Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

[creationlover]

Hi,

Does anyone know anything about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechetical program for kids? Postives? Negatives?

 

[Merry]

I was just going to ask the same question! Does anyone know anything about it?

 

[monicatholic]

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD:

an authentically montessori catechism program-- very work based, materials based, program.

not new, has been practiced for more then 50 years.

happens in a space called atrium, which is the prayerful workspace set aside for the program.

the program has 3 developed levels, 3-6 years old, 6-9 years old and 9- 12. each level should have an atrium space dedicated specifically to it. (is there a 4th developed level? don’t know.)

level one foundational scripture is the parable of the good shepherd. level 2 is the prodigal son. level three parable of judgment.

the atmosphere is quiet, invested, whole-person learning. the catechism is excellent. the theology is entirely orthodox. the training of the catechist (who cannot teach unless certified) is stringent. preparing the atrium space is time consuming and a ministry unto itself.

we have a level two atrium in one of the parishes where i work as DRE. it is my dream that we have all level atriums in both parishes. additionally, i see CGS as THE method of catechizing developmentally delayed/ disabled individuals. the parents who accompany their children to CGS sessions in the atrium say*** they*** and their kids learn more there than almost anywhere.

 

[awcoppelia]

I have not been particularly impressed - my child has asperger’s and is very bright, and self-direction is not his strong point. Although traditional Montessori is good for cognitive disabilities, it is not so great for those who need a lot of direction or cannot sit still. Just like any program, one size does not fit all, no matter what the reason it was originally created for. His behavior stops him from really being able to get anything out of it. My youngest is also not doing well there. My children tend towards rote learning, they learn best when reading or doing so called busy work. I work them a lot at home instead - as it is they are only welcome to come for 1/2 hour for the youngest and 1 hr for the oldest - which isn’t enough anyways. The main question I have (as a convert confirmed April 2009) is - is this the only way they can get the sacraments? Is there such a program out there that does not use the Montessori system? (My children also did not do well with school-based Montessori either, its not locallized to the Good Shepherd) I keep them going there because I’m not sure what other choices I have?
Andrea