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Saturday, June 30, 2007
Precious Blood and Ade Bethune
The month of July is traditionally dedicated to the Precious Blood. There is an interesting thread on 4Real asking for ideas. I pulled out an old book I found at a book sale entitled The Story of the Precious Blood by Rev. Joseph F. Stedman, copyright 1932, printed by Arlington, Press, Inc., NYC. Father Stedman was the former director of the Confraternity of the Precious Blood.
The book uses the paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and other items of art from the Monastery Chapel of the Contemplative Sister Adorers of the Precious Blood, in Brooklyn, NY. They do not have much of a web presence, but another monastery in Watertown, NY does.
I went to bed last night wanting to find out more about this chapel. Is it still standing (built around 1910)? Was it wreckovated, or is it still as beautiful? I'd love to see color pictures of some of the paintings and stained glass. I didn't have much luck in finding out anything.
But I found it so wonderful that in my initial search on the Internet I found out that one of my favorite Catholic liturgical artists, Ade Bethune, designed the stained glass windows:
In 1938, Father Joseph F. Stedman asked Ade Bethune to design stained glass windows for the chapel at the Precious Blood Monastery in Brooklyn, New York, where he was chaplain. In 7 lancets, she designed stained glass versions of her Catholic Worker saints practicing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
Early sketches for these windows show both male and female saints, but the final version depicted only women. Unfortunately, Ms. Bethune did not have the joy of executing them herself; instead they were done by Per Bergeton of Rambusch Studios in New York.
What a wonderful connection! I know this isn't directly related to the Precious Blood--see how easy it is to go off onto rabbit trails? I am very drawn to her art. She uses thick line drawings, and most is in black and white. Her use of symbolism reminds me of the role of catechetical work the early stained glass and paintings. Both intellectual and Illiterate people of all ages, wealthy and poor, religious and laity could learn the lessons depicted in those images, and could easily recognize the saints by the symbols used. And in this modern era, she recaptures that spirit.
I've had an ongoing love of her work. For years I'd see her images, but had no idea of the artist's name. When I made the connection a few years back, I was excited to find I already had a few books illustrated by her (see Amazon's list.
One I highly recommend is Eye Contact with God Through Pictures: A Clip Book of Pictures from the Ade Bethune Collection . This is a great collection of clip art that follows the Liturgical Year, including some saints. It is a slim volume, and rather expensive. I've mentioned this work before in my post about Christian symbols.
Some other links of her works and information:
About Ade Bethune
Ade Bethune Collection Iconography Digital Collection. This is a goldmine, containing all her iconography.
Stained Glass images
St. Nicholas, The Children's Friend: A Belgian Tradition for December 6 and St. Nicholas Poem and St. Nicholas clip art by Ade Bethune.
Blue Cloud Abbey sells holy cards illustrated by her.
Mary, Seat of Wisdom
Women--Liturgical and Religious Art
Images of Corporal Works of Mercy
20:20 Posted in Liturgical Year | Permalink | Comments (3) | Email this
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Two Steps Forward, Three Steps Back
It's been quite a week for us.
Ds has developed croup--the first time ever in his life. Strange that it would in the summer, and at his age! We've been doing nebulizer treatments since Tuesday. I can tell he's improving -- his fever is almost gone, and instead of being lethargic he's just cranky, grumpy, and obstinate. I have to keep his activity levels down, or he goes into a coughing spell and requires bathroom steam treatment.
And now I'm developing a bit of a chest cold, so I'm having a hard time dealing with his mood swings...which I know stem from the medicines. Sigh.
Yesterday was our 12 week appointment. I can scarcely believe the baby is 12 1/2 weeks! The sonogram we had the previous week showed everything to be right on target. During yesterday's visit he doctor struggled to find the heartbeat, but eventually did, so we had happy faces.
Although the due date is January 6 (Epiphany and Daddy's birthday), we know from my the location of my previous c-section that I am at high risk for uterine rupture, so the baby will probably be born around 36 or 37 weeks, another c-section.
AND the writing is on the wall for a long haul with gestational diabetes (GD). I've been taking initial fasting numbers at home and they are already high. The first trimester is usually marked with hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and when the placenta takes over, the tendency for higher glucose numbers kicks in. So I have a 3 hour glucose test to take in the next week, and then back to the endocrinologist for regular visits all through this pregnancy.
