As we approach the end of the school year, many of the Extended Day / Kindergarten children are approaching the Second Plane of Development, which, according to Maria Montessori, has very different developmental characteristics than the First Plane. Dr. Montessori recognized four distinct planes: First (0-6 years), Second (6-12 years), Third (12-18 years), and Fourth (18-24 years). Characteristics of the First Plane of Development include being in the sensitive periods for the development of language, movement, and order as the children strive for physical independence. They also have a great need for the following freedoms: movement, choice, and repetition. All of these freedoms must be within clear limits in order to support true freedom which leads to order and peace instead of license which leads to chaos and discontent. Characteristics of the Second Plane of Development, in contrast, include moving from an absorbent to a reasoning mind, the development of abstraction and imagination, a focus on morality and justice, heavy interest in peer interaction and a "herd instinct," and a new need to collaborate in setting the structures which clarify their freedoms as they strive for intellectual independence within a communal, social environment. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd serves the children from ages 3 to 12 and thus spans the First and Second Planes of Development. As the child moves from the First to the Second Plane, their new characteristics begin to emerge even while they are still in the Level I Atrium and thus their work needs to grow as they grow. Here are several examples of our Extended Day children expanding their work to meet their new characteristics and needs. As the Upper Elementary children begin their new year in the Atrium, we always take time to start with the Great Lesson of the Plan of God. This "lesson" presents the "big picture" of God's interaction with humanity from preparing the earth for us to preparing a place for us to desire and long for and one day join Him in forever.
This year I began by asking the 4th-6th graders what they already knew about the Kingdom of God. Here are their responses... - It's like a Mustard Seed. - It's like a Pearl. - In the Kingdom of God you are never too old. - There's no sickness, no sadness or worry. - It's like Parousia. - It IS Parousia. - It's a banquet that never ends. - It's like the Found Coin that the woman rejoices over. - It's everything but more. - We don't know much about it, but what we know is great! Then I asked what they knew about God's Plan. - He created the earth and gave us freedom. - Then His Plan is that all of us go to heaven. During the season of Ordinary Time between Christmas and Lent, many of the children in the Atrium spend time pondering the parables of the Kingdom of God. Listed below are responses of the children over the past month in the Atrium.
- "It is the light of heaven." (3 year old, responding to the Parable of the Precious Pearl) - "I heard about the Kingdom of God at church. Father said the Kingdom of God will never end." (Kindergartner, when reviewing the parables of the Kingdom of God.) - "The wheat is buried and dies and the more life is the treasure." (5 year old, when hearing the Parable of the Hidden Treasure for the first time.) - "It's like the most beautiful pearl story!" "The treasure is Jesus." "Yes - he was buried again in the tomb and He brings joy!" (Three 5 year olds, hearing the Parable of the Hidden Treasure for the first time.) - After pondering the Parable of the Hidden Treasure, a 5 year old girl said, "The Kingdom is all the people in heaven." She was asked, "How is that like a treasure?" The child responded, "Because heaven is filled with the Great Light." - After reading "Thy Kingdom come" from the Scripture card on the prayer table, the children were asked why we might pray these words. There was a time of silence and then a 3 year old boy said, "The Kingdom of God brings peace and love." This was followed by a 6 year old boy, saying, "It's like when the Light comes! When the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light!" The children were then asked, "What would it be like if God's Kingdom was here? A 5 year old girl responded, "It would be filled with Light! If you were hungry and needed a snack before dinner the Light would show you where to go! You wouldn't ever be hungry!" - Three 1st grade children were pondering the Parable of the Found Coin. In thinking about the parable, one child the parable reminded him of the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. He said the coins were like the Kingdom of God. He was asked if we can lose just part of the Kingdom and he responded, "Yes." Another child added, "That's what happens when we sin. We lose a coin." They continued, "So we are the woman and the lamp we light to help find the coin is Jesus. He is the light." They were asked, then, about the broom that helps the woman sweep to find the lost coin. One of the children said, "The broom the woman sweeps with is the Holy Spirit." During this season of Ordinary Time, the children in Level I (Children's House) have time to focus in on the parables Jesus told about The Kingdom of God. This past week several extended day children had time to ponder the parable of the Mustard Seed in small groups. This is the third year in a row they have specifically pondered this parable. During their pondering they shared several insights... 1st Child: "The Mustard Seed needs the light to grow just like we need Jesus, the Light." Adult: "What is in the Mustard Seed telling it how and when and what to grow into?" 2nd Child: "The Great Light." At the end of the presentation the children were describing the Kingdom of God and were invited to draw what they were picturing. Working near each other, two kindergarten girls drew similar drawings of the Mustard Seed and the Kingdom of God. Introducing young children to the Mystery of the Kingdom of God seems to puzzle most adults. I have to admit that when I first began to ponder the five Parables of the Kingdom that we present to the 3-6 year old children, I felt at a loss. I didn't understand what these parables told us about the Kingdom of God myself! However, looking back over the past ten years of pondering this mystery with Level I children I am astounded at their insights. I have learned much from them about what Jesus is telling us about His Kingdom...and I know I still have much to learn as we listen again and again to these parables together.
One of the children's favorite works related to the Kingdom is that of the Precious Pearl or the Pearl of Great Price. When we adults hear this parable we are often struck by the fact that the man sells EVERYTHING for this one pearl. The children, in contrast, are most captivated by the joy of the merchant as he looks at that one most precious pearl. If only we approached sacrifice in the same way, emphasizing the joy of the gift rather than the loss to ourselves. I have so much to learn from these children! I wonder what was so special about that Pearl? - "He knew God was in the Pearl!" (4 year old child) - "The Pearl is Jesus." (4 year old child) What do you think he did when he arrived home with that most precious Pearl? - "He looked at the Pearl and said a prayer." (3 year old child) |
Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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April 2024
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