- The younger the child, the more they are in need of the sensorial materials (both those related to Practical Life and the catechetical materials). For the 3yo the Altar collage, punching work, and Baptism collage are the primary paperwork materials which I offer. You might also consider a Liturgical Colors collage and a Land of Israel (3 Cities) collage. These materials are intended to help reignite the child's interest in the catechetical material and are shown a month or more after the material has been presented.
- 4 year olds:
- As a child is able to trace or copy letters, prayer card making can be introduced. This is often the first "prayer art" material shown. The child is invited to choose a prayer card to copy, perhaps "Amen," and, after tracing or writing the letters, he is invited to draw something which shows or fits the prayer of "Amen."
- Tracing and coloring the Regions Map of the Land of Israel as well as coloring a Liturgical Calendar are also extensions appropriate for this age. For these paperworks it is important that the child has the catechetical material out and is working with it as they do this extension. That keeps the child connected with the sensorial material.
- Drawing the Easter Candle and decorating around the drawing may be presented near the end of the year.
- 5 year olds:
- If not introduced previously, prayer card making is fitting for this age. The child might be invited to make a booklet after completing five different prayer cards. Making an altar booklet - each page consisting of one article and its name - also appeals to this age.
- Copying a prophecy or a portion of Psalm 23 could also be presented.
- Chart paper for tracing the City of Jerusalem could also be offered. Once the City has been traced and colored the children can use labels to name each place and then copy the label onto their map. At the end I work with the child to number the places in the order we speak about them in the presentation so that the child can tell this "story" to their parents. After numbering the tomb we place a final number for Jesus' Resurrection and the child can be invited to draw this moment. It is always a joy to see what they choose to draw!
- Near the end of the year you might consider introducing free art with a full sheet of paper, possibly after the child has received the Hidden Treasure, thus having seen four or more Kingdom Parables. Consider inviting the child to draw what they picture when they think about the Kingdom of God. From here other prayer art becomes a possibility and the child may use one sheet of paper each time he is in the Atrium.