While I knew this was a possibility, because I had this with my son's pregnancy, I was hoping it wouldn't happen this time. It was really, really hard. I am very sensitive to blood sugar changes, and I just felt plain awful. It was diagnosed at 12 weeks, and I was on insulin by 20 weeks. My numbers were brittle, and it was hard to keep things under control, even with a high protein, complex carb diet. It is so hard to constantly be thinking of food--(force)eating every few hours, having to choose very specific foods, pricking the finger about 4-6 times a day. Truly one feels so saddled by Brother Ass (my body).
So I'm facing the day with very mixed emotions. God has given us another miracle pregnancy. Truly every day is a marvel. But I do dread taking up this cross of GD. I am praying for the grace to have the strength to deal with this one day at a time. I know it's a small cross in the scheme of things, and I pray that my sufferings will benefit this child--both in body and in soul.
12:00 Posted in Baby | Permalink | Comments (8) | Trackbacks (0) | Email this
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
I Took the Plunge
I'm probably the last person in the 4Real Community who hasn't bought Melissa Wiley's Little House books (Charlotte and Martha years). Since I had a son who couldn't read yet, I thought I would wait and use my money in other ways. But I was getting nervous, because the books were being abridged, some were out of print, and when searching in my used book spots I could never find a copy. And the 4Real Learning boards made it worse, because some people were searching for so long for certain titles.
So when I caught her recent post about Two More Places to buy her unabridged versions, I took the plunge and bought them all.
I now can breathe more easily...my quest is over. They aren't hardback, sigh...but at least I'll have a complete collection.
Now I hope this baby is a girl for all those girl books I've been collecting...and I hope dh understands. ;-)
16:50 Posted in Books | Permalink | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0) | Email this
So Little Time, So Little Posts...
This is a various and sundry post....I have so many blog posts to do, but not much time. Let me count the ways: It still hurts to sit for long periods; my son is sick--droopy and clingy; I'm in my 12th week, but still having waves of nausea; my sister from Nebraska is in town; and I'm working on the Real Learning Conference.
I know I was tagged for a few memes. I haven't forgotten, just haven't done them, yet!
- Don't miss the top illustration from http://thecrescat.blogspot.com/. Truly echoes my opinion! HT to Fr. Z.
- Speaking of the Conference, please come! Here's the information on the conference, including a registration form and brochure. I am speaking with Dawn on living the Liturgical Year.
Here's the bulletin announcement:
Real Learning Home Education Conference
Saturday, August 11 at Seton School, 9314 Maple Street, Manassas, VA.
Local writer and home educator Elizabeth Foss and others will focus on how to develop the whole personality of the child--heart, soul and mind. Registration (which includes lunch) is $20.00 by July 11, $25.00 after. For more information, a list of vendors, or a registration form email: 4reallearningconference@gmail.com or visit http://ebeth.typepad.com/conference/.
Please email me if you would like to put this into your Church bulletin or local homeschool group. Maybe some brochures in the back of church or passed out with mother's groups?
Any help passing on the word would be terrific! - Sunday was the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist. Just like last year, I missed the feast for a blog post. Don't miss this thread for links, ideas, and a great blog post from Aussie Annie.
- Today is the Feast of St. Josemaria Escriva. I've written in the past about the special significance of this saint. Today is my son's patronal feast day, and one of our family's patron saint. We can't attend this year (again) the Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, because ds is sick...but maybe next year.
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Thursday, June 21, 2007
Skywatching Can be Hazardous to Your Health
MaryM alerted 4Realers of the ability to see the space station and space shuttle in our night skies, so dh and I went out at 9:21 to search the heavens.
We weren't even sure what to look for, but we did find it. It was so neat, and we'll be back tomorrow night.
But after such enjoyable 3 minutes, I managed to miss a step on our deck stairs and hurt my backside and left foot. I have a bruised tailbone for sure. We are so thankful I didn't fall front ways.
Let this be a warning to you: watch where you are going. Those who keep their eyes fixed up in the sky can have feet fail them.
08:31 Posted in Nature Study and Gardening | Permalink | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0) | Email this
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Feast of St. Anthony of Padua
I don't know how career women who are also mothers do it. I'm running ragged and it's only day 3. It's so hard to leave the house in the morning, not be home all day, and return to have to do everything (cook, laundry, clean) squeezed at night. I pray that my husband can always support us so I can be at home. I need the sanity!
