As the Atrium year gets into swing, the children are spending time at the Atrium Practical Life shelf. Practical Life materials are a great tool in helping the young children grow in independence and in fine motor skills. They help the child to love and care for the Atrium as they joyfully polish, clean, and restore order to the environment. In addition, these materials assist the child in developing his will so that his mind controls his body. Practical Life activities help the child to concentrate through meaningful work of the hand, which helps them develop the ability to listen and respond to the voice of the Good Shepherd. We, as adults, have this same opportunity to develop a disposition of calm, focus, and listening which can serve as an aid for prayer through the "Practical Life" activities which surround us every day - laundry, dusting, dishes, mowing the lawn, shoveling, etc. Not only do these activities have the potential to bring us to prayer, but they help us to live well our call to responsibly care for the beautiful gifts of creation with which He has surrounded us. "Space is made sacred by routine acts of care."
Comments are closed.
|
Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
All
Archives
April 2024
|