Parents in the Atrium
We are happy to have you serve in this sacred space prepared for praying, learning about the Kingdom of God, and thinking about Jesus. A few guidelines will make this time more enjoyable for all.
Usually the time in the atrium begins and ends with the children gathered for songs, prayer, meditation, and presentation of the materials. The remainder is used for the child’s individual work.
Let your child lead you to the area(s) he/she wants to share with you. Catechesis allows children to make their own choices, which encourages creativity, and the children are accustomed to being self-directed in the atrium.
Be an observer and listener rather than a participant. The children have much to teach us if we listen and look.
In the atrium, we move and speak in a quiet manner and are respectful of others in the space.
Your child may show you materials for any of the presentations that he/she has had. The children have not all had the same presentations because of differences in ages or attendance. Please respect this difference.
Your child may choose to introduce you to many materials or to demonstrate a particular set of materials in depth. Some children choose one or two materials to work with in a more extended manner, while others may want to show-and-tell everything they can work with in the atrium. We encourage the children to do work which relates to the atrium. (For example, if a child chooses to do an art response, drawing Spiderman or racecars would not be appropriate.)
There is no need to hurry a child because others are waiting. The children know to ask one another if they may join in or watch.
Please keep in mind that the materials have been made for the children’s use. They have been shown how to use the materials with care and respect. Children are directed to keep materials in order and to assume responsibility for the room.
The catechist is a guide and a friend. The catechist’s responses to the children will vary, always with a mind to encouraging the independence of the child and helping the child make choices. The catechist will be able to answer any questions at the end of the class time.
Usually the time in the atrium begins and ends with the children gathered for songs, prayer, meditation, and presentation of the materials. The remainder is used for the child’s individual work.
Let your child lead you to the area(s) he/she wants to share with you. Catechesis allows children to make their own choices, which encourages creativity, and the children are accustomed to being self-directed in the atrium.
Be an observer and listener rather than a participant. The children have much to teach us if we listen and look.
In the atrium, we move and speak in a quiet manner and are respectful of others in the space.
Your child may show you materials for any of the presentations that he/she has had. The children have not all had the same presentations because of differences in ages or attendance. Please respect this difference.
Your child may choose to introduce you to many materials or to demonstrate a particular set of materials in depth. Some children choose one or two materials to work with in a more extended manner, while others may want to show-and-tell everything they can work with in the atrium. We encourage the children to do work which relates to the atrium. (For example, if a child chooses to do an art response, drawing Spiderman or racecars would not be appropriate.)
There is no need to hurry a child because others are waiting. The children know to ask one another if they may join in or watch.
Please keep in mind that the materials have been made for the children’s use. They have been shown how to use the materials with care and respect. Children are directed to keep materials in order and to assume responsibility for the room.
The catechist is a guide and a friend. The catechist’s responses to the children will vary, always with a mind to encouraging the independence of the child and helping the child make choices. The catechist will be able to answer any questions at the end of the class time.