Anyway, I gasped to realize that today is the feast of St. Anthony of Padua. How could I miss it! This is patronal feast in our family, as my mother's maiden name was Anthony, besides the great devotion on all sides of the family to this favorite saint.
But last year was no different-- I was late for the feast!
I know I will have no time for special foods or preparation, but just a quick thank you and a visit to the Blessed Sacrament today.
St. Anthony, pray for us!
08:02 Posted in Liturgical Year | Permalink | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0) | Email this
Monday, June 11, 2007
Sisterly Blessings
This week is I will have minimal blogging (and energy) as I'm taking Level 1 training of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
This class is such a blessing, and I'm really, really enjoying it all. More thoughts later when I have time, except for this little tidbit.
One of the things that excites me most is that Mother Superior of the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa's order) decided that her sisters need to learn this catechesis method, and sent 10 of her sisters to take this training class. These sisters are missionaries in different parts of the United States, and their nationalities are from all over the world.
What a blessing to all of us to have their presence! And since my son is there on the premises with me (babysitting services, but he's with his cousins), he's witnessing these sisters, also. They are making a huge impression on him.
These sisters came under obedience. They have not read, researched, or done anything about Montessori or this Catechesis previously. During the introductions one even said "I'm taking Level I training, whatever Level 1 and Catechesis might be!" Even without prior knowledge they have quickly managed to get to the heart of the method so easily and directly. Listening to their questions and observations one can almost see the Holy Spirit at work! It is just so beautiful to hear their thoughts.
Today we heard of a mother who delivered prematurely; her baby is only about 2 pounds. The instructor asked the sisters what prayer would they say, and they explained that Mother Teresa taught them that when something came up that couldn't "wait" for a nine-day novena, they do a "Flying Novena" -- 9 Memorares -- and then a prayer of Thanksgiving assuming that the prayer was answered. So we all prayed 9 Memorares, and then a Glory Be.
I had just told a friend this weekend that I pray the 9 Memorares very frequently for all the special intentions on the 4Real Learning board, especially when I lie awake in the middle of the night and can't sleep. It was so wonderful to actually pray with the sisters this prayer tradition.
My bed beckons....
21:50 Posted in Montessori | Permalink | Comments (3) | Trackbacks (0) | Email this
Friday, June 08, 2007
Meeting and Greeting
I just spent a few hours at the IHM Conference. I didn't go to any talks, and only bought a few books. I spent most of my chit-chatting.
Let me just say it's not usual for me to be so friendly and outgoing, but today I visited with so many. I got to meet some 4Realers for the first time in real life. What joy! It was so wonderful to be able to hug and place them in the IRL category!
Did I remember to bring a camera and take pictures? Of course not! I was too busy chatting!!! Sorry if I talked everyone's ear off! It was so good to see old friends and meet new ones. I wasn't able to link up with everyone...maybe next time!
16:46 Posted in Musings | Permalink | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0) | Email this
Thursday, June 07, 2007
All Things Baby
I just noticed -- this is my 250th post. Do I really have that much to say?
As the baby grows (9 1/2 weeks), a few things that I've noticed:
- My son's eagerness for a baby: We haven't told him yet, as waiting is so long for a child. But I do believe he has a sense of something. Lately he can't stop talking about babies. He surprised me one night with an exasperated "When is our baby going to come?" I at first thought dh might have told him, but I played dumb and said "What baby?" His answer came "The one Jesus is going to send to us." So I had to explain if God answers our prayers that it will take a while, because the baby has to grow in Mommy's tummy.
The past two weeks, his little blankie is a baby. He cares and tends to it just like a real baby. Perhaps I should get a baby doll.... - Some scents should be outlawed: I can function okay in the nausea department until I leave home. The variety of smells is overpowering. The biggest offender for me is anything that even faintly smells like patchouli fragrance. Even when I'm not pregnant that can send me gagging, but now that scent really is overpowering and debilitating.
- Call Me a Living Target: Ds wants to hug and snuggle with me, especially when I need to take a break or recline. Of course, he's a wiggler, and he manages to hurt me every time we have these bonding moments. Let's just say the upper chest area seems to be the main target -- an elbow here, accidentally push off there, and OUCH!!!
