has been one of the biggest fruits I have seen.
Do the children work with the materials of the presentation,
I think it's worth the time if it's a terrific atrium. If it ends up just a social time or the catechist does everything group and teaching style, I would think twice.
I don't consider the time at atrium a waste -- my son is calm, wants to write more, reads the Bible on his own, time at Mass is deeper. I'm noticing the summer off has not helped him. 
You could make the time in the car some reading time, or read aloud on CD. The hard thing is the other littles while the older ones are gone, but perhaps you could schedule grocery shopping or something then?
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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JennGM
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| Posted: Sept 04 2012 at 8:57am | IP Logged
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Oh, one more thing. Is there a way to visit (or have you visited) to see how the catechist handles the children? That is so key to me.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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AmandaV
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| Posted: Sept 04 2012 at 9:12am | IP Logged
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Thanks, Jenn. I was hoping you'd chime in. I'll be visiting later today for orientation. One more thing that wasn't clear, maybe- I have the four year olds registered definitely, but if I add the big kids, I'll move the boys to the same day, so they'll all be in class at the same time, and it will just be the baby with me. If I leave it just the 4 year olds in Level I, there is a daily mass during atrium that the older children and I peacefully can attend without the 4 year olds. So that's what I was leaning towards and am currently planning on. (Nothing against 4 year olds at Mass, I just don't get to Daily Mass much as the fear of misbehavior has gripped me for some time... I'm hoping to overcome that! They do fine on Sundays with their Dad :) )
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Amanda
wife since 6/03, Mom to son 7/04, daughter 2/06, twin sons 6/08 and son 7/11, son 1/2014
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CatholicMommy
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I would say everything that Jenn has said ;)
One thing I would add: in our area, homeschoolers tend towards the "flaky" side when it comes to committing to things like this; however I am STILL going to suggest the following as another option to consider -
Try it for a month, 8 sessions, first semester, whatever the number - you choose. Let the catechist know you are doing this; that you appreciate the atrium and want your children there, but are concerned about assuring the entirety of their education is covered. So you would like to see how it works for your family before committing for the year (be willing to pay for the entire duration though...).
This way, everyone is aware and you don't feel so guilty pulling out IF NEEDED.
Now, the practicalities:
Yes, being out of the house two days in a row can be TOUGH (and I only have one child and I KNOW this!!!). But it can be done.
Look at your goals for the year. What subjects can be grouped into Monday/Tuesday that are perfect for the car rides and after getting home from ballet/atrium.
Then plan your other subjects for W/Th/F. Depending on your main curriculum (ie CHC) you might only have 4 days worth of work to fit in, so that 4th day is split between the two out-of-house days.
Just one idea :) I know I personally need to plan all our activities as much together as possible, because I get the same fatigue getting ready and coming back for one activity as for 10. Might as well get them all done and be home the rest of the week ;)
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Marcia
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I love all of Jenn's questions. I have found Atrium during the week or on the weekend a sacrifice of our time (family or school) well worth it. It's a commitment from us and also from the Catechists.
I've been trained in all three levels and started an atrium for homeschoolers in my town 10 years ago. Now it's on sundays and welcomes families from different parishes and some are not homeschooled. It challenges our Sundays as family, but it's well worth the time. My oldest has now "graduated" from the Atrium and is working through Confirmation at the local parish. Our priest says she knows everything already...but we are jumping through this hoop for the Diocese.
I have found the training to be so beneficial for me. I feel like I know my own faith now.
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Marcia
Mom to six and wife to one
Homeschooling 10th, 7th, 5th, 2nd, PreK and a toddler in tow.
I wonder why
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JennGM
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JennGM wrote:
| Have you visited the Level II? I think my decision would depend on the atrium and your children. If it closely matches a Montessori environment, this is a good thing. |
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I thought of some things I wanted to elaborate. The reason for the load of questions is that training is different according to the Trainer, and some things have changed, but not all Catechists have updated their approach. And some trainers really emphasize the Montessori, which should be there, but others do not. One key factor to observe is how a presentation is given.
At Level I, MOST presentations are done one-on-one. The Catechist should be sitting to the right or left of the child, not in front like a teacher. There should be minimal movement of the figures, and no talking during movement.
Level II, even less movement or no movement of the figures. This level the child needs to own it. The number of children receiving a presentation could be more than one, but rarely the whole atrium. It should not be given like a classroom/group setting.
