As our new children adjust to life in the Atrium, they spend time working with Preliminary Activities. These materials help to "bridge" the transition between their home and Children's House (learning environment) and the Atrium. Each material is intended to be familiar and easy to use without an in-depth presentation. This allows the children to have multiple materials at their disposal early on in the year as they are learning the way of life in the Atrium. It seems so simple, to take out a material, work with it, and return it to the shelf, but there are so many parts involved in this basic task! First, the material must be chosen, then the type of work space for that material needs to be decided upon (table? chowki? working mat?). Next the child carefully brings the material to their work space, takes the items off of the tray or out of the basket, and returns the tray or basket to the shelf, remembering exactly where it belongs. This reserves that material's spot on the shelf in case someone else has forgotten where to put their work! The child then returns to their work space and works with the material until the purpose of the work is completed. Restoring their work is next, including unlacing or unstringing as needed, retrieving the tray or basket, replacing the materials exactly as they looked initially, returning their work to the shelf, and rolling up their mat or pushing in their chair. That's a lot for a little one to keep track of and stay concentrated on! But by focusing on this cycle of activity in the early weeks of the year, the children are already beginning to grow in independence, focus, and concentration. This process will give them the tools for calming their body and mind so as to listen for the Good Shepherd as we continue our year together. What a gift that God can use such simple means to prepare for such great gifts!
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Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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April 2024
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