I had a new injury yesterday. It's not directly pregnancy related, but it definitely comes from this "have to be with Mommy". I had to get new eyeglasses because my ear piece on the old pair suddenly snapped and of course, the frame was discontinued. We picked them up yesterday, and while wanting to be with Mommy in the armchair, boom! an accidental hit on the side of my frame, which hit the bridge of my nose. Results are I can't wear the new frames for a few days. - Maternity Clothing: It's so hard during this time to feel feminine and beautiful, and the maternity clothing market isn't helping me much. I mentioned I pulled out my box of maternity clothes from 4 years ago. Blech!
I went shopping yesterday at Motherhood Maternity. I was able to find a few skirts and one pair of capris. Did you know they have changed the over the belly maternity panel? It doesn't scoop down and come low anymore, but it's more a few inches on top of the waistband. What ingenuity and improvement! I can turn down the top right now and wear the skirts now.
Now, as far as shirts, this is one of the hardest things. I don't want tents, I don't want clingy or see-through. I want natural fibers (I'm hot!). I don't normally wear pink, flowery, peasanty, ruffly, or frilly. Have you peeked into these stores lately? After listing what I don't wear, I've narrowed my choices to almost nihil. AND the short sleeves they are presenting are the least flattering for a pregnant mama -- banded, puffy, or capped all hit the unflattering top part of the arm. Get a clue! - Happy Feet: My feet were already beginning to hurt, and it was time for some new sandals (the ones I have were bought for last pregnancy). I wear Eurocomfort type shoes to support my flat feet and metatarsal arch problems. Mephisto and Dansko to the rescue. Gorgeous? No, but oh, my feet are in heaven! Dh is NOT going to like the Mephisto ones...
- Nausea or Indigestion?: I don't have MORNING sickness. Morning is my best time. But come around noon, and that nausea creeps in. But does it classify as nausea if everything repeats on me and makes me sick to my stomach? Because that's the other symptom. So I feel sick before and after I eat!
And munching on almonds doesn't help to keep up my blood sugar or keep down my nausea. I thought I would try again, but they are hard on my stomach, and made it much worse for me. Back to the drawing board for a packable emergency snack. - My husband is awesome: What a jewel he is! When he's home, he picks up the slack, and he hasn't complained or made comments about the fact that things are not orderly or getting done. He's thankful for the small amounts I can do. I can rest and relax when he's at home. What a blessing!
09:45 Posted in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (3) | Trackbacks (0) | Email this
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Bird Songs
I mentioned in my Memorial Day post about our beginning interest in birds. I am hoping to get an Birdsong Identiflyer, but in the meantime, ds and I have enjoyed Learn Bird Songs site.
But yesterday I found Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song by Les Beletskey at Costco. This is absolutely wonderful! The book is beautiful, and then it has numbered recordings to match the book to listen to the bird songs. Ds is really enjoying it. It's also a great way for him to recognize and match numbers, as well. It's not as durable or portable as the Identiflyer, but at less than $30 it's a great resource.
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Loveliness of Taking Meals Outdoors
I'm very remiss to not mention before Jennifer's lovely Loveliness Fair of Taking Meals Outdoors. The ideas are just wonderful, pictures so wonderful. As I'm just struggling to just Taking a Meal, I didn't enter. But bravo, the Fair is just inspiring. Don't miss it!
09:15 Posted in Fairs, Carnivals | Permalink | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Email this
More Thoughts
I'm continuing my CGS and Montessori Ponderings.
I wrote these thoughts yesterday (repeating them here) and there has been some great discussions in 4Real Thread:
I've been doing a little pondering myself, and pulled out Elizabeth's Real Learning last night. Her mention of Montessori is so balanced. See p. 27 for all in context, but her thoughts are wonderful on creating an atmosphere:
...Many preschool and kindergarten classrooms in the United States endeavor to create the perfect "child-centered" atmosphere where everything is artificially arranged for the child. They have been heavily influenced by the work of Maria Montessori. We don't need to re-create kindergartens in our homes. While we certainly want homes where the child is comfortable and welcome, children thrive in "real" homes where adults and children both live.