Another area that has changed that is so huge is now there is less introduction or retelling of the Scripture passage. The actual Scripture passage is proclaimed first, and then a narration of what was read. This elevates God's Word -- lets Him do the speaking, instead of the catechist.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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AmandaV
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Thanks, Jenn, Marcia, and CatholicMommy. You know, I was pretty sure I would stick with just level I for the little guys but your responses have me seriously considering level ii. I didn't get to go to the orientation yesterday but I will tonight so I'll be taking your thoughts with me.  the main thing that gets me is that we also have a Friday group once a month so I would be combining trips that way.
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Amanda
wife since 6/03, Mom to son 7/04, daughter 2/06, twin sons 6/08 and son 7/11, son 1/2014
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AmandaV
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So we went to the orientation last night and I was concerned about taking all the kids as dh couldn't get home in time. But it was actually really good, because after we looked at the Level 1 atrium we visited the Level II one and the kids looked around while I asked the catechist questions. (Unfortunately I didn't remember all the ones Jenn suggested! ) I was happy with what I saw. So we are going to try the Tuesday class which will start right after an early mass. The big kids will be together in level II and then I'll take the little boys to Level 1 a half hour later. Then I'll have 90 minutes with just my teeny tiny guy. So who knows what we'll do? Read, shop (there's a nice thrift store nearby), plan for the next week, pray...? I'm excited. I've moved my schedule around a bit. The main problem will be the first Friday week, as we'll have our homeschool gathering that Friday, meaning three days away from home. So I will have to make sure we get a good chunk of lessons done on Mondays and Tuesdays after our morning activities. One good thing is that now I've decided those are our errand days. If I need to shop on a weekday, it will be Monday. If I need to do dr. appts they will be Monday when we are already out, or Tuesday if necessary.
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Amanda
wife since 6/03, Mom to son 7/04, daughter 2/06, twin sons 6/08 and son 7/11, son 1/2014
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JennGM
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Awesome, Amanda! It sounds like you have worked it out well. I'm glad it was to your liking!
If you could pray I could find a Level I for my little one, I'd so appreciate it!!!!!
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Jennifer G. Miller
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AmandaV
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Will do, Jenn! The level 1 that I am going to isn't necessarily for homeschoolers since many 3, 4 and 5 year olds are still at home, and they have several in the afternoon and weekends too. are there afternoon times available for your younger son?
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Amanda
wife since 6/03, Mom to son 7/04, daughter 2/06, twin sons 6/08 and son 7/11, son 1/2014
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JennGM
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AmandaV wrote:
| Will do, Jenn! The level 1 that I am going to isn't necessarily for homeschoolers since many 3, 4 and 5 year olds are still at home, and they have several in the afternoon and weekends too. are there afternoon times available for your younger son? |
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There's nothing unless I drive over an hour...and I just can't justify it. The atrium my other son attends is attached to a school, and they just haven't opened up a Level I for anyone else except school attendees.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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CatholicMommy
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Well, this won't help Jenn any (sorry!), but if anyone is in the Cincinnati area, I have just been asked to be the catechist for a combined level 2/3 atrium specifically for homeschoolers. A level 1 is offered at the same place on a different day.
If anyone is relatively close to the Cincinnati area, PM me for more information :)
If you are more west of Cincinnati, but Cincinnati is too far, there is another atrium option (all 3 levels, each in their own space, but at the same time) as well.
;)
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Garden of Francis
HS Elementary Montessori Training
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AmandaV
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JennGM wrote:
There's nothing unless I drive over an hour...and I just can't justify it. The atrium my other son attends is attached to a school, and they just haven't opened up a Level I for anyone else except school attendees. |
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Oh, that stinks. Until I found this one, the only ones I could find were schools or Episcopal churches. Even 35 minutes is a stretch for me, but since its all of them I think I can justify it. Hoping the gas doesn't make me regret that.
I'll pray you are able to find something that works.
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Amanda
wife since 6/03, Mom to son 7/04, daughter 2/06, twin sons 6/08 and son 7/11, son 1/2014
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Mimip
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I have been so curious about this program but I have no idea how to find out if there are classes in my area.
Could you all help me? What do I search for, just google Catechesis of the Good Shepard? Is there a general directory that you all have?
Thanks for any and all input.
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In Christ,
Mimi
Wife of 16 years to Tom, Mom of DD'00, DD'02, '04(in heaven) DS'05, DS'08 and DS '12
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
