Listening to God With Children: The Montessori Method Applied to the Catechesis of Children

by Gianna Gobbi, Rebekah Rojcewicz

R3

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education, Catholic, Spirituality

131 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall it was a helpful and illuminating book I read for my CGS training. However, I took issue with several key points in the work, hence the low rating.
I will first say that, seeing as I am not a fan of the Montessori method for education as a whole, I’m reading this from a somewhat biased perspective. However, in matters of religious formation the Montessori method is, it seems, incomparable. This is why I was very disappointed at several recommendations given in the book. Chief among them:
-that for very young children, the Mass is too long; therefore they can participate in the liturgy of the Eucharist, while spending the rest of the time in the atrium. This undermines the whole premise of the book, namely that children’s religious capacities and needs are much deeper than we realize. Why should they be excluded from even the least part of the source and summit of the Faith? It also presumes that the work done in the atrium TO UNDERSTAND THE MASS is more important than half of the Mass itself. This is a self-defeating concept and nothing less than spiritually dangerous when put into practice.It fosters a disjointed view of the Mass. For a school of thought that so desperately prioritizes participation in the Mass, it also just doesn’t make sense.
It’s an OK book, for what it is.
But what it is, is lacking in depth and substance regarding the theological components.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to read about some of the ways children learn. It is rather general until the last chapter, which is the only chapter that really talks about listening to God with children.

[Victoria Claire]

This book was recommended to me by Amy Farr. This book has begun to open my eyes to childhood and the way children think and learn (especially ages 3-6). I don't really know how to describe it's content without sounding extremely cliche. The author takes a large amount of writing directly from the work of Montessori and puts the insights from her writing in the context of the child's spiritual development. One of the things that struck me the most about this work is the emphasis that a child can indeed pray, can indeed have spiritual insight, and can indeed work in a focused way. An adult/parent/catechist's job is to assist the child in these things, not to do it for them. we need to "get out of the way" for the Holy Spirit to work through the inner impulses experienced by the child. This book gives many practical insights on how to prepare the proper environment for catechesis in order to cater to the child's deepest needs. Gobbi beckons educators to have in their teaching the "spirit of the scientist"--patience and humility--when assisting the development of the very young.

[Jonnah Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Montessori!

[Shelly Gustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you spend time with children (especially in an atrium environment), this books is priceless. So much good stuff in here including explanations as to why we should "help little children help themselves".

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a catechesis class I will be attending in order to teach in the atrium at our church. I am a believer of the Montessori method for preschoolers and what a pleasure it was to learn about how to implement these techniques in a religious setting. The beginning of the book focuses more on the use of the atrium with the second half focusing on child development. My favorite section came in the very last chapter which is a guide to "Helping the Child to Pray."

[Beate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reach for Gianna’s book again and again and am sad that it’s currently out of print. Her humility and respect for the child shines through in every chapter. This book challenges me to be ever mindful of the gift of the child.

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome read if you have any interest in religious education of children, especially those with special needs.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource if you have a child in Atrium classes.

[Amy C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful and useful book. Excellent intro to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, but also has much to ponder beyond the CGS program.