We can borrow from much of Maria Montessori's thought as we design our own philosophy of education. We can look to provide beautiful, natural high-quality playthings for our children, but we need not embrace the entire Montessori program in our homes, or duplicate the very specific, expensive materials. At Home with Montessori by Patricia Oriti is a lovely illustrated little book that makes the Montessori approach to environment a practical one at home. This book is entirely compatible with Charlotte Mason. However, in an effort to provide the very best of all that is available, don't limit your thought on atmosphere to Maria Montessori. Look to Charlotte Mason as well. Atmosphere is so much more than furniture arrangement and accessibility of supplies.
One of my personal struggles with Montessori is that it doesn't come naturally or instinctively to a parent. And shouldn't it be more natural for us since we are the primary educators of our children?
The materials are either expensive or require time consuming to present. Initially it was meant for underprivileged children, but now it has become a status symbol and expensive. Not that we are doing that in our homes, just some of my interior struggles. I'm not anti-Montessori, as I'm trying to set up our own place in our home...
And my thoughts today:
While it doesn't come instinctively, the order and discipline is attractive. And it is a perfect fit for a preschooler who is so hands-on. My son isn't very different from most 3 1/2 year olds--he touches everything. He almost HAS to touch things, to make his brain process. ;-)
The other draw is that CGS and Montessori requires that the parent work on themselves. I like to keep in mind this paragraph from Gianna Gobbi:
Therefore, the adult must take on the work of self-transformation. Dr. Montessori suggested, in fact, that the adult's work with the child be preceded by an examination of conscience, acknowledging the two capital "sins" of pride and anger. The pride arises from overvaluing our part in forming the child; the anger is kindled when the child, whom we consider in some way to be our possession, doesn't respond as we expected (Listening to God with Children, p. 15).
The theme of God's Love is repeated. One of the aims of CGS is for the child to recognize the love God has for him/her, and return that love. But the CGS is not a repeat of very weak religion classes that just talk about God is Love, Jesus Loves me, etc. The illustrations are through the parables, particularly the Good Shepherd, and the Mass, where the child sees Jesus' individual love and care -- seeing both a paternal and maternal love.
God's love ties in perfectly with Pope Benedict's first Encyclical and Apostolic Exhortation. I'm going to reread them to bring it together. And although not overtly stated, the love is defined easily in the devotion of the Sacred Heart.
Another question that I have not found answered yet is how is charity taught to the young child? Jesus said the two greatest commandments are Love God, and love your neighbor. While I love the aims of developing an interior life in the child (Love God), I do see a selfish tendency arise sometimes in the Montessori method. "This is MY work" and "I can't be interrupted." While it is good to have that concentration and personal time, where do we learn love for neighbor? To work this in a home, I believe charity is a far greater virtue and lesson than personal work time. In a family a mother is interrupted in her work a thousand times a day to come to another's needs. Younger siblings sometimes need help and assistance, even during special "work times" -- and also interrupt work areas. What kind of response should the child have?
Speaking of interruptions, ds just woke up and I need to end here.
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They Call Me Dowdy Mommy...
Sigh! I pulled out my box of maternity clothes this weekend. Can you say "dowdy"? I don't think I like any of those clothes. And last pregnancy (4 years ago) was the exact opposite in seasons, so I don't really have transition clothing.
The tune of "Mellow Yellow" keeps coming to my mind but with these words: "They Call me Dowdy Mommy -- Quite Rightly!"
The things we do for love.
08:19 Posted in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0) | Email this
Monday, June 04, 2007
CGS and Montessori Ponderings
There is so much great discussion and planning going on over at Montessori and More Forum of the 4Real Learning Board. It's funny how often my planning and working things out coincides with the 4Real Learning Group. I have lots to read and do for my son. He turns 4 in September and I need some more structure and planning for our learning. Most of you readers have already worked out the nitty-gritty, but this is uncharted territory for me.
My personal unit study the past few weeks is studying in depth The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Dh is providing me a wonderful opportunity to take Level 1 Training this year. This was a good time to take the course, although I'm not sure if I'll only implement it at home or be using the training elsewhere. The intensive training starts next week, but I've been doing some reading to prepare myself.
First I read Listening to God With Children: The Montessori Method Applied to the Catechesis of Children by Gianna Gobbi and now I'm finishing The Religious Potential of the Child: Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy With Young Children by Sofia Cavalletti. I have more on my planned reading list, but I needed to ponder out loud a bit.
While I don't see this as a complete catechesis, I do love the goals of this approach. From my reading I see the main goal as each child developing their interior/prayer life; to build a personal, deep, long-lasting relationship with Christ and His Church. The tools are the Liturgy and God's Word. It is Mass and Eucharist centered. I love how it teaches about Christ, and His Paschal Mysteries are a central theme.
