So why don't we start new L2 children with EPL? As was mentioned previously, the child in the second plane of development is a different child than that in the L1 Atrium. While the L1 child has an absorbent mind and primarily works with the hand, the L2 child has a reasoning mind which must be engaged in order for learning to take place. While the L2 child may initially show interest in EPL or express a desire for it, they rarely use these materials (excepting those needed to care for the environment) for true work but rather as a way to hide from purposeful work appropriate to their age and mental capacity. However, the child who is new to the L2 Atrium has similar needs as the L1 child had. They need to be oriented to this new space, grow in relationship with their catechist, and be offered purposeful work which helps them grow in skills which will be needed for later materials as well as growth in focus and concentration. As was stated in last week’s post, this means that the L2 child needs to be offered real work from the beginning, work with words, work which engages their minds and hearts, work which is worthy of their intelligence.
- Using L1 Atrium materials (previously presented) in a L2 way, with reading and/or writing.
- Writing “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” and illustrating it with examples of gifts which show forth God’s goodness. This could be expanded to any L1 or L2 Scripture card.
- Copying a prayer card (beginning with the single word or short phrase prayer cards from L1) and illustrating that word or phrase.
- Making a booklet of Altar or Baptism Cards by copying each word and picture together.
- Making a booklet of prayer cards or Scripture cards consisting of at least 5 pages and a cover.
- Looking up Scripture in the Bible by using the Scripture Cards.
- Helping to lead Communal Prayer after practicing how to proclaim something to the group.
- Doing a big work like the Altar Collage by breaking it down into a number of small steps which must be accomplished in a particular order.
- Helping to care for the environment, especially during the time before gathering at prayer table at the end of the session.