Please consider scheduling a time to observe in the Atrium! To do so, contact Carolyn Kohlhaas.
We hope that you will find your time in the Atrium rewarding and spiritually uplifting. Below are a few pointers that will be helpful for you to remember:
We hope that you will find your time in the Atrium rewarding and spiritually uplifting. Below are a few pointers that will be helpful for you to remember:
- Visitor Chair: From the "Visitor Chair" you can get a good view of most of the atrium. Moving about the room can distract the children.
- No unnecessary talking – Quiet atmosphere: We are trying to maintain a quiet atmosphere so that the children can be alone with God as they work. You will notice ebbs and flows in the sounds, but it seems to always return to a sense of quiet. This quiet may be difficult for some of us because we are used to classrooms being more instructional. Try to just enjoy the silence and trust that in the silence the inner work is being done. If you have questions, please jot them down and ask us after the children have left the Atrium.
- Your child’s behavior: This will be exciting for your child and they may ask you to come with them. I would suggest you try to dissuade them by letting them know that you are here to observe all the children and would love to watch from a distance so as not to disturb them. You could also suggest that they bring their work near you.
- The child’s work: The children have been shown many different works so far this year. You will see many of them choosing from those works that either further their understanding of the mystery of that work or build their concentration. Some will be expressing their thoughts through drawing or other art-related activities. The work you will see may include: Prayer and reading in the prayer corner; Geography materials; Liturgical elements relating to Baptism and Eucharist; Biblical parables; Copying of Scripture passages; Practical life exercises.
- Observe their independence: The atrium fosters the independence of the children as they are able to choose what to work on – depending on where the Holy Spirit may be leading them at that moment.
- Take notes and write down questions: There will be paper provided for you to use to take notes or ask questions. You may ask one of the catechists your questions after the Atrium session and we would love to hear your observations.