Nurturing the Whole Child: Montessori Principles Applied to the Catechesis of Children

by Gianna Gobbi

In Nurturing the Whole Montessori Principles Applied to the Catechesis of Children, Gianna Gobbi draws on a lifetime of experience with children, having apprenticed with educator Dr. Maria Montessori, and collaborated with biblical scholar Sofia Cavalletti to develop the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS). With a deep understanding of the way children hear God speak to them personally and with profound simplicity, Gobbi explains how Montessori principles are practically applied with children in the context of religious formation. This work is the fruit of entering gently and respectfully into the child's joyful encounter with the mystery of God's silent self-revelation made tangible through ancient biblical images, liturgical signs, and celebrations. Originally presented in Italian as a series of lectures for the formation of catechists in CGS, “la dispenza di Gianna” has been translated in English and edited for publication. This book is an important addition to the CGS library and a valuable reference in the formation of catechists in CGS. Parents of young children attending the CGS atrium will also find this book an informative resource on the nature of children and their prayer life.

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2024

Reviews

[Kelsey Kersting · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and necessary read for all CGS catechists, regardless of how long one has been in the role. Also a very approachable book for someone who might have children in the program and isn’t a catechist.

Children have simple and noticeable ways of expressing listening to God and this book gives practical reminders of this, as well as the role of the adult in the atrium.

I especially loved the two essays at the end.

[Madeleine Cromer · Rating 5 out of 5]

required reading for catechesis of the good shepherd training. so many pieces I starred and highlighted but the biggest : "Formerly, when teaching was limited to telling the child the facts of sacred history and making him memorize, in catechism answers, the truths of Christian doctrine, we were, if I may be allowed so to express myself, drawing the child away from the church." -Maria Montessori. Formal religious education has for too long focused more on religious *instruction* rather than religious *formation*.
This book helped me see how the Montessori method applied to catechesis (aka catechesis of the good shepherd) restores that imbalance 🙏🏼

[Judy McCullough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent source for understanding young children and how to best guide them to a spiritual relationship with God and others.