The Catechesis is accomplished through the use of the Montessori Method. It is set up in place called an atrium. Montessori herself used this name as reminiscent of the anteroom of a basilica, before one enters the actual church. "There is nothing of the academic classroom about the atrium; it is not a place for religious instruction but for religious life. The atrium is a place of work, where the work however becomes conversation with God" (The Religious Potential of the Child, p. 56).
Like in Montessori classrooms, the teacher is doesn't really "teach" but directs (hence the title "Directress"). Even more so in CGS, the adult is the "unworthy servant" of the Gospel. "The catechist's task is to create specific conditions so that this relationship may be established, but to withdraw as soon as the contact occurs....Saint Thomas states that 'the teacher only brings exterior help, as the physician who heals'; the teacher's task is that of the person who 'proposes aids and tools' (Religious Potential, p. 52). The adult answers the silent request of "Help me to come closer to God by myself" (p. 62).
This approach reminds me of the Charlotte Mason's "masterly inactivity" approach. Elizabeth Foss in Real Learning also illustrates this idea from Edith Stein:
Edith Stein deplored the fact that the idea of education typically is "that of encylopedic knowledge: the presumed concept of the mind [is] that of the tabula rasa onto which as many impressions as possible [are] to be registered through intellectual perceptions and memorizations." (Woman, 130) Like Charlotte Mason, she recognized that education is so much more than the acquisition of encyclopedic knowledge. In the poetic words of William Butler Yeats, "Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire." (p. 22)
I really, really like the intention of the CGS to embrace the liturgical year, living out the seasons, focusing on the Mass and the Bible is exactly what the Church intends for all Catholics. But as I'm pondering for the 3-6 age, I have unanswered questions. Most of them apply to making this work in the home atmosphere.
I've already failed at being a humble instructor and a gentle Directress in daily life. I'm not going to get discouraged. God sent me this child now, at this point of my interior struggles for perfection and sainthood. I'm a work in progress, but my child needs me now. He can't wait until I reach that ultimate goal of perfection (which may be never!). Every day is a new day...I will not look at my failings, but look ahead at what we will do today. When my siblings and I were younger (7 of us) my mother would pray nightly to the Holy Spirit to help the child forget the bad events or mistakes that she or Dad had done, and to fill in the gaps where they had failed. I have taken up the same practice. Dh and I can't be good parents alone -- we need the Holy Spirit to help us along every step of the way!
The atrium time was originally set for 1 1/2-2 hours once a week. The idea is simplicity and "less is more" especially for the young age. But if I have an atrium at home, is that all the religious work I will do? I think not. Our life is surrounded by religious reminders and discussions. I'm not going to "fill the bucket", but I'm not going to hold back. One huge example, there are religious picture books we read as suggested by Catholic Mosaic. We also sing hymns and simple Gregorian chant, and we talk about the saints. We don't do saints in depth, but we mention them at night in our prayers, and sometimes read or discuss them during the day.
While rote prayer isn't encouraged at the young level in the atrium except in small passages, I find that unrealistic. How can one avoid hearing and teaching the Hail Mary, Our Father, the Rosary, Blessing Before Meals, etc. if that's some of the prayer routine in the home? And even at Mass there is repetitive rote prayer -- my son knows all the responses.
My biggest struggle is the discipline and moral formation, or lack thereof. With the Church I know that a child is not culpable or capable of sin until the age of reason. CGS does not do moral training until after the age of 6. Cavelletti doesn't define what she means by moral training. I presume it means talking about personal sin. But how does this translate into a home? Where does one fit obedience and parental authority? Within a family each person needs to learn self-discipline, respect for others and property, good habits, proper manners. Each age level has different expectations, but I don't exactly see these illustrated in the CGS (I'm no expert, just wondering out loud). There can't be a vacuum from age 0-6, allowing free rein until the child reaches the age of reason, unless you like utter chaos. I picked up Elizabeth's Real Learning last night to find my thoughts were affirmed in her section "Education is a Discipline".
But the best approach for the preschool age is still my questioning. So where is the connection, the lead-in? How do I build a foundation so that by age 6 there is something? For example, while a young child isn't culpable, he is still sensitive and has a great deal of introspection. My son from a very young age would do a self-examination of conscience when he went to bed -- it was his own doing. He would see how he was disobedient or misbehaved and asked Jesus to help him the next day. Was this because of my failings in dealing with him? Perhaps, but I also see a sensitive soul.
And what about pain and sacrifice? CGS doesn't believe dwelling on death or the pain of the cross, or making personal reparation for sin should be introduced until later. So what does one say to a child when he was to wait? Or he's hurt or sick? Or when he is playing with others and feels disappointments and hurts? Or other times when there's sadness? Or when he can't his way or the attention he craves right then because of other family needs. How do you explain to a little child? I find "offer it up" and "making sacrifices" is not beyond his comprehension. I don't overdo it, but I find it the best explanation. Covering it up or giving in to whims is not being true to the child, and I can see have bad habits to undo later.
My final pondering (for today) is the idea from Cavelletti (pp. 105-106):
We maintain that the children's initiation to the Old Testament should not begin before the age of eight....There are many biblical passages the history of which the child easily learns, without piercing through to their theology. We should carefully avoid such passages, otherwise we risk making the Bible become a book of "stores" if not "tall tales"....I do not think it right that the child first know certain facts, and only at a later time enter into their theological significance. I believe that an event learned only as a story (or legend) will stay a story even when the child is grown, and it will be extremely difficult to recover its theological content later on.
While I understand her premise that the bible is both theology and history and shouldn't be separated, I do think that some of the stories should be related to children of all ages. I just think of Noah's Ark, Creation and Adam and Eve, Jonah, Moses and Exodus...all these have been related to children of all ages for centuries. They need to be presented as true events, of course. But I can't see keeping these away from a child until they are 8!
I find some contradictions in CGS and Montessori. I keep reading that a child has deep levels of contemplation and understanding, and yet, I see a level of holding back that I don't fully agree. And one of my main objections to Montessori in general is that the philosophy believes that all previous or other forms of education are incorrect, and Montessori has the answer. I can't believe that of anything. We do have the Catholic Church, the one, true Faith, but there are many, many different paths leading to Heaven. There is not just correct spirituality. And the same way for each individual and the way they learn.
This got very long, so I'll stop my ponderings for today. It does help to get these in writing to "see" my thoughts. God bless you if you read through all this!
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Sunday, June 03, 2007
Just Pictures
It's been pointed out that I rarely post pictures of myself, and it's very true. The main reason is there are few of them of me, since I'm behind the camera. But here are a few family shots from our recent trip to Florida. They aren't great, but I'm trying to not be too vain! I have a few unwanted pounds...and it will just get worse the next 9 months!
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Our Memorial Day Weekend
A week late...but still I wanted to write it down.
My apologies to those who are water-logged in Texas and other areas, but I'm rejoicing today because we have a beautiful, all-day soft rain from Tropical Depression Barry. We had a dry May and my lawn and gardens were crying out for nourishment! This weather makes me so happy! My thoughts keep turning to this section from the Canticle from Daniel comes to mind (also this post from September):
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
When I used to pray the Divine Office on a regular basis, I never liked this Canticle. Now it's one of my favorites.
Last weekend we spent in Altoona, Pennsylvania, visiting my mother-in-law. Once I was packed, I had a marvellous time. My mil spoils me, doing the cooking, allowing me to rest and nap while visiting.
One of our highlights of the trip was visiting Shaver's Creek, Penn State's nature center. The main highlight was The Raptor Center. This place nurses raptors back to health, but some can't return to nature, so they take care of them here. There are eagles, hawks, vultures, and owls in various breeds to visit. Inside they have various snakes, turtles, birds, even a see-through bee hive to view. It's a small center, but delightful, appealing to all ages.
We're beginners in birding. I bought Sibley's Birding Basics to help me build my identification skill, so I can help my son. I also saw Birdsong Identiflyer that I'm adding to our wishlist for Christmas.
Earlier in the weekend we visited the family graves, planted flowers, and prayed for the family departed. I was so impressed on how many people were there at the cemeteries (we visited two), all tending to the graves. I don't see much of that where we live. Seeing the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in action (Bury the dead and pray for the dead) is a tender lesson for our son.
We attended the small parade on Memorial Day. It touched my heart to see these veterans. They were so thankful for people to be there, and I was thankful for their sacrifice.
May God bless